Picks and Hits - Boss Fight 11

WE'RE BAAAAAAACCCCCCKKKKK!!

Oh man it feels good to be back in the lab putting the clicks and clacks together for the return of Union Grand Prix. It’s Boss Fight XI!! The return!! Now to give y’all a little note of things with the reboot will be a few new things. First, we are restarting the count on the Harpy vs The Fans. The records are swiped clean and everything is 0-0. It will restart on the Know and Learn following this Boss Fight. Second, the way future Picks and Hits will go is I’ll be a bit more concise in my reasons for choice and allow more room for the quotes and fighters to speak. That may tick a few off but I am a reporter and I do want the thoughts and feelings of our great talent. That said let's get it going.

PRELIMS

CRUISERWEIGHT QUALIFIER BOUT

Maxine Ball (0-4) VS Julian Chambers (0-0)

Why? I feel like Maxine has the potential of being something strong here in UNION GP. The thing is perhaps her being in her own way but at the same time I feel there’s a lot of available growth. Just not enough for her to get her 1st win yet.

But what I was able to do is reach Mad Max for comment. Being she’s not the talking type I ended up taking a visit to Xpress Fighting Systems before doing my media rush for The Grand interviews. This is what happened.

Max, a woman of not only few words...but actually none at all, slowly raises her heavily muscled arm and points to her massive bicep.

Harper nods, though he finds her silence a bit off-putting. Max looks around, to make sure they are alone and she presses a single finger to her pursed lips. She reaches down and roots around inside her bag and pulls out her patented brand of supplements; ‘Max ASSist’

Harper stares at the container as he reads it to himself. His eyes get wide as he looks at Max.

“Suppositories?!”

Max smiles as she makes another massive peak with her bicep.

Yes. Yes. This is what I saw.

Was unable to reach Julian for comment.

HEAVYWEIGHT QUALIFIER BOUT

Joseph Byrne (0-0) VS JT Spencer (0-0)

Why? Honestly I’ve just liked the way he’s talk to JT Spencer. Plus I’m a guy that sits in a office and I can even admit it’s hard to be a guy that comes from out the office full time into a cage. It’s different I think Byrne will show Spencer that.

That said I was able to speak to both fighters in this contest. First spoke to Joseph Byrne. I basically asked him if he’s looking to take out JT Spencer in that ‘One Punch’ theme in his name?

These are his comments.

“Man. That clown shouldn’t even be allowed in the cage with me. He’s a t.v. Exec Mr. Harper. His ass sits in an office all day long. When I’m done with him he’ll wish he’d never left. It could be one punch. But it might be more just for fun.” - Joseph Byrne

In the other corner I asked JT Spencer a number of things. Basically due to the fact that the story seems rather intriguing with the whole different name concept and things. I asked about his two split personality as well as is he able to take it to the heavy handed Byrne. I also asked if the ground game was a planned factor for him in his debut fight? His comments.

“That’s a good question Harp, and tell you the truth, I don’t really know. I guess that’s why I came to UGP in the first place, to find out what I was made of in the fight game. I go by Maleek Raheem by day in my professional life...and I’m J.T. Spencer when I’m fighting...carrying on my birth name. The name I was known by in the streets. I was hoping to keep them separate, but Joe wanted to come for not only what I do in the cage, but what I do outside of it.

Well? I’m hoping that come fight time, Joe is going heads up with J.T. Spencer and the man he took all his time to try an clown don’t have to come into play. Of course, if he does? I guess we will all get our answer, won’t we?

As for those heavy ass hands? Yeah, I clowned him about the “One Punch” moniker, but on the real; I know Joey got serious thunder in them mitts and it probably does only take one shot to get your lights turned out. My game plan? Not stand in front of that man and get him head knocked!

Yeah, my plan is to clinch him up, do some dirty boxing and try to frustrate him. Find a way to get him down and try to pound him out...before he lights a brotha up with one of them heaters on the end of his arms.

That’s my plan, plain and simple. It’s my first fight, so all I can do is knuckle up and let them thangs go.” - JT Spencer

HEAVYWEIGHT QUALIFIER BOUT

Mike Hunt (1-0) VS Aleki Fa'atiu (0-0)

Why? As impressive as Mike Hunt was in his first fight I do stand to have a pause in this one. This is Aleki’s first fight and I understand that but Hunt didn’t get the friction or contest I was expecting in his debut. I’m expecting one here from Aleki and it might make Hunt work more than he’s comfortable. Yes I’m aware of who he is but there isn’t the massive weight difference here as well.

I was able to reach Mike Hunt for comments. Asking about how he plans on introducing himself to Union GP considering the crazy exodus and reboot that happened shortly after his debut fight. His response.

“Biggest man in the roster with the biggest mouth. I’ve come from a competitive eating background where I won it all. Now I’m hungry for a different meal. Aleki is walking in thinking he can get a win over the new kid on the block, but that’s where he makes his mistake. I’ve worked my ass off to get to where I am. I dropped about 65 pounds in order to prepare for this. I beat Hanako Takeuchi, one of the highest ranked fighters in the world, in my first fight. I’m ready to step into Union and throw a little weight around. I got all the bark in the world. And at Boss Fight, I’m gonna’ show my 300 pound bite!” - Mike Hunt

Unable to reach Aleki Fa’atiu for comment.

MIDDLEWEIGHT QUALIFIER BOUT

Asher Jrue (0-0) VS Randall Wade (0-0)

Why? I think the youth is a good thing in most cases. Coming in early you get more experience and become primed way earlier than others. Thing is in a lot of cases you have to take your lumps before turning that corner. Asher Jrue will be a name but I see him needing to take those lesson lumps beforehand. Wade will oblige.

I was able to speak to both fighters. Asking Jrue about this professional world and being so young of age. He’s 18 years old. What did he think about it as well as how he plans to leave his mark upon it? His words follow.

“Luckily for me I've had good support from my family at 9th World. Having a couple fighters there already compete professionally has helped out and get me prepared for the best fighters the world has to offer. The hardest part for me has been trying to balance being a professional while also trying to get my degree in Excerice Science. It means a lot to me. Thankfully I'm not a superstar yet or whenever I have to be on campus I'll never get done what I came for. Saturday marks my Union debut so we'll see how things go. Right now I'm just blessed to be able to do what I love bro.” - Asher Jrue

When it comes to Randall Wade I asked him about his boxing against his BJJ. Was he worried about the fight hitting the ground and how did he see the fight going overall? This was his response.

“Of course! While camp has gone well, I don't want to go to the ground. Just as Jube doesn't want to stand and try to trade strikes. I'm confident that if I can get some good shots off I can keep things going how I want. Early knock out is ideal here.” - Randall Wade

UNDER CARD

HEAVYWEIGHT QUALIFIER BOUT

Kennard Rozier (1-0) VS Milo Dragomir (0-0)

Why? I see him being the new face of the Heavyweight division. Cocky, brash, and says what he feels how he feels it. There’s a lot of respect among the Heavyweight division and don’t get me wrong that is great but everyone seems to toe the line well. There's a need for a disruption, just a disruption that can pass piss tests and works in this profession honorably. I think Rozier has the chance to be that for this division.

I was able to speak to Rozier fortunately. I asked him about his claim in becoming the new face of the division and does he feel the upper status Heavyweights aren’t up to snuff as leaders? His response.

“In this sport it's all about momentum. One win one loss could change everything for somebody my boy. This tournament to me will prove whose supposed to be the leader of this division... and bruh I already see it. These niggas do to. They know they don't wanna be in the cage with me. That's why when I throw out sublimanals them boys stay quiet. Mute mouth ass boys. I ain't speaking these things into exsistence not for them to manifest. Imma talk my shit. Be a menace to these clowns and collect my coins. You ready to see a Nigga eat too Toussaint? Trust me brah I ain't leaving no scraps behind.” - Kennard Rozier

I was unable to reach Milo Dragomir for comment.

BANTAMWEIGHT QUALIFIER BOUT

Dallas Meechan (0-0) VS Louie Bartolo (0-0)

Why? There’s always that crazy guy in the back of the bar that you want nothing to do with. No matter of the size or stature you know something is clearly off about their upbringing and overall mentality. Meechan is that guy and I love it. He will show that crazy side when the cage closes.

I was also able to get a hold of Dallas Meechan for question. I asked him to describe himself to me. The crazy, eccentric, playboy...Dallas Meechan. He follows.

“Playboy? Playboy is a bigfish in a small pond. A hoodlum, who just wants ta' have it all! A lad wit a dream, and big fockin' sack! That's Playboy! That's Dally Meechan. Call it aarogance, call it cocky, call me a fockin' spaz! I don't give a shite, because in me wee litlle tweaky mind, i'm just better.” - Dallas Meechan

Was unable to reach Louie Bartolo for comment.

CRUISERWEIGHT QUALIFIER BOUT

Lake Reese (1-0) VS Chris Santiago (0-2)

Why? Lake Reese had an impressive debut. Of course it being against Cal McCluskey you can give it minor to mid credit but that said there’s things you saw in that debut that makes him extremely dangerous. The clinch and constant movement being the two things I am sure Chris Santiago will not be fully ready for especially in what I’ve seen from Santiago so far.

In terms of contact I was able to get in touch with Lake Reese and I asked him how he planned to make THE statement to others in the tournament? These are his words.

"I feel like in order to make that statement then I'll have to dominate Chris in the fight for sure... But I don't see that happening. Chris is a gamed fighter so he'll do his best to get in the win column. If anything I wanna show how elite my Muay Thai is as I feel like it's a dying art in this sport and hopefully the guys in my division will notice that and take notes.” - Lake Reese

I unfortunately couldn’t reach reach Chris Santiago for comment.

MIDDLEWEIGHT QUALIFIER BOUT

Brendan McCarthy (0-0) VS Jethro Benson (0-0)

Why? In this one I’ll be honest it was a coin flip. I have absolutely nothing on either other than the acknowledgement that Brendan has been looking for a professional level gym to build and grow with and like his campmate Meechan has a wildside. He’s found it in Scrapyard while I believe Jethro Benson comes to us after working along the regionals. Again folks, pure coin flip.

I was able to talk short with Brendan McCarthy though. Asked him straight away about that wildness and if he worries about it costing him in a fight. He didn’t waste time at all with his reply.

“Nahhhh everyone gets knocked out. Everyone loses a fight sometimes. Wouldn’t be fun if there wasn’t that risk. But Jethro. That lad is in for a long night. Going to take him down and beat him so hard his mama gonna feel it.” - Brendan McCarthy

Was unable to reach Jethro Benson for comment.

CO-MAIN

LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

© Hanako Takeuchi (9-2) VS Jordan Parker-Kane (8-6-1)

Why? Hanako has been showing her growth on the ground. It’s been the one thing that’s been her kryptonite but any fighter worth their weight will build to be as well rounded as they can. Thing for me is in their first encounter Takeuchi wasn’t as good on the ground defending. After taking the belt and defending the work of previous champion Kato I know JPK realizes he’s not facing that same fighter. If Hanako is able to defend on the ground as she did against Kato, I see a harsh reality for JPK and more lessons to come. It’s for the belt meaning anything can happen.

I was able to speak to both fighters and ask usual I wasn’t disappointed in their words. First asking the champion a few days after our The Grand interview in a quick call about this being that round three. Does she have a couple new aces up her sleeve for JPK as the familiarity with an opponent is definitely a factor this time around between them. Her response.

“The progression of my Jiu Jitsu has been documented, so I should be better prepared if we go to the ground. It went there in our second fight and I was able to defend, but that's all I knew. That's all Plan B though. Plan A is always to strike fast and hard. I have so much to do and they aren't paying me by the hour.” - Hanako Takeuchi

In the opposite end, the young Jordan Parker Kane in similar mindset I asked him about the change in approach and adjustments if any in this Lightweight Championship fight? He looks to be the 2nd two time champion in UGP history.

“Thanks! Not sure it's changed much. While we've both grown and work on becoming more well rounded, things haven't changed that much. It's no secret my goal is to get this fight on the ground and lock in submission as quickly as possible. I'm not gonna stand up and try to outstrike Hanako, Not sure anyone can do that.” - Jordan Parker-Kane

This is where the work comes to roost. We will see a continuation of the dominant striking guard or addition to the hall that Derrick La’Bell has started. Lightweight Championship on the line!

MAIN EVENT

CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

© Roscoe Robinson (7-1) VS Seth Daniels (3-3)

Why? Honestly this is another sleeper. Roscoe Robinson has been the most vocal and visual champion in Union in my opinion. No disrespect to any others but as far as boosting the overall scene of MMA he’s done that outside of Hanako’s consistent work in numerous places. He’s never backed down or backed up and it brings a culture in MMA that is needed. That said every team has a trap game. Every fighter has that trap opposition. Seth doesn’t buy into the promotion and although I have my personal thoughts on that matter when it comes to the fight he’s the only one that has solved the Shooter puzzle. Here is where Daniels can solidify his status against Shooter but that extra motivation that Robinson holds can work against you just as well as for you. It’s a fine line, I don’t think Roscoe learns it until after. He will come back stronger than ever and with the experience beyond the explosive first year he’s had. Sometimes you get caught and I believe it happens here.

I was able to speak to both and starting with the champion Robinson. I asked him if he feels anything different on the way to this fight considering he’s looking to write the only blemish on his record with Seth Daniels? His response is Shooting.

“I feel completely different going into this fight than I did going into the first one. I'm not the same fighter I was then with only one professional fight under my belt going into it. This will be my fourth title defense since becoming UGP Cruiserweight Champion, and I still have plenty more to do before I let this baby go.” - Roscoe Robinson

Seth Daniels has a different point of view overall not letting the previous result comfort him. I asked him what was the biggest motivator to him in this fight, the fact it’s for the Championship or the fact he’s already beaten Roscoe once? I have to admit his mindset impressed me.

“Look, just because I knocked him out once doesn't mean I'm cruisin' down easy street. Dude's a hell of a fighter and his comeback game is strong. He took that one on the chin - heh, literally - and he came back to take the title from Fisk. And I've been in there with Fisk. He gets a gameplan together and executes. Ol' Shooter was able to overcome that and take the strap. So if you expect me to spit some rhetoric about how this is all just another day on the job, it isn't. Roscoe's gonna have to work to keep that belt. I'll make sure of it.” - Seth Daniels

We have a ground level changing night on the first night back in the saddle. Are you happy Union GP is back? Of course you are. How could you not? The Know and Learn will be more of me bragging I’m right and why you can’t question Harpy. Now to the awards I see on the horizon.

FIGHT OF THE NIGHT: Robinson vs Daniels

PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT: Looking on the dart board I’d say Kennard Rozier.

Columbus be ready cause we’ve all been waiting for far too long. FIGHT GAME OR DIE!!

- @HarperTUGP