PICKS AND HITS - BOSS FIGHT #7

It’s Picks and Hits time!! Great time for Brazil to witness some new debuts among substantial Union GP talent. As I said before, UGP nights I’ve been a champ in the picks. On the Boss Fights, I’ve had my fair share of struggle. Still, I’ll do better than the general public. That I am taking to the bank. A new addition to the Picks and Hits format exclusive quotes and thoughts from the fighters in the days before tapping the gloves. It will be a solid night in Sao Paulo but let's get started.

MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT

#6 Sang-Hyun Lee (0-2-1) VS Nicky Rollings (0-0)

Why? I could honestly say that I have a soft spot for someone still without a win. Sang-Hyun Lee has been the struggle story for sure in Union GP but after the draw decision in his fight against Simon Bishop, I truly think that maybe this might be the one. Nicky Rollings comes into Union GP somewhat quieter with the overall group of debuts. Never said it’s a bad thing because surprises have come in the midst of silence all the same.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t reach either Lee or Rollings for comments on their upcoming bout.

HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT

#5 Amani Crawford (1-2) VS JB Alan (0-0)

Why? So ok I think in the case of a dog in a fight Amani Crawford is one of the wildest and aggressive. After two losses the newcomer from HiLite in JB Alan could be walking into a Cujo. The difference is what kind of Rock Hard will we be seeing in Brazil? The one that put Brock Quarry down or the puppy that folded against Damiko Conrad? I believe we will see the comeback of the Dog.

In this case, I was able to briefly speak to both Amani Crawford and JB Alan.

I asked Amani Crawford about his recent skid of two losses if any changes have been made in his preparation and his feelings about the upcoming fight. This is what Rock Hard had to say.

“Listen, man, what's been going on with me ain't about fixing weaknesses. It's about focusing on my strength. This new blood? He's gonna feel my strength when I squeeze him until the son of a bitch stops moving.” - Amani Crawford

On the other side of the coin, I asked the newcomer JB Alan about what he will be bringing to the Heavyweight division that’s been expanding with late. Also if you guys haven’t noticed a majority of that expansion are wearing HiLite green. This is what he had to say.

“Firstly thank you for including me it's a dream of mine come true. What I'll be bringing to the table is a top level wrestling game and improved striking. This fight's personal for HiLite FC. He intentionally headbutted Brock Quarry which was a factor in him winning that one fight. So, Amani, and the rest of the division watch out cause I'm coming.” - JB Alan

Sounds like JB Alan is looking for some payback for his campmate Brock Quarry. Will the newcomer come through for HiLite or will the Dog in Crawford return to the cage?

CRUISERWEIGHT BOUT

#8 Dylan Michaels (0-1) VS Chris Santiago (0-0)

Why? I don’t have much on Chris Santiago but have heard of him. That said Dylan Michaels did have a somewhat well-contested loss against Kaukau Havili. I’m choosing to roll with that honestly but Santiago could definitely turn heads with a win against the #8 Cruiserweight contender.

I was unable to get a statement from either fighter.

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT

#14 JoJo Holder (0-1) VS Tatum Momo'a (0-0)

Why? Now to break the norm I tend to do which is give the Union experience edge against someone I know nothing about. Here, I actually do know something. JoJo Holder is for real. She showed that well even though losing to Lauren Moore in her debut. That said, Tatum Momo’a is a prospect that’s been hanging around and gathering a lot behind the scenes before finally dotting the line. JoJo had problems with the overall ground game of Moore and I’m sure Momo’a has taken the notes needed to surprise people. This will be my first newcomer over homer pick but it won’t be my last.

Harpy was able to get a hold of both fighters in the media week before fight night. That makes a happy Harpy.

To Jojo I asked her what she’s learned in between the debut fight to her upcoming bout. She had a very upbeat tone in her response.

“Well obviously the level of competition here is a step up, so I need to be too, and I feel that I've learnt a lot since my debut.

Hmmmm, but I'd say the biggest thing is just my awareness out there in the octagon. I feel more ready for what might come.” - Tatum Momo’a

Tatum looks to already have a lot of support and fans. Quite impressive in this being her first Union GP fight. I asked her how she would set herself apart from the many others introducing themselves to Union GP on fight night?

“Hi, thanks! I think I have a lot to prove, honestly. I’m going into this without the backing of a traditional gym and I started out training to wrestle before I found my passion in MMA. So I’m coming at this whole thing differently than what people are used to. I just want my hard work to shine through and not just show me as the better fighter but show that an untraditional path can still yield results. I’ve brought not just what I’ve learned recently but what I learned growing up: Kapu Kuʻialua. It’s a traditional Hawaiian fighting style that I don’t think a lot of people are very familiar with. I’m hoping it will give me the edge I need. Most of all, I just want to make my daughter proud and show her strong women achieving their dreams.” - Tatum Momo’a

I look forward to seeing the fighting style of Kapu Ku’ialua in the battle against Jo-Nado. They both sounded so chipper and excited about the upcoming fight.

HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT

#4 Damiko Conrad (1-1) VS Alejandro Rivera (0-0)

Why? I said it wouldn’t be my last right? Alejandro Rivera another HiLite Heavyweight addition. I felt a lot of focus even in the short time I spoke to him. That’s not to displace the #4 Heavyweight in Union GP. Damiko is dangerous he honestly showed me that in his win against Amani Crawford. The thing that pauses me is that at this moment I don’t believe Conrad’s level of dedication is the same as the beelined vision of Rivera. Rivera has come in with taking notes, names, and staking his claim. Of course, it’s all about making sure the actions fit the words. In Alejandro Rivera’s case, I give this bout an upset alert. We will see in the cage.

I was able to talk with Rivera as I said before. I asked for his thoughts on his debut against Damiko Conrad as well as what brought him to Union GP?

“I'm very excited for March 2nd. Damiko Conrad is #4 in the rankings, so it will be a nice notch to my proverbial bedpost. He's got tons of power, punching ability, and hard to knock out, but I will be the Rocky Balboa to his Clubber Lang, only we're skipping ahead to the rematch.” - Alejandro Rivera

I knew I would see the Rocky alignment from someone soon enough. Geez. Kidding Kidding. Don’t miss this big body bout there will definitely be a statement made.

I was unable to reach Damiko Conrad for a statement. I figure he was cheeseburger hunting.

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT

#13 Julie Tran (0-1) VS Zoe Sinani (0-0)

Why? The homer love returns. The reason behind my choice of seeing what Julie Tran had to offer in her loss to Gina VanZant. A loss yes but there’s a strong base on that ground that I believe Tran will perform against Zoe Sinani. As always this could be my wrong homer move as I do believe there are still holes in Tran’s standup. If Sinani can take advantage could be a whole different result. I just don’t think that will happen.

What did stand out to me to further my decision is just how happy Julia Tran was during our talk. She definitely hasn’t let the loss affect her love of the game. I asked her what would be a major change you made between your debut and preparing for this fight?

“Hiya

Um. Hm. Y'know, honestly, I didn't change much, because I didn't really feel like I did very much wrong in that fight.

The result looks bad, first round TKO, but I kinda thought the stoppage was early. I felt like I was blocking more than she was connecting, I was still aware of everything, I wasn't out, so...maybe a little premature on the stoppage.

But, I can't change it. I can just focus on the next one, and do better. I've been working hard, every day, to get the right result this time, I feel like I've got some of the best in the world helping me, so I'm optimistic about this fight.” - Julia Tran

The lightweight division’s foundation is soon to shift in this fight. Don’t miss it.

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT

#7 Kelsi Morrow (2-0) VS #10 Gina VanZant (1-1)

Why? Now now, hear me out. I know who is crazy to go against a proven undefeated? VanZant received deep respect from me personally to step up and take on Kaelan Laughlin. I know that has nothing to do with this bout but that go-getter attitude can do a lot more than you think. The cage is just as mental as is physical. In addition, Kelsi seems to start slow to pick up as the fight goes on. Meanwhile, VanZant has shown she’s high gear completely from the moment the clock starts. What I feel will happen is The California Doll will bring a full plate to the Gold Star. I believe that will be a struggle for Morrow that leads to defeat. NOW, if she’s able to weather that storm similar to how Robert Guilliman defeated Cristian Bonanno, I will have to eat my words. I must go with my gut on this one though.

Harpy was able to speak to both as well. Let’s clap that up folks. Co-Main baby!

When I spoke with Kelsi Morrow I had to ask about the Co-Main fight status in just two fights also how she looks to continue her success in going 3-0?

“I can hardly believe I’m Co-Main event it’s crazy! I’m going to go into this match the same I have the others and any wrestling match before that, just looking to do my absolute best! So far, that’s been enough and I’m confident my best will be enough against Gina too!” - Kelsi Morrow

In talking to Gina VanZant she was more than willing to speak. I know how busy it can be being a former fighter myself. I also asked her how it felt to be part of the Co-Main as well as what she can bring to the fight to give Morrow that first loss.

“Good morning, thank you.

I'm very excited to be in the Co-Main Event! Wow that's a good question...I think that if I keep the pressure on her, if I can catch her with some solid shots then I have a great chance of winning.” - Gina VanZant

The pressure can break pipes we’ve all seen it a number of times. Both can strike so we will be entertained there’s no reason to ask it in a question form. This is the Co-Main of the night and you all will see the fireworks that go right along with it.

HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT

#1 Bobbi London (2-1) VS #2 Brock Quarry (2-1)

Why?

AND THE MAIN EVENT!!

I will begin this by saying something. At first, I gave this fight to London…

Then I saw the knee.

No fighter comes in at 100% as they say. Everyone has something lingering or anything that could’ve occurred during camp. The work itself is a wearing down process, if you don’t feel it now you WILL feel it later. Now a lot of Union GP talent share responsibilities between the cage and the ring. I’ll say it again, I have no qualms with a wrestler coming into the sport just know what you are signing up for. Demand and dedication need to be strong. Bobbi London has both in spades that isn’t what I’m disputing. What I am saying is all it will take is one well-placed kick from Brock Quarry. To me, he would be a fool not to do so. The fighters base is one of the most important things. It’s not to say she can’t overcome it I just think Brock Quarry’s IQ is strong enough to take advantage of it. Hard to fight if you can’t stand. Bobbi’s hands are still C4 explosives so it’s still a fight but I see the next Heavyweight division #1 Contender coming from HiLite.

I was able to speak to both fighters in the Main Event of the evening. Will admit I was excited to speak to both, great conversation from both.

I asked Bobbi London about the pressure. She deals with a lot more than probably anyone else on the roster in my opinion. I asked her being the only woman in the Heavyweight division and being a trailblazer is the pressure even higher now with this being a contender determining fight or does it feel the same as any other fight? Her response.

“Thanks mate, it’s an honor to be in a featured fight, especially with someone like Brock...you know, a good bloke. He’s a solid hand in the cage and he’s never been an a-hole, at least not that I’ve seen.

As a lass in a male dominated sport, I’ve had to put up with a lot of dodgy blokes needling me over me gender and even me looks. I don’t let it get to me and I try to give it right back to them, you know?

I hope my time in UGP serves as an inspiration to anyone who feels like they can’t live their dream, regardless of what’s betwixt their legs or what they look like, yah know?” - Bobbi London

In the case of Brock Quarry, I had to keep in the same vein. It’s the Main Event, it’s the Heavyweight Championship shot. It’s the Derrick La’Bell future. I asked him about his thoughts and how he felt about the pressure.

“I’m excited and I’m anxious, but no. I’m not feeling any pressure. I stumbled out of the gates when I came to Union GP and since then nobody has expected anything from me. Nobody thought I could get myself into title contention so quickly, but it’s how the heavyweight division goes right now... one fight can shift the whole field for all of us. There’s no pressure when nobody thinks you have a shot. You just get to go out there and fight.” - Brock Quarry.

You all already know what comes with the Heavyweights. I don’t have to sell this any more than already is to be sold. That is unless your name is Fabio Pacitti, he seems to know how to make a Heavyweight fight go into more than one round. Someone ask the secret.

IT WILL BE A NIGHT!! Don’t miss Union GP’s Boss Fight VII live in Brazil on March 2.

Rankings dispute to come after UGP #9. Changes are being made to that particular segment so you guys will just have to wait a little bit longer. ;)

I’m Toussaint Harper. Feel free to give me your thoughts to me on twitter - @HarperTUGP. Fight game or die.