PICKS AND HITS - #UGP 10
- Toussaint Harper
- Apr 14, 2019
- 17 min read
Harpy is back and we are in Japan. My history with this place is very deep and real and I’ll always have a love for it. Some of my best fights and prominent moments during my career happened here but let's not think about the past because in the present --- UGP #10 will be shaking the foundation and once again changing the MMA game. It’s ‘Picks and Hits’ ladies and gentlemen so you already know what that means.
Didn’t ask when it comes to the prelims. In all truthfulness, it’s hard enough to try to contact each fighter during fight week on the card. We start from the bottom of the main card.
HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT
Ivan Arlovski (0-0) VS Fra McCulloch (0-0)
Why? Debuts can be considered a toss-up by most. To me, it’s more of the gunshot to a marathon. Depending on how long you stay in the company there’s always that first step off the line. I say that to say this both gentlemen sounded ready to me. I just believe that this is sadly...yes I said sadly...is becoming a striking man's company. The most that seem to do best in Union are the strikers. Ivan comes in with a world class script and it’s made for the ground. Problem is getting McCulloch on the ground and not being knocked to hell before it happens. I do believe Arlovski will get his moments but Fra catches him once...you’ve guys have seen him. He’s a tank with extras. I think that will be the deciding mark in this opening bout and debut.
I spoke with both men in the press week before. As always I appreciate them for their time. I asked Ivan as I normally do with debuts what do you plan on bringing to UGP that's different from the expanding Heavyweight Division as of late? Ivan responded without pause.
“The heavyweight division in UGP is full of heavy hitters and wrestlers. There are very few who can make you submit. Until my arrival, Armani Crawford was the best heavyweight on the ground in UGP and after him all I see are brawlers. I will drag my opponents to the ground and find something to grab ahold of and twist or squeeze until they beg me to stop or pass out. I am here to show the world what sambo can do in a cage.” - Ivan Arlovski
In turn, I asked Fra McCulloch a different aspect of the debut fight against Arlovski. I asked him what kind of battle does he see himself enduring against Arlovski? Also what to him is the key to a good debut? McCulloch was also very direct in his reply.
“Arlovski is a tough opponent, he’s big and he’s strong. He’ll want to take this fight to the ground where he’s comfortable, so it’s going to be a battle to keep it standing. I’ll need to work hard to dictate the pace of the fight and where this fight goes. A good debut would preferably be winning by knockout as first impressions count for everything but I’ve worked hard to be ready for whatever this fight brings.” - Fra McCulloch.
The Terrible meets The Headhunter in a growing and exciting Heavyweight division starting off the night with a bang.
LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT
#12 Aryeh Rothstein (1-2) VS Natalie King (0-0)
Why? I’ve been siding a lot on the mainstays vs the newbie. Some made sense others not so much. Just depends on if I have a feeling or not. At this time I know Aryeh has been building his formation and from his debut to now he’s been building it steady well. That said there’s a lot of noise around Natalie King and from what I’ve seen it due to good reason. Everything about this says stand up brawl. I think Natalie will get the better of Aryeh with the clinch. That is more of the deciding factor to me than anything else. If this goes ground I would be shocked.
I was able to speak to Aryeh about the bout. Asking him what does he say to the doubters and what does he want to bring to the cage against Natalie King on Saturday night?
“People are always going to doubt me. I can't help that. People are going to run their mouths because that's what they do, but it doesn't matter. Natalie King is a solid opponent, but I'm gonna come at her with everything I got, like I come at everyone.
As for my doubters? With the same people who want to run their mouths about me? That's cool, step in the ring with me. I'll fight any mother fucker that's got a problem with me, regardless of their mother fuckin' weight class. These hands are rated E for everyone, and unlike some people out there who suddenly got restrictions on who they fight when they get called out? Hammer don't wear no fuckin' muzzle.” - Aryeh Rothstein
I asked Natalie King how she feels about coming to Union and what she looks forward to showing the most in your bout against Aryeh Rothstein?
“Thanks for having me. Coming to Union is pretty much a dream come true. I've always wanted to focus on fighting full time, but always had some distraction in my life or some other job pulling me away from it. Now I've got nothing stopping me and Union's my chance to make an impact in the sport I love.
Aryeh and me are the biggest in our division, so I want to be able to show that I'm the real giant of the lightweights...only kidding though. I guess I want to show that I can stand out in a crowded lightweight division. That I've got something nobody else in the division has. First impressions matter and I want that first round to set the tone for the rest of my career.” - Natalie King.
Hammer vs The Bandit. All the makings of Good, Bad, and the Ugly.
HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT
Why? This is always my way. I must pick against Donnie C for him to win. Yes, I can try as much as I want to not be biased but I love Dog Face. He’s the never say die and never say quit and never back down slogan in Union GP to me. So, do I believe Damiko Conrad has what it takes? Of course but honestly, I just want Donnie to pull out another inspiring performance.
I reached out to Donnie and he never fails to show love. Can’t help but love the guy. I asked him after such a great comeback win what the gameplan was against Big Snacc and keeping the momentum going?
“TOUSSI BABY! Whatchu think I think bout this fight? I think ima go in there and tear snacc up like he was my girl frankie's ass. Sheeeit! Y'all saw how i did Fabio, he wanted to say dudes like me couldnt go the distance but i did just that! I put my heart into this, just like ima put my heart into this fight with Snacc. Told you, Ima be the best Dog Face Donnie i cans be. And its gonna become even mo' prevalent in this fight. This the comeback.” - Donnie Calabrese
Flip to Damiko Conrad who I told now is the time to make that statement. How will he come to UGP #10 to get that statement win?
"Swing for the fences and hope that dude's chin is worse than mine. Fight can end in a second, and I want that shit to end with a clean ass punch. Dude's tough, but I'm out here tryna get this dub. My paws gonna take me there." - Damiko Conrad
Dog Face and Big Snacc. Sounds like a fight in the middle of a hood. Worldstar is ready.
LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT
Why? Xabier is a man who to me has the coolest gear. When it’s time to turn up the volume or shift it high he will fight to the ends of it. People think that relates to wins and sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes you just have to fight it out in there. Misty will get what I feel for the first time is that dog in the fight. I do believe she overcomes it eventually but it won’t be a breeze. She’s riding high on this undefeated streak and it will take a lot to bring her out of that motion. Xabier will challenge that but I do think she clears through another Lightweight Killa.
I was able to speak to both for a short time. For Xabier I asked him if he is the man to finally place an L on the dominant Misty DeMeans record and how does he believe he will pull it off.
“I want to submit her. A knockout is flashy and satisfying but for her it would be better if she feels the loss and knows she actively gave it up.” - Xabier Belazco
Misty DeMeans and her undefeated record spoke clear in response to my question. Does the saga continue on Saturday night? I barely could finish my sentence. Can’t knock that confidence.
“Long day, Harpy? Of course it continues. This shit doesn't just stop, not like this, not to this. Go check Rothstien, Zari or L-MO's mother or father and ask them about my punching power. 3-0. Everytime we do this dance they got the Guru spouting some self help motivational bullshit in their ears but the entire walk down to the cage he knows damn well what to expect. They ain't got no answers for me over there so they always stay changing the question. Everyone damn well knows this fight is a mismatch and this shit was only made possible because Xabier has been overrated and cursed with a ranking he didn't deserve and instead of doing the right thing and admitting it, he decided to puff out his chest and stick out his chin. So this is why on Saturday, I am going to send this nigga's chin straight to god.” - Misty DeMeans
Filed for a Black Knight vs A Misdemeanor.
MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT
Why? Here me out. Aries just experienced his first loss. That which would’ve put him in the title contention against Guilliman. Nothing pisses you off more than lost opportunity. Clem is coming in with an undefeated streak and they say all good things must come to an end. It’s not so much about Aries mowing over Talon. I just think there’s a lot of more Aries is angry about with the loss and want to prove he’s still here and waiting for the fall out of Champion Guilliman vs Bonanno.
I asked Aries what was learned from the 1st UGP loss and how he’s looking to implement it in the cage against Clem?
“It's not the loss that matters...its how you bounce back from it. What some people dont wanna realize is that I'm still learning AND I'M ALREADY THIS GOOD! Honestly like my portfolio...you gotta diversify. You gotta constantly evolve your game.
Have I evolved my game? Well...that why you watch the fight.” - Aries Reed
I was unable to reach Talon Clem for comment. This going to be a real brawlers brawl.
CRUISERWEIGHT BOUT
Why? Honestly, this is because I don’t like Fisk and I hope all the bad things in life happen to him and no one else. When it comes down to it the Cruiserweight Division and this business have risen fine without him or his unnecessary contract. But outside of my personal feelings. I believe the elder Irvine will take advantage of this moment just as Nathan Lucas did. I also believe that Irvine has all the experience and knowledge to stall anything Fisk brings to the cage. I hope this is a knockout and I hope he finally takes his ball and goes the hell home.
I was able to reach Irvine for comment asking him first if he’s ready to do away with him? Cause God I would love nothing more. Also the key to the matchup in his mind. Here’s what Irvine had to say.
“I plan for on taking him down to the mat and beating his face into a fine paste. Been working for me so far and I plan on making it work for me again. Bring back some of the old school to Union GP again.” - Alexander Irvine
For all you guys that think Fisk is some kind of role model here’s what he had for me when I reached out to him.
“I aint answering none of your questions you fucking shortbread faggot. Each a dick.” - Daniel Fisk Jr.
Some role model. I hope Irvine wipes the floor with him.
MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT
Why? I’ve never seen Navorro Williams ran over like Aries Reed did him and I think Byron McCall is coming in new and improved. The way he won his debut is a lot more dominant than Williams and I do believe at this point McCall is a better fighter overall than Williams. One thing I’m sure new fans aren’t in the know about is the history. These two have fought before on two occasions. McCall won the first by a split. The second Navorro won by medical stoppage. This one will be one to watch because as the history shows both previous fighters were FOTN contenders.
I was able to speak to both men on the upcoming bout. I asked Byron McCall about the history a bit as well as what we are going to see from the new Byron in this fight?
“Navorro and I had two great fights, but the last time we fought he got me real good. He took my title from me, and it took me a long time to even regroup well enough to get back at that championship level. It's fitting that we fight in Union now, because we're on an even playing field. No championships to worry about, no high positioning on the card. This is stealth for the both of us, and I think it's very fitting that way. Now I don't have this giant pressure on my back. I can go into this third match to make a statement. I can go out there and execute my gameplan to perfection, without worry. I can rep for Real Killas, and catch another win on my way to the top. The new Byron McCall has no worries, he only has a focus on winning.” - Byron McCall
Navorro is known for his brash ways and talking. So far in his two fights he’s been rather quiet. It’s a change probably a welcomed change for most. I asked him what he’s looking to prove in this third edition against Byron McCall.
“I'm provings that a man can comes back from defeats if hes strong enoughs. I'm provings that I am still one of the finest mat rumblers this MMA relams ever seents. Wes have history and thats mights be the motivations for hims but not for mes. My motivations is that I'm fucking SoVo and thats all yous fucks needa knows. Watch the Thrones.” - Navorro Williams
The Last vs Warrior - Part 3. This is a main event level fight you are getting early. Be thankful.
CO-MAIN EVENT
MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
© Robert Guilliman (4-1) VS #1 Cristian Bonanno (7-1)
Why? I want it to be known that I’ve seen Bonanno holding the title and after losing the title. There comes a point in every man’s mind where they flip the switch. Bonanno switched during the Reed fight. Guilliman will not be facing the same Bonanno as before and although I think every fighter knows that is the deal in every bout I do not believe Guilliman may be ready for what that change means. It will be bloody and it will be brutal and Guilliman will fight to the end. But it won’t be enough to me. I’ve been wrong before but I just don’t see it happening. What I do see is this probably winning the fight of the night honors. Guilliman takes a beating and keeps going and Bonanno would rather die than leave without the belt back in his possession.
I asked the Union GP Middleweight Champion Robert Guilliman plain and simple. The question on everyone's mind is can you shock the MMA world twice? How?
“There is only one way to achieve that - to defeat him the same way I did in our first fight, and that means a definite K.O.” - Robert Guilliman
In return I asked Bonanno what he learned from his first encounter with Guilliman and how he is approaching this battle compared to the first one?
“I’m working in evading strikes this time around. I got where I was in Union by taking and walking through punches, but I realized the hard way that the longevity of that strategy will lead me to a life of watching from the sidelines.” - Cristian Bonanno
Primarch vs Uccisore 2. You better not blink cause that’s the power involved.
CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
© Roscoe Robinson (5-1) VS #1 Nathan Lucas (4-2)
Why? The flash and cash Champion. I gotta say he’s definitely the champion of Union with the most charisma right now. More than that though he’s already so well polished at such a young age. The thing that tells me that Robinson retains is that he’s going out there and getting his due but he’s not allowing anything to get him frazzled. The way he says ‘I’m not worried about you’ to most would be disrespectful and downplaying but I honestly think that’s the type of person he is. He doesn’t let a thing get to him. Cool, collected, and keeps going. That is a temperament you have to have especially as a champion because the target is on you. This time around you have a man that has come back in each defeat he’s taken and beaten each person. That’s an improvement I think you would have to worry about. Nathan Lucas is looking for redemption but the one thing I believe he’s been successful in those bouts that he won’t here is the clinch. Roscoe moves...and he moves really well. I’m not saying it’s impossible but it will be a hard task for him to keep Roscoe’s kicks from landing. The reach comes into play and also the speed. In those terms, I believe Robinson will edge out Lucas.
I asked Nathan Lucas one thing, how does he dethrone the King of the Cruiserweights?
“Before I answer that I want to make something clear; the fight with Roscoe, like my fight with Fisk, isn’t really about dethroning the king or toppling an icon as it is about me being the best I can be. I went home with a bitter taste in my mouth after our first fight because I know it was a poor representation of my skills, and me as a fighter. I knew I could do better, and UGP 10 is about me showing up as the best version of myself and earning a title. Not just catching Roscoe and taking his.
To answer your question, though, I want to make him uncomfortable. Don’t let the shooter set his feet and get a bead on me. Clinch him, take him down, rough him up, make him work and tire him out... I want to drag him into deep waters, and see if I can break him. No small feat, but it’s the goal.” - Nathan Lucas
In response, the Union GP Cruiserweight Champion Roscoe Robinson was asked about that lack of worry. I had to ask it because I’ve never seen it out of a fighter before, not a successful one anyway. I asked about him not worried at all when it comes to Nathan and seeing what he's been able to do? Will it be And STILL?
“I’m not worried whatsoever and I mean exactly that each time I say it. The official had to step in and stop the first fight, saving him in just the second round. I’m ending this one in the first and it will be and still at the end of the night. I already beat the man once and I don’t plan on regressing any.” - Roscoe Robinson
Shooter shoots and Lucas has on the Teflon. It will be a dynamic fight.
MAIN EVENT
LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
© Takeshi Kato (3-0) VS #1 Hanako Takeuchi (4-1)
Why? Kato has handled strikers and ground artists. He will have the advantage on the ground. He’s more technically sound than JPK and Takeuchi struggled with that. That is known but like I said about Bonanno vs Reed...Kato ain't been hit to me yet as Takeuchi can hit him. That’s going to be a new type of power to endure. That said if he does take it to the ground and go to work I won’t be surprised. I just believe Hanako has seen this opportunity pass her by before and to have it happen twice will be something she will not allow. That will be the will power to push through. The main event in Japan with two Japanese fighters, poetic in the way.
I was able to get word from both. Thank you Union GP fighters I am very pleased with being able to get word from mostly all of you.
First Hanako Takeuchi, I will say this when I ask for a bite...she’ll give me that bite and more. I asked her about this second opportunity at the Lightweight Championship. How has things changed and how will she deal with the hometown electricity? How does she dethrone the new king in Takeshi Kato?
Wait for it…
No really...wait...
“A lot has changed. Bitterness and anger consumed me for so long. I offered an Iron Japan Shoot Crown title shot to the first person to beat me in Union GP. That was JPK. There were professional reasons for that reward, but I've admitted to being a sore loser and using it as a revenge trap.
How did JPK respond after that and after I beat him in Tokyo four months ago? And after everything we said to each other before our two fights? By declining Takeshi's offer for a Union GP Lightweight title rematch and nominating me for the shot instead. It was a genuine moment of selflessness that warmed my icy cold heart and did a little to ease this contempt I carry. It made me think about a lot of things.
Then I won the DTW World Championship. I couldn't stay away from the deathmatch game and now I hold its biggest prize and one of the most prestigious titles, period. I had to find an evolution within to win such a thing from a superstar like Josh Kennedy – callousness beyond comprehension. Black Rose Ultra. Boss mode. It made me think even more. With Black Rose Ultra put on the shelf after the dust settled, I gained clarity from my view at the mountain top and a mantra manifested: “Shiru Ka.” The English equivalent is “I don't give a fuck.” It's how I must balance myself as I walk through various promotions.
Comparing Shiru Ka with Black Rose Ultra – it's the difference between me playing with my toys and breaking them.
In regards to MMA, it's now a fun game to me. It's limiting, but also a novelty. That's not to say I don't train hard for it anymore or anything like that, but I'm more about promoting the Shiru Ka mentality – rebellion toward stressful Japanese life. It's a toxic overtime culture where salarymen pass out in the streets from work and alcohol. Suicide rates have always been high in modern Japan.
I'm well known in Japan. I wouldn't say I'm a national treasure, but I've heard that. I am, however, the top champion in Japan's biggest promotion. That's why Dante Reed didn't hesitate to put our fight in the main event. After Dark probably wouldn't go out of their way to have a Union GP after party show if Hanako-senpai wasn't featured so prominently. This whole weekend is a great occasion for me to bring Shiru Ka to the people.
So to be honest, I'm not really bothered. This is a fun thing for me and I hope to entertain the masses this weekend across Union GP and After Dark. That's how I'm handling this “hometown electricity.”
By the way, Saitama is four hours from my actual hometown of Osaka and Takeshi is from Osaka too. I don't consider this to be a hometown fight, but I suppose there is something to be said about two Osaka natives main eventing a big card in the massive Greater Tokyo Area. There's also something to be said for the few thousand K-Squad Punks taking trains from all around Kansai to be there. Anybody who knows Japanese crowds can tell you Osaka fans are the loudest. We're the party animals of Japan. It's fitting because – with Union GP and After Dark shows – we're having a damn party all day and night. Take it in and enjoy the festivities. Leave your worries behind and just don't give a fuck.
As for how I plan to dethrone Takeshi? Well, you know the deal. I'm all about the bombs, baby.” - Hanako Takeuchi
She leaves absolutely no need to say more. When I asked about this main event asked first how does it feel to be fighting with the title in his hands in Japan? Also it being his first defense, does he walk out of Japan just as he walked in?
“It is a great honour for me to fight in my homeland, in front of my friends and my family, and demonstrate for them firsthand the level of fighter I’ve become since leaving home. Saitama is legendary, Hanako is one of the most talented fighters alive, and Union is the top company rolling. I am blessed to be in this position, and have faith in my abilities thanks to the training my team has put in with me, and confidence that I will be leaving with the title belt still in hand and the unquestioned crown of the lightweight division on my head.” - Takeshi Kato
If you don’t feel this night you aren’t a fight fan, plain and simple. We will be live from Japan April 13th.
Can’t forget my other pickems.
FIGHT OF THE NIGHT: Guilliman vs Bonanno
PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT: I’m basically throwing a dart into the board on this one. Too many stars to have a definite answer. Uhhh Aries Reed.
I’m going to bounce back on this one guys. UGP #10...the lights keep getting bigger. Fight game or die. - @HarperTUGP
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