Picks and Hits - UGP 13

You know it’s an upcoming UGP Fight Night so you know what that means. Picks and Hits Time with Harper. This time I will be covering UGP 13 coming to you Aug 3rd from Chicago, Illinois. Before we get to that I will have to, unfortunately, talk about the rough return that was Boss Fight XI as far as my picks were concerned. To be fair, I’ve never had the greatest nights when it came to Boss Fights but that was definitely a new low. Maybe they weren’t that bad, I hope. Harper vs the World stats so far as of Boss Fight XI.

Maxine Ball def. Julian Chambers via KO (Punch) at 1:18 Round 1

My Pick: Julian Chambers / Fans Pick: Julian Chambers

J.T. Spencer def. Joseph Byrne via Submission (Guillotine) at 2:02 Round 2

My Pick: Joseph Byrne / Fans Pick: Joseph Byrne

Mike Hunt def. Aleki Fa’atiu via Unanimous Decision

My Pick: Aleki Fa’atiu / Fans Pick: Mike Hunt

Asher Jrue def. Randall Wade via Submission (Flying Omoplata) at 2:40 Round 2

My Pick: Randall Wade / Fans Pick: Asher Jrue

Kennard Rozier def. Milo Dragomir via TKO (Punch) at 4:06 Round 1

My Pick: Kennard Rozier / Fans Pick: 50-50 middle

Dallas Meechan def. Louie Bartolo via TKO (Punches) at 2:33 Round 1

My Pick: Dallas Meechan / Fans Pick: Dallas Meechan

Lake Reese def. Chris Santiago via TKO (Punches) at 3:15 Round 2

My Pick: Lake Reese / Fans Pick: Lake Reese

Brendan McCarthy def. Jethro Benson via KO (GnP) at 1:10 Round 1

My Pick: Jethro Benson / Fans Pick: Brendan McCarthy

Jordan Parker-Kane def. Hanako Takeuchi via Submission (Gogoplata) at 3:49 Round 3

My Pick: Hanako Takeuchi / Fans Pick: Hanako Takeuchi

Roscoe Robinson def. Seth Daniels via KO (High Kick) at 2:55 Round 1

My Pick: Seth Daniels / Fans Pick: Roscoe Robinson

RECORDS as of Boss Fight XI

Harper: 3-7 / The World: 6-4

The fact that it is starting this way doesn’t feel good. You don’t question Harpy. This is Harpy being questioned. I am ashamed. Even my award picks were off the mark.

FIGHT OF THE NIGHT

Hanako Takeuchi vs Jordan Parker-Kane

My Pick: Robinson vs Daniels

PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT

Asher Jrue, Jordan Parker-Kane, Roscoe Robinson

My Pick: Kennard Rozier

Which only means this is my time to fight back. Slow start quick return. Ready, Set, Chicago.

PRELIMS

CRUISERWEIGHT BOUT

#7 Cal McCluskey (0-4) VS Ian Clemens (0-0)

I’m going to start the night by choosing the guy that has been disrespectful to just about everyone. The winless Cal McCluskey. This is usually the moment where I don’t like to comment on fighters who have had momentary issues with me but in this case, I really find Cal to be a test tube baby flipped over one too many times in the lab and at the end of the day, the result is not his fault. He’s innocent in that regard but even with the obvious fallbacks in mind as far as his record not being stellar and still looking for that first win Ian Clemens is a brand spanking new challenger on the court. I voted against Max in this position and she wasn’t even ranked. I’m not making that same mistake. Even winless McCluskey has had his fair share of battles and his most recent loss against Jordan-Parker Kane in an outside promotion showed signs of the potential he was once heralded for having in his younger years. It’s just too bad outside the cage choices have always been a priority over the cage itself. That said, he pulls it out here I believe.

I spoke with Cal McCluskey in the media week before fight night. I came in hoping he wouldn’t be disrespectful to me and thankfully he wasn’t. My question was simple with other Cruiserweight’s already making their statement how did he plan to make his against the competition?

“I'm gonna kill that Ian Clemens bitch. I don't know who he is cuz he ain't got shit out there but it ain't gonna matter when he's fuckin' dead. Then I'm gonna shotgun beers 'n' crush pussy all the way to the title, bitch.” - Cal McCluskey

He called me a bitch, great of course. I couldn’t reach Ian for comment.

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT

#8 August Pope (2-0) VS Lea Sun (0-0)

We have another welcome to the Union GP board. Lea Sun from China with a Wushu and also known as Sanda - Chinese Kickboxing background. She enters to face an undefeated August Pope who has been quite impressive in his two displays inside the cage. One dominant Round 1 KO over Roisin O'Connell and a Round 2 TKO over Warren Leibowitz. The Real Killas fighter turning a few heads with his boxing style. Yet, this will be his first fight against a Sanda tournament veteran in Sun, having a good amount of experience back home. Styles make fights and one thing that’s been said is Sun has the kicks but struggles in the grappling side of things where Pope has been seen willing to grapple it up obviously with his wrestling background. What will be the deciding factor is if Sun can keep the distance and strike to her advantage or will Pope play to his strengths keeping it a grapplers fight. A little dirty boxing mixed in or taking it to the ground would prove to be beneficial for him. I do all in all think Pope takes the win.

I was unable to reach either for comment about the upcoming matchup.

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT

#7 Kenzi Grey (2-4) VS Lexi Sheckler (0-0)

The one thing Kenzi Grey has seemed to have a struggle with most is people with a sufficient or dare I stay dominant stand up game. The last two losses being Zari Aliyah and Tatum Momo'a. Grey’s last win, she was able to get a body to the ground and work them as she pleases, Rovzan Ahkmadov. Here enters Lexi Sheckler, a kickboxer who has a pro wrestling background. Thing is again, anyone with a sufficient stand-up and it can be a major problem. Sheckler has the sound kickboxing. I mean it is her first MMA bout in Union so maybe Grey takes advantage but if this stays and on the feet affair, not a good ending for Black Duchess.

Able to speak to both fighters about the bout. Lets start with Kenzi. I asked her with the unknown MMA side of Lexi Sheckler were there any butterflies or fear of the unknown with her?

“Hey Harper! Honestly, I feel like you should always have those butterflies! When you don’t have that trepidation, when you think you’re on top and you can’t be taken down, that’s when you can find yourself in serious trouble!

I’m always nervous before every fight, until the bell rings. Then you have to go to work and muscle memory comes into play...all the training kicks in. So yes, here’s butterflies, but then there is the fight right afterwards.

Lexi might be a newcomer, but she’s no slouch. I have no doubt that she’s coming loaded for bear. I did my first match, everyone does. She wants to win and she’ll be ready to do whatever it takes to win...and so will I...butterflies be damned!” - Kenzi Grey

In the other corner, we have newcomer Lexi Sheckler and after welcoming her to UGP I asked her was their concerned about the obvious experience in the cage difference between them considering this is her first go-round?

“As far as competition goes, I’m never concerned. I may not be as experienced in MMA as Kenzi, but I’ve been a wrestler for almost 13 years. It’s incredible how easy my skills transfer over. Kenzi is a great competitor and to most, she’s certainly competition. But I’m indestructible.” - Lexi Sheckler.

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT

#6 Xabier Belazco (3-5) VS Gracyn Knight (0-0)

One thing I enjoy is a never say die attitude of a warrior. Something that Xabier Belazco has personified many times inside of a Union GP cage. This time he welcomes Gracyn Knight a Union GP newcomer looking to start her path to the Lightweight Championship. Xabier has always been a jack of all trades but a master of none type of fighter and in some terms, it has cost him. The Black Knight facing Bullrush its a question of sticking to what works and away from what she’s best at. What works in Belazco’s favor Bullrush isn’t the strikers he’s been facing lately. What doesn’t work in Belazco’s favor, Bullrush is a ground and pound demolition tank who THEN becomes like the strikers he’s been facing lately. Belazco can use some of the experience keeping the distance and playing his game while Bullrush...well...bullrushes. The Black Knight is known for a long motor while I’ve seen the burn out in a few of Bullrush’s regional highlight tapes. I want to go with experience on this one and again the fact that Bullrush isn’t the strongest in standing. Only thing is if Bullrush gets a hold of him either in the clinch or a takedown...what a rush.

I was able to speak to both in the days before the fight here and speaking to Xabier first I asked with another fight against a new talent in Knight how did he plan on welcoming her to UGP?

“I always think back to my first fight and I remember the nerves and excitement. All the pressure is on you to showcase your abilities and you hope that you make an impact. That win in the first fight for a promotion would really get eyes on you. This time it is kind of the same for me. I'm going to have to prove myself again so I think we are going in with the same intent. We'll see how it goes but I have a little bit more to prove.” - Xabier Belazco

Flip the coin to Gracyn Knight. I asked her about how she plans to introduce herself to the fans at UGP 13 and getting started on the right foot?

“Well Harp that's a pretty easy one, i've just gotta hit him really hard. Hard enough to knock him out and win would be preferred, but even if he happens to slink away with the win, as long as I leave him with some marks to remember me by I think that'd do the trick.” - Gracyn Knight

UNDER CARD

BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT

Megan Reed (0-0) VS Arnie Dawe (0-0)

When you are the wife of a beast it usually means you are a beast in your own right. Husband looking to claim a title while wife debuts. Megan Reed coming into Union GP hot as a fan favorite in the United Center. This has all the makings you need to see of the glorious hometown debut and more importantly there’s no way in hell you will EVER see me choosing for a guy who’s nickname is Glass Jaw…

Yes, that’s what I said. Glass Jaw.

Yeah…

Glass Jaw. Enough said.

I spoke with Megan Reed about the upcoming bout asking as I normally do the hometown favs how does she feel about debuting in the hometown also as I tend to ask the newcomers how will she be introducing herself to Union GP?

“You know, I'm pretty damn excited about the whole thing. My first fight for UG, with my husband having a huge opportunity as well? It's a high, sure. What I'm looking for most, is to really show the UGP fans how I earned the nickname Firecracker, and do it in the most Chicago way ever.” - Megan Reed.

Again…

Glass Jaw.

*Cue Steve Harvey ‘lost in life’ head shake gif*

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT

#4 Natalie King (2-0) VS Andrei Kozlov (0-0)

So this is gonna be as quick as Natalie King’s two wins. I’m not about to even work against those highlights. The destruction of Xabier Belazco and Aryeh Rothstein it’s not even a chance for Andrei Kozlov there’s nothing more to be said. She’s going to clinch him and kill him. I’m sorry to the family.

So in talking with Natalie I asked her with her already showing what she’s made of how does she plan to show Kozlov and the rest of the Lightweight participants what’s to look forward to?

“My entire time in UGP has been about setting the tone in the first round of a fight. Now it's going to be about setting the tone in the first round of the Lightweight Tournament. I don't think it's controversial to say I'm going to make a statement against Andrei. Arrogance isn't my thing, I can let everyone else do that, but I like to think I keep things real. I've got a small sample size of a career in Union, but I've never had a fight make it past the first minute, let alone head into the second round. I think that says something for me.

I can't guarantee I'll win this whole thing or that every fight will end like my first two, but I'm going to do everything I can to keep as true to that as possible. So the same thing I'll say to Andrei goes to everyone else I'll face: I've been honored to get this opportunity, I've worked my entire life for an opportunity like this, and I'm not entering a fight looking for a first round exit, a second round exit, semifinal or anything else. I want to win this whole damn tournament and I'm not going to be stopped easily.” - Natalie King

I was unable to reach Andrei Kozlov for comment.

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT

#2 Delaney Donovan (4-1) VS Jeremiah Ford (3-6)

I enjoy Jeremiah Ford’s worth ethic and constant yearning for more battles even with so many rough nights in the cage. That said Delaney Donovan is on a mission to hit the ‘Continue’ button as you could say out of the most fighting game genres and go after the belt again. The situation is different now, a new champion in JPK (who Donovan has beaten by the way), new restart as far as Union. I can see Donovan going deep in this tournament as being one of the few Lightweights in my opinion with a good well rounded arsenal. The thing that did confuse me about this placement is my thought that Ford would stand in the Middleweight Division after being killed by Hanako Takeuchi. Looks like Donovan is going to pace another beating his way. After the new contract, I expect to see new fire out of Double D.

Speaking with Double D I asked him about the new contract and does he see Jeremiah Ford as an easy start to his tournament?

“I don’t believe that any fight is easy. There’s a lot of fighters out there who would disagree with me but I think anytime anyone makes that claim they’re just posturing and peacocking. Sure there are some fights stylistically that can favor you but we’re still talking about getting in the cage with someone who is trained to be dangerous just like everyone else. Jeremiah Ford is a world class wrestler and has had plenty of success in his career. I might even be the underdog I don’t know. But, what I do know is that when I get in that cage with him I’m going to do everything in my power to show the world that I deserve the contract I just signed, and that it was money well spent.” - Delaney Donovan

With Jeremiah Ford I asked him does he see himself as the underdog or does he not pay attention to those type of things overall?

“I try not to listen to the critics, but I'm aware of where I stand. Delaney has been one of the most consistent lightweights as of late, where I have been on a skid. I tried my hand once before at 155 against Hanako, and obviously that didn't go so well. I think I'll come in as the bigger fighter, but don't think I'm overlooking him because of it. I'm aiming to get back in the win column since the 2018 Middleweight round robin Grand Prix, and a win over Delaney would surely be a huge rebound.” - Jeremiah Ford

MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT

#4 Zion Momo'a (3-1) VS #5 Travis Decker (1-2)

This is a hard one. A coin flipper. A sincerely hard choice. I like both of these men and I find them both to the true future in MMA. Respectful and hard working. They keep their noses down and get to it. That’s something really missing in today’s generation because everyone wants to be than what they are. I guess I can’t blame them in the days of social media and the overall increase in exposure but I do believe there’s something to say about the real nit and grit hardhat fighters. I enjoyed interviewing both but let me not dally. Kickboxers get ready. You are about to witness a damn good show with this one. Two hungry rookies with one being the hometown guy in Decker topping off the undercard. Thing is while I believe Momo’a is the overall stronger striker from what I’ve seen of Decker he has great skill on the ground. The problem is getting Momo’a there and keeping him there with him being such an agile body. Both are very laid back in their overall attacks. More in the countering scheme and I think overall that can favor Momo’a because he’s quicker overall. It will be tight. It will be close but I think Momo’a edges (and I do mean like a centimeter) this one out but more than the guaranteed fight of the night in my mind. Why? Speed kills. Yes, that’s with both the co-main and main coming after. These two rookies are going to show you a fight.

I spoke to Momo’a about the respect they both had for one another as well as asked how does it feel headlining the undercard so early in his career?

“It feels incredible. From the first time that I laced up a pair of gloves, my dream was to main event one day, and become a champion. This is the first step towards that goal. I’ve just got to keep giving everyone exciting fights, and god willing, highlight-reel finishes... and I’ll be there in no time.” - Zion Momo’a

To Decker I talked to him about his overall record and does this fight come with any pressure beyond the win itself considering the rankings of him and Zion as well as progressing in the tournament?

“We both have a crap ton of pressure coming into this fight, Harp. You consider the tournament of course, but no matter who wins, the winner of this fight is going up against the champion in the next round. With that said, there's always going to be pressure going into every fight, its how you deal with it that matters. I thrive off of pressure, and the pressure has been on me ever since my last fight. If I can make it properly translate, Zion is in for a tough night.” - Travis Decker

HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

© Derrick La'Bell (6-2) VS #1 Donnie Calabrese (5-4)

There’s a stint of something I’m bringing with me in this restart. More times than not when I pick Donnie he would lose and when I pick his opponent they would win. Both of these gentlemen are real foundations for the UGP Heavyweight division and I have immense respect for them both. This will be every bit of the Heavyweight Championship fight it needs to be and it will open some eyes about the status that everyone questions when it comes to the Heavyweight division. Question is, am I picking La’Bell because I want Donnie to win or do I truly believe that La’Bell has the tools to handle this defense accordingly?

It’s an honest mix. I believe Donnie coming back home and winning what’s eluded him for so long would be one of the best redemption stories in UGP. BUT, I can’t sit here and deny Long Island Strong’s greatness as the first 2x UGP Champion and dominate force in this division. Then the actual record between the two I know Dog Face refuses to have it on his mind and if he wants to be successful he shouldn’t have it on his mind. Me on the other hand, definitely have it on my mind. One thing that La’Bell has been able to do in most of his defenses, go to ground and pound them out. Punches and Hellbows. Something Calabrese has been a victim to before. It’s a hard place for me guys. I saw the hunger in La’Bell’s eyes in our interview and I could almost hear the painful need to succeed in this 3rd battle in Calabrese’s voice. This will be the fight many have been waiting for and also an additional chapter that has become a hell of a saga between the men. I feel La’Bell gets him to ground it’s a sincere problem but with we see the crazy movement from this new Donnie Calabrese...I can’t say I’d be surprised either if I hear And New.

Spoke with the Champion Derrick La’Bell about the defense is it takedown and hellbow time and how does it become And Still at UGP 13?

“Nah, no opponent is as simple as a takedown and Hellbows. Donnie is gonna have a whole city in his corner, while riding on a pretty big win streak, and just his usual put pumped self for our fight. Even with my 2-0 record against him, you'd be stupid not to bet on him.

But y'all you'd be stupid to count me out too. I've been in this tournament thing before, and I came out on top...mostly. I've been in the cage against Donnie before and I came out on top.

I just lost my apartment and my girl, I just left my home gym after a year of giving my blood, sweat, and tears to them, and I've all been looked over since making history and winning this Championship for the second time. I got so much fire coming into this fight that Donnie better hope his momentum is enough to topple me.

I love Donnie like a brother. If he were to beat him, I would be the first person to hug that man and congratulate him, but I can't let that happen. I can't let this reign be a footnote. I want people to remember this as the reign that cemented me as the face of this division.

Donnie is gonna try to come at me, but he doesn't have the control I have. His defense isn't as good as my offense, and when comes down to it, you can't cartwheel out of my Hellbows.

I'm excited for this fight, and I can't wait to do this again with Donnie.” - Derrick La’Bell

To Dog Face I talked to him about what he’s fighting for at UGP 13 and how does it become And New?

“Im fighting for my livlihood, for my respect, for my girl, for the real killas, for my fuckin city! Im fighting for everything ive worked so damn hard for. Derrick is at his best, he is a true champions champion. I done felt them blows before, so i know. Im going to execute my game plan, and at the end of the night... Im walkin out your new Union GP Heavyweight Champion.” - Donnie Calabrese

MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

© Robert Guilliman (5-1) VS #1 Aries Reed (12-5)

Kickboxer vs Boxer. Let the strikes begin. It’s for all the marbles and the main. The gold and the gleam. We have Aries Reed who tore through the division (minus former UGP Champion Cristian Bonanno) to be where he is today. The fight we had to do wait for because people can’t stay clean or legitimate in a sport where you are only as good as your and trust in your word as a Mixed Martial Artist, finally we are here. This was truthfully another hard one. I’m seeing a lot of things in Reed’s game that can give Guilliman problems and I can’t let that leave my mind no matter how much credit I have for the Middleweight Champion.

One of the biggest things is that Reed is very good in the clinch and the power in his punches is similar to Bonanno’s in it being downright deadly. If Primarch can’t let his kicks go because the distance is completely squashed he could be in trouble. It’s the kicks and ability to endure the punishment that has saved Guilliman in route to becoming champion. Reed is a different kind of overall show in that light he knows how to play to his strengths and isn’t as aggressive either so what can happen is Guilliman getting caught pushing forward and going for those kicks. The gameplan will have to be set in stone and ran through the finest detail and most importantly Guilliman will have to follow it. Reed has had his stints on the ground as well. A place where Guilliman can endure but hasn’t shown full comfort yet. Too many things are in Reed’s wheelhouse and although Guilliman has those spectacular kicks. This might be Devil’s kind of night in Chicago. On the other note, Reed is a man that couldn’t put Bonanno away and well we know the history of Bonanno and Guilliman. That’s the greatness of the fight game, there’s no telling until the cage closes and the bell rings.

I spoke to the Champion Guilliman about the pressure being on and with Reed being a hard hitter what would he say is the biggest difference about this fight against Aries compared to his first defense against Bonanno?

“This time I find myself where Cristian Bonanno was. Aries has the incentive of already having a failed shot, AND our previous fight being cancelled. If I were him, I know I would harness all that energy and frustration and bring it to bear here, especially with being the first match in a whole tournament.

But that is what I have been preparing for. I intend to show him, and the rest of Union GP, that the Primarch is the best Middleweight Champion the promotion has ever had, and the only way to do that is by being the victor of this tournament in one fell swoop - just like I intend to finish the silver tongued Devil tonight.

That is the fundamental difference between this fight and Bonanno - the stakes are that much higher. But the Middleweight Champion is not just here to raise them - but to exceed them.” - Robert Guilliman

I was unable to reach Aries for comment.

It’s the card retooled and renumbered. The Chicago fans getting what the deserved a while back. UGP makes good on the promise of quality by returning and good on Dante Reed for making it happen. We saw the tides change in the Lightweight division can’t wait to see your brackets after this one goes through. I will also tell you right now…

My record will be looking a lot more cleaner than yours after this. Next…

FIGHT OF THE NIGHT: Momo’a vs Decker

PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT: Delaney Donovan and Natalie King. One of them at the very least.

We’re back Chi-town and it’s going down. Fight game or Die.

- @HarperTUGP