UGP 28 PRESS CONFERENCE

EVENT: UGP 28 Press Conference

VENUE: 3Arena

LOCATION: Dublin, Ireland

DATE: August 6, 2021

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[The 3Arena may be dimly lit, but it’s palpable that the house is packed from wall to wall with fans and reporters alike, feverishly waiting for the start of the press conference for UGP 28. The airwaves thump with the traditional Union GP theme “Worldwide Choppers” by Tech N9ne to the point you could feel it in your bones. Massive big screens constructed on stainless steel scaffolding drape the background of the main stage, with spotlights pulsating the perimeter of each monitor. The heavy aroma of alcohol lingers in the air, we’re in Ireland after all.]

[The music slowly begins to dial back to a more suitable volume and out comes the Union GP President himself, Dante Reed. The roar of the crowd picks up where the music left off as Dante gets settled in at the center podium. Not long after, the “A-side” fighters enter stage left while the “B-side” fighters enter stage right. After the pandemonium finally settles to a dull rumble, Dante positions the microphone closer to him.]

DANTE REED

Dublin, Ireland! What’s good?!

[The crowd howls for the cheap pop.]

DANTE REED

It’s great to be back here in The Fair City. It’s been too long, to be honest. When we first came here back in November 2019, we brought back an icon for one more fight. He’s not just an icon to MMA, but an Irish icon, “The Lion” Carrick Price. This weekend, we’re bringing the heat yet again with three title fights. Not just any ordinary title fights, either. Three trilogies at stake to put the disputes to rest once and for all between the best in the business. So let me stop wasting time and open it up to y'all, who’s got the first question?

[Zion Momo’a picks up his microphone, before the first reporter has a chance to ask a question, and he clears his throat into the mic annoyingly.]

ZION MOMO’A

Yeah, Hi. I have a couple questions for Travis Decker. Travis, One, why did you look so scared when I called you out in Atlanta? Is it because you know I’m going to beat you…..again? Is that why you’ve been so silent on Twitter? You've been spending your last precious moments with my belt, huh? Look at his face when he saw me on those monitors announcing I was next. Look. [The picture flashes up on the screen and Zion does the “thinking man” pose.]

ZION MOMO’A

Homie if “oh fuck” could be summed up in one meme. This is it. You know travvy, I used to TRY to be cool with you. When you cried over that decision loss you took because you hugged me all night? I capped with you and told you I thought you won. Then I knocked you slick the fuck out with an uppercut to show the world I don’t need any judges, right? And you know what? I STILL tried to give you props! But when I came to RK to train you wanted to run to the other gym as soon as it opened and start talking shit on the low because you don’t like me and don’t wanna be a man and say how you feel and squabble that shit out in the open. So it’s fuck you, to be honest. I’ve tried to be cordial, and be nice, and play media spokesperson… but no cap? I just don’t fucking like you. I think you’re soft. I think you winning that belt was a fluke, and I think I’m gonna knock you out again and take what’s mine. So my real question is…. What the fuck are YOU gonna do about it?

[A smart journalist in the crowd takes an opportunity to cash in here and he flags down Zion for a followup to the bizarre press conference opening, before Decker can speak.] JACOBI DENNIS Hi, I’m Jacobi Dennis with MMAjunkie.com. We’ve seen Travis Decker sort of “reinvent” his striking lately with two back to back head kick finishes, those were of course prior to his fight of the night win against Delaney Donovan to win the Middleweight Championship. Do you think he’s going to stand and bang with you? Because I think I speak for the fans when I say I really don’t want to see this fight going to the ground.

ZION MOMO’A Sheeeeesh, me either, honestly. But it’s rude to interrupt Travis like that...I’m just kidding. Screw him. Look, I can’t speak for him, but me PERSONALLY? I’m coming in to throw some leather. Will he come in and get his shit rocked like he did last time? Probably not. He’ll stay at range and try to throw head kicks because he’s scared to get hit, just like he’s scared of a little banter. People keep saying this to me though. You know, that he’s “reinvented” his striking or whatever? Did you create your own martial art style, Travis? Are you changing the game? Reinvent…. Give me a fucking break. How much could you re-invent in a year, Steve Jobs? To answer your question, Jacobi? I don’t know. But I do know that if he is dumb enough to stand in front of me and trade? If I have my way about it? The only time this fight will hit the canvas is when I’m dribbling his head off that motherfucker like my name is Allen Iverson.

[Way back in the seats, Osvaldo Ledesma can be seen snickering. He grabbed his water bottle nonchalantly and without much care for what was happening. The crowd was still “oooh” from what Zion just said, and he was… bored, to be honest, that would be the best word to describe Ledesma here. Not being one of the primary fighters, he wasn’t really expecting anyone to pay attention to him, but alas, someone did.]

WILLIAM MEYER

William Meyer from Billy’s MMA Blog; I couldn’t help but to notice you weren’t that impressed with what transpired here opening this press conference, Osvaldo…

[The mention of his first name surprised Ledesma. Again, he thought he wouldn’t get any questions at all; or any mention at all. Hell he even thought no one would care he was on this card; yet this guy was here saying his name to a microphone and getting ready to ask him a question.]

WILLIAM MEYER

What was it that made you laugh?

[Ledesma smirked and put the water bottle over the table, taking the question.]

OSVALDO LEDESMA

Mira, boludo… I was just enjoyin’ the show; not much else.

[Meyer wasn’t really into the non answer the Argentinian just gave him. Frankly, Ledesma could just be wanting to avoid getting into any verbal spat, because well… he isn’t as fluent in English as one would want him to be, and that might be the reason for his “answer”... yet, Meyer pressed him.]

WILLIAM MEYER

The show?

[Ledesma let out a sigh and proceeded to elaborate as best as he could with his limited knowledge of the language.]

OSVALDO LEDESMA

Yes, the show, chico. It’s clear to me this is all a show; because why else would you start the way this start without being provoked or anyone makin’ any comment. See, puttin’ the interest on social media presence, like… why? Is this for clout? Because I didn’t know you could measure how good a fighter is by their Twitter feed… that one I didn’t learn in my boxin’ days or the days I went to Brazil to develop my skills…

[Seemingly reaching the “end of his grasp” for the language, Ledesma grabbed the water bottle and shrugged.]

OSVALDO LEDESMA

If I had known throwin’ a hundred tweets per 24 hours was the measurement for a great fighter I would’ve… yanno… how you say it?

[He started looking for the word in his head but Meyer interjected before any other fighter would.]

WILLIAM MEYER

Saved?

[Ledesma pointed at Meyer as he swallowed a gulp of water.]

OSVALDO LEDESMA

Exactly, saved a lot of money. Who knew?

[He shrugged.]

OSVALDO LEDESMA

But then again, someone might see my answer an’ think this is a good opportunity to get their clicks an’ likes on social media by makin’ fun of the guy who has lost two tough decisions in a row… askin’ ‘who the fok is that guy’ an’ make themselves better as fighters… because that’s the measure… right?

[Zion Momo’a can be seen chuckling as well, and scooping up his microphone, he’d turn to Ledesma to speak.]

ZION MOMO’A

Hey, uh… Osvaldo? These are TRILOGY fights. All three of the marquee fights have history. I’m sorry that you don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about, but I’m happy to correct you. This goes beyond Twitter and “clout”. This is personal, between Travis and I. Oh, and by the way? It’s for all the marbles on the line too, in case you hadn’t noticed.

[Zion gestures at the Middleweight Championship sitting in front of Travis Decker.]

ZION MOMO’A

Furthermore Homie, my mothafuckin RESUME gives me all the clout I need. Check the performance of the night bonuses and get back to me. Winning fights, winning bonuses, finishing fights, fighting for titles… that is the real mark of a good fighter and my accolades speak for themselves. Shit, AND I’m about to add some more. So, thank you for your uneducated opinion. It has been noted.. Did you have anything else William?

[Dropping the mic back down to the table. Zion settles back in his seat with content, and kicks back to let the presser roll on.. One thing was for sure though, he was done being silent and nice.]

[Osvaldo yawns…]

OSVALDO LEDESMA

Yet, first thing you decide to talk about, is… “why you went silent… on Twitter.” Of all the personal things you could throw at the guy, like how he switched his whole game. How he fell in love with his striking; but now he’s going against a true striker in you. How the guy basically quit after a newbie beat him on his debut… an’ yet… Twitter is your first jab?

[He shrugs…]

OSVALDO LEDESMA

I guess that’s why I’m still an openin’ act. But I think it’s better that, than to be the third title match… behind the guy, Travis beat for that belt, a Natalie King who hasn’t been online since about two years an’ Lauren Moore who, since her injury seems to be bored with social media…

[Osvaldo grabs the water bottle and drinks a sip.]

OSVALDO LEDESMA

Al menos yo si sé dónde estoy y no me ando con boludeses para sonar más importante de lo que realmente me ve la compañía.

[Osvaldo shrugs once again, leaving the mic on the table. Zion can be faintly heard off mic jawing at Osvaldo a bit more, but eventually things get back on track as another reporter steps up to address Ledesma.]

RACHELLE BUCKNER

Osvaldo! I’m Rachelle from BloodyElbow. You’re on a two fight skid, as you stated previously. You’re opening up this huge card against a seasoned vet in Xabier. What’s the plan here to bring home the win? You have excellent hands, and Belazco has been known to have a suspect chin… but his ground game is better than yours on paper. Are you worried about the fight going to the ground? How have you prepared for this test?

[Ledesma leans forward a bit and gives a shrug.]

OSVALDO LEDESMA

Look, as far as I know we’re both on the same boat. While ‘am on a two fight losin’ streak, both have been razor thin decisions. ‘Am not gonna kid anyone here, I know another defeat an’’am on the choppin’ block. But Belazco is also contemplatin’ if retirement is an option. To me, this is a make or break fight for both.

[Ledesma lets out a sigh.]

OSVALDO LEDESMA

Good thin’ I never left anythin’ on the tank. If I go, I go bangin’ an’ I know Belazco thinks the same way… if he goes, he goes bangin’… that’s all I can ask for, really.

XABIER BELAZCO

Who is retiring?

[Some people look for the person that said this and it takes a while to spot Xabier Belazco in the back.]

XABIER BELAZCO

Hey guys. I just want to say that I am not looking to end things with this fight. I have no illusions about my standing, but I’m not giving up either. If Union GP will still have me, then I will continue fighting after this fight.

[There is silence after this until a reporter just pipes up.]

BARRY STONES

Barry Stones from StonedBarry.com and I want to ask… why?

XABIER BELAZCO

I came over here to fight and that is what I am going to keep on doing until I am able. I am on the negative side of that win/loss record, but when I am on, I can put on a hell of a show. Some may call it confidence, others may call it foolishness, but I am going to continue.

BARRY STONES

So, like, do you think you are going to survive this fight?

[Dante looks around at some of the officials probably asking who let this guy in.]

XABIER BELAZCO

Yes, I had two big losses the last time going out, but I am still a workhorse. I am going to survive this fight and keep learning from it. Sometimes what I try works, and like I said, when I get to work, I put on a hell of a show. I am not concerned with wins and losses, I just want to fight. If anything, my time in this sport has shown me that I can survive anything. I get back up, train and try again.

BARRY STONES

How, though? You have been knocked out hella hard these past few fights and this dude is a striker. So, like…… How?

XABIER BELAZCO

As mentioned before, we both have our strengths and our weaknesses. When I have tried to do what I am good at before, it has led to some mild results and some shocking endings. I think I have not been too careful in enacting my gameplans and try to be too eager in the attempt. I know now to be more cautious and in doing so be more impactful and direct. I will move in for the attack when I need to and make it more of a surprise. I think that is the play now. I can still try my luck and stand up with this guy, but either way, it’s going to be exciting. I have to prove to him, and to everyone else that I am not done yet. Not by a long shot. Oíste, Osvaldo. Hasta la muerte.

[As soon as Belazco is done, another journalist has popped up towards the microphone to continue the press conference.]

DARBY McALLISTER

Darby here with MMAjunkie, and I have a question for the self-proclaimed king of 135.

DALLAS MEECHAN

Let me stop ya’ right there mate.

[Dallas smirks, removing his rather expensive looking aviators from his face, closing them up and placing them in the pocket of his burgundy pinstriped suit.]

DALLAS MEECHAN

You say it’s self-proclaimed, but five point four million Scots, would agree wit meh.

DARBY McALLISTER

Well now that may be true, and it’s certainly an opinion. But my question lies in your previous fights. There was a lot of controversy over your win against Lena Lyons, and a lot of folk wanted to run that fight back. But that hasn’t happened, and instead it was Lena who failed to beat your opponent at UGP 28, and in decisive fashion. Does that worry you any? That you went the distance with Lyons, and Lauren TKO’d her in a matter of minutes. That could be you, any thoughts?

DALLAS MEECHAN

Thoughts? No none at all mate, because I don’t stay in the past. If I overthought everytime I almost got beat, then I wouldn’t be sittin’ here as your rightful king, now would I? Lena is a tough girl, and it was real impressive the way Lauren beat her up. Ain’t no denyin’. But as is the name sake of the card, me and Lauren got history of our own, she handed me my one and only loss, and then I broke her fockin’ ribs. So fair is fair.

DARBY McALLISTER

You’re not worried that she might have gained the much needed experience to beat you this go around? Looking for revenge?

DALLAS MEECHAN

The fock did I just say Darb? We both out for revenge, that’s what a trilogy fight signifies, the good ol’ rubber match. And as for experience? We’re all gaining experience, that’s the point of fightin’ thats the point of trainin’ to be better than the last time that ya’ fought. I can’t care about Lauren, and what she’s been doin’. All I know is that we at the scrapyard have been bustin’ our arse, I’ve been bustin me arse! I don’t walk into fights thinkin’ about losin’, just not the way I was raised. Next question.

[Straightening out his jacket, Dallas looks down the line of fighters until his eyes meet Lauren, giving her a wink before the next question is asked.]

DERRICK WINKLER

I have a question for ya’ ol king Dally! How do you expect to stop Lauren’s ground game? If she takes you down it could be a bloody sunday for Dallas Meechan. Are you doing anything special in camp to work around that?

[Dallas chuckles, but it’s an annoyed chuckle as he removes his aviators from his pocket and places them back on his face - leaning back in his chair and glancing at his championship.]

DALLAS MEECHAN

Why would I tell you mate? She’s right fockin’ there! Why would I give you any insight into my workins? That’s not how you win fights, tellin’ your opponent ya’ strategy. I’m aware of Lauren’s ground game, and I’ve been on the wrong end of her pressure, is it a place I want to be? Well who would? But with that being said, I’m not afraid to go on the ground. I won me last fight by submission and it doesn’t matter where I am - I’m always confident. If she takes me down, then I’ll do what needs to be done. If she stands up with me, I’ll do what needs to be done. Because facts are, I’m stronger, i’m faster, and I’m a hell of a lot more pretty.

[Once the reporters are done speaking with with their questions for Dallas Meechan, there’s a bit of movement nearby and the entire media throngs attention turns to the Lightweight Champion, Delaney Donovan, as he removes the grey Scrapyard MMA hoodie that he had been wearing to reveal a black t-shirt with simple block white lettering that reads FUCK ROBERT GUILLIMAN right across the center of the shirt. As Delaney gestures for the microphone, indicating that he would be taking questions now, the next reporter speaks up.]

SHONA SUTHERLAND

Delaney, I had a question just for you but now seeing that shirt I have to ask what’s that about?

[Delaney cracks a smile and shrugs.]

DELANEY DONOVAN

Great to see you, Shona. Pretty self explanatory I think. Fuck that lad. I don’t normally say too much about the men and women who step into the cage with me. For the most part I have respect for them. But Bobby? He’s a bitch. Everything you see on the outside. The face that he presents to the world? It’s a lie. And that’s a shame because I treated him with the utmost respect after our fight. I gave him far more credit than he was deserving of. And then to find out the shite he was saying about me behind closed doors? Sorry, I don’t have time for that. As far as I’m concerned he’s worse than the Lexie Sheckler’s of the world. He’s worse than the Megan Treamon’s. That man is a fucking coward. Now I know there’s people sitting at this table that have supported him. I know they’ve supported the same flag that he carried. The same flag that became a fucking plague to this business. The same flag that now has Union Grand Prix looked at like it’s got the cunts over at Global Championship running this place too. And I get it. To an extent you support the people around you. You support the people you’re hitting the mat with day in and day out. The lads you’re sparring with. So I don’t fault them. But fuck him. And it will always be fuck him.

SHONA SUTHERLAND

Fair enough, Delaney, but you’re coming off your first loss in nearly two years after making history becoming the first two weight class champion in Union GP history. Where’s your mind at these days? Some would say the shirt is indicative that you aren’t as focused as you might have been in the past.

DELANEY DONOVAN

It’s a t-shirt, Shona, and has nothing to do with my readiness for this fight. But I’ll be honest with you dearie. I’ve stepped into the cage with The Bandit twice now and both times I’ve left as the decisive victor. I’ve got a decision and a knock out to my name. The only reason this third fight is happening is because I chased the fight with Guilliman. Because I wanted to prove who I am, and what my value is to this industry. And in doing so I had to take time away from the Lightweight Division. Now, to Natalie’s credit, she took full advantage of that opportunity and became the so called interim champ. But in my eyes there’s no interim about it. I had beaten everyone that the Lightweight division had to offer. I put more asses in seats with the super fight with Guilliman and my defense against Decker. I made history. And while Nat is talented. And she’s got those brutal kicks that can end a fight at any given moment. There’s only one true King of the Lightweights and that’s me. That won’t change this time around, either.

[While Shona says her thanks and steps away, Delaney takes that moment to grab a nearby water bottle. After taking a drink to quench his thirst he glances down in the direction of his opponent and winks in her direction, smirking before leaning back in his chair as the next reporter stepped forward.]

RICHARD RIORDAN

Hey Delaney, Richard Riordan here from the Irish Times out of Dublin. How do you feel being the main event of yet another Union GP pay per view right in your home country.

DELANEY DONOVAN

Yeah, it’s nice. It’s good to be home, honestly. Most of you know I’ve spent the last year or so training in Los Angeles and then New York under the Scrapyard USA banner. So it’s good to be back home and hear people saying words properly.

[A ripple of laughter echoes throughout the assembled media.]

DELANEY DONOVAN

And yeah, being in the main event anywhere in the world will always be special. But even more so when it’s your home country and the place you grew up is just a few hours to the north. I’m looking forward to hearing the crowd and to just taking it all in once again. More importantly, though, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to give my fellow countrymen and women something and someone that they can be proud of. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do when I step into that cage against Natalie for the third time. I know who she is. I know what she does well. I know how to exploit her flaws. No matter what, though, this will be my last fight with her. When I beat her a third time you will not see me agree to stepping into the cage with her a fourth, fifth or sixth time. There will be nothing left to prove.

[The fact that Travis hasn’t spoken a word since the beginning of the conference, especially after the tirade leveled at him from the jump, has not been lost on the reporters, one of them finally addressing it directly.]

JACOBI DENNIS

Jacobi Dennis again, this time for Travis. Zion had some heated words for you at the start of this presser, but up until this point you haven’t uttered a word. Is it quiet confidence or are his words hitting home?

[Travis gives a small chuckle before leaning in to speak.]

TRAVIS DECKER

Hitting home? Nah, Zion likes to talk, so I let him talk. I’ve been through all this with him twice before, moreso outside of fights as well. He likes to draw attention to make everything about him and make himself look like an idiot in the process. Who am I to stand in his way in that regard? I mean a fighter not involved in this fight spoke up he was that baffled, I feel like that says all that needs to be said about that. As for confidence though? That is definitely there.

JACOBI DENNIS

Interesting. Your trilogy fight is the only one with the champion having zero wins against the challenger. What do you believe makes this fight different?

[Travis takes a second before replying.]

TRAVIS DECKER

EVERYTHING makes this fight different, Jacobi. Yes, Zion has beaten me twice. He has even knocked me out, wasn’t the first, probably won’t be the last. But to even pretend that he is going to simply walk into this fight and easily take my championship is insanity. The man he fought twice before and the man he is fighting now are different in all but name. He can try and downplay that all he likes but the evidence sits in front of me. I am a better fighter than I have been in my entire career, I have given EVERYTHING to be sitting where I am as middleweight champion, having to kick Delaney in the head for twenty five fucking minutes knowing that if I slip for a second my dreams are shattered. This Championship represents my entire journey as a fighter, and now Zion is attempting to take that away from me. That is why this fight is different. This is my opportunity to cement myself as THE champion of the middleweights, and I can’t let that slip through my fingers. I won’t.

JACOBI DENNIS

Are you concerned about that pressure affecting you mentally, especially considering your switch to a kickboxing focus putting you right in Zion’s wheelhouse?

[Travis raises an eyebrow.]

TRAVIS DECKER

Absolutely not. Don’t get me wrong, Zion’s kickboxing is very high level, and his explosiveness is no joke. But mental pressure is just part of the game, especially considering now that I'm the champion. How I handle pressure is one of the things I pride myself on, so there’s no problem there. Also, lest not forget that stand up is also in my wheelhouse. I had solid takedowns and BJJ training, but I come from a kickboxing background. If he’s not careful Zion’s going to be 0-3 against head kicks in title fights.

[A chuckle emanates from Zion Momo’a, and Jacobi turns to look at him. Before he even has to ask the question, Zion scoops up the microphone and addresses Decker directly.] ZION MOMO’A You’re gonna head kick me? YOU are gonna knock me out? I’ll believe that when my shit turns purple, and smells like rainbow sherbet. You’ve knocked out Nigel Musgrove, and fucking Brenden McCarthy since you’ve “reinvented your striking.” Homie, I’m leaps and bounds beyond them. I’m not impressed at all. You say I’m not facing the same guy, but you’re really not any different than the man I knocked out before. Well, other than you did a wee bit more sparring and think you are something special now. I’ve been striking since I was a child. At five years old my father had me up at the ass crack of dawn training my Muay Thai. I was competing in Boxing, Kickboxing, and Full contact Karate when you were still playing with your fucking hot wheels and eating smiley face pancakes, motherfucker. You claim to be this different person Travis, but the minute I land solidly on your chin you’re either A.) taking a fucking nap, or B.) reverting back to what you know best… and that is hugging me and praying to whatever god you believe in that the judges see it differently this time around. [Zion turns back to look at Jacobi, pointing at Decker as he speaks.] ZION MOMO’A You want to really know why it took this long to hear a peep from him? Even after I ambushed him to start this thing off? Because he’s shook. I don’t just rent space in his head, Jacobi. I own the whole damn building. Listen to him trying to convince himself he’s going to beat me. He’s not trying to convince you, or the fans. He’s trying to convince himself that he has a snowball’s chance in hell of walking out of there with my belt. I’m not just going to beat him. I’m going to abuse him. I’m going to make him wish he’d never chosen this sport as a career path. His win against Delaney was a shock to everyone, and to be honest, it would’ve been a much bigger draw if it had been me and Delaney because this bumbling idiot only talks shit behind closed doors. I have ZERO respect for Travis Decker, and I’ll reiterate what I said before. He’s soft, his win was a fluke of the highest caliber, and I’m going to knock him out AGAIN harder than a gallon of Jim Jones kool aid. You’re right Travis, you have been through this twice before. You lost both times. The third fight will be no different. [Zion stands up and looks directly over at Travis Decker as he speaks his next line, showing him he meant 100% of what he spoke.] ZION MOMO’A If you beat me? I’ll leave the middleweight division entirely. I’ll move to another weight class and leave you be. How about that as a wager? Loser leaves town? You got that sort of confidence in yourself, buddy?

[This generates a buzz throughout the room as a steady hum builds, and the cameras begin flashing frantically to encapsulate the moment. Jacobi, can’t help but smile smugly at the exchange he had personally prompted with his questioning. This lead him to ask another, taking full advantage of the moment.] JACOBI DENNIS Say you beat him, Zion. You walk out with the Middleweight title, He’s been crossed off your “hitlist” and vanquished. What next? [ZIon smirks and looks into the closest camera as he speaks.] ZION MOMO’A WHEN I win, and take this belt and place it around my waist, where quite frankly, it has belonged for quite some time now….? Then I retire Robert Guilliman, next. You hear me Primarch? You’re the only loss left that I need to atone for, and I’m going to do it with resonance. When I win this championship, the crosshairs are on you next. It may take a month, it may take a year, but eventually your name is going to be on that marquee again… right beside mine, and I’m going to right the wrongs on my record. I’m going to put you out to pasture, and make you pay for standing in my way for so long. I’m done being overlooked. I’m done being discounted. I’m coming for your heads. [Zion points at Decker.] ZION MOMO’A Staring with you. [He then turns back to the camera and drops the mic on the table, before speaking directly into the lens, aiming his next words at Robert Guilliman.] ZION MOMO’A And ending with YOU. Because you know what I like more than talking? Knocking the soul out of a motherfucker’s body and getting paid to do it… [Taking his seat again, Momo’a leaves the mic untouched, and he kicks back to observe the remainder of the proceedings… a newfound fire lit in his eyes.]

[While the exchange between Zion and Osvaldo goes on, Lauren Moore sits back with her hands folded in her lap, just occasionally turning her head back and forth between the two. It’s only when her name is invoked that the former Bantamweight Champion’s expression creases--for maybe the first time, publicly, Lauren frowns at being used as ammo in someone else’s argument. But more than anything, she just finds herself...blinking, glancing back and forth between the Middleweight Champion and his challenger, even leaning back in her seat to avoid the proverbial crossfire--a fact which draws a chuckle from a couple of the reporters in the front row. Once the emotions have come down a little bit, though, Lauren just shakes her head and catches notice of a reporter trying to flag her down, and the young Californian glances in that direction.]

???

Lauren, James Thomas with Black Belt Magazine.

LAUREN MOORE

Hiya.

[Despite the early annoyance, Lauren’s usual, familiar smile is back on full display, as she just waves with a few fingers while absent-mindedly playing with her mic.]

JAMES THOMAS

Two-part question for you real quick: firstly, obviously, this is a fight that’s happened a couple times now--you won the Bantamweight Championship in the first place by defeating Dallas, then he got one back on you in his first defense after winning the title from Zari Aliyah; now, with two fights against each other, do you feel like you know what to expect?

LAUREN MOORE

I mean...hopefully, I guess? If so, it makes my job a little bit easier, right? But if I’ve learned anything in the two fights with Dallas, it’s that you either evolve, or you fade away. Dallas improved a lot up from our first fight, to our second, so...I mean, no, I don’t really expect a full change, I don’t think he’s going to be a completely different fighter from the one I’ve faced before, but if he’s still the same fighter as he was back in May of last year, I’d be very surprised. I suspect he’ll have some new tricks up his sleeve, just as I have.

JAMES THOMAS

Second, obviously, Dallas being a Scrapyard fighter, you’re playing the role of the visiting team this weekend; do you think the crowd will play a factor? Is that something that’s in the back of your mind, that the crowd may give him an edge in the fight?

LAUREN MOORE

Hmm...

[Lauren’s nose screws up for a little bit, her tongue clicking against the roof of her mouth as she mulls over the question for a second.]

LAUREN MOORE

I don’t know if that’s a motivator for him. Maybe it does--he certainly seems to believe that every single soul in that building will be cheering for him, and maybe they will. Maybe hearing the fans scream for him will give him that second wind, maybe it gives him that adrenaline burst that can help push him on. For me, being the “visiting team,” as you said, it isn’t...really a big factor. I’ve been that person before, I started my career in Union fighting in someone else’s hometown. It’s not the first time, and it probably won’t be the last. Obviously, you want to be cheered, but even if I walk into an arena filled with Dallas’s fans that want to boo me out of the country, yanno...unfortunately, my job is to send them home unhappy. My job is to focus on improving on my last performance, how to go back to our first fight and put him down on the mat, keep him there, and pound him out until I get the Bantamweight title back.

???

Is that your best path to victory, you think?

[Lauren’s attention turns in the other direction--whether or not James was actually finished, he seems to be at this point, as a young woman has stood up to take his place.]

LAUREN MOORE

Sorry, miss...?

???

Spencer. Kelly Spencer--I was just wondering, in your last fight with Dallas, you seemed to have trouble taking the fight to the ground, and even when it did eventually get there, it wasn’t exactly the most comfortable situation for you; we’ve seen Dallas have an active game from the bottom in the past, do you think taking the fight to the ground is where you’ll have the most success?

LAUREN MOORE

I think I’ve made improvements in most facets of my game since our last fight, but...I mean, that kinda seems like the worst kept secret ever; yeah, I think the best way for me to win this fight is to go back to what I do best.

[Lauren can’t bite back a little giggle as she pokes fun at her own predictable nature, but ultimately shrugs the thought aside.]

LAUREN MOORE

You’re right, though, Dallas has proven he’s dangerous on the ground in the past. He’s not afraid to throw up submissions and try to catch you off guard, so taking him down isn’t exactly easy street. I can’t just sit back and think a single takedown will do the job for me in any given round. Even in our first fight, he proved a lot in defeat--I feel like this phrase is gonna sound patronizing, but I don’t mean it to, he’s a tough guy. Like, fighting Dallas is a legitimately tough fight. It took me...what, like, basically I had to take him down twice every round in the first fight just to get that advantage--nobody’s given me that kind of struggle, other than Dallas. I know this isn’t going to be an easy fight, but if I can get him to that mat, I think I’ve got a clearer road to getting my hand raised.

KELLY SPENCER

There’s been a criticism of Dallas, particularly in his fights with you, that he falls back on...frankly, cheap tactics.

[There’s no small stir in the audience at that particular statement, but Kelly’s not fussed and presses on.]

KELLY SPENCER

In both fights you’ve had against him, he’s headbutted you--now, the first time, it could be argued it was an accident, two moving pieces on the ground and a clash of heads, and ultimately didn’t impact the result, but nonetheless it did happen; the second time, though? It’s hard to argue that one wasn’t intentional, especially as it came immediately after you blocked him from improving a position...

[Lauren’s personal memory of the incidents is none too favorable, as her lips flatten into a straight line and she inhales sharply.]

KELLY SPENCER

Do you think that altered the momentum of the fight? The commentary team seemed to think it had a factor in the outcome that night, I’m just curious what you think.

LAUREN MOORE

I...

[Lauren bobs her head back and forth, the question suddenly nagging at her a little bit.]

LAUREN MOORE

I’m my own worst critic, so maybe this isn’t a great question for me to answer--I don’t think I was performing especially well in that second fight. I’ve watched it back, and I’m never anything but disappointed by it. Nevermind the headbutt, nevermind any of that--I just don’t like what I see from that fight. Now, did it change the momentum of the fight...I dunno. I certainly think it was influential, and I’d very much appreciate it not happening again...

[Lauren’s voice gets a little more tense as she spits out those last few words, but again, the hostility is only for a moment.]

LAUREN MOORE

But...I kinda go back to, I prepare for what I can prepare for. I spent my time preparing for the way Dallas fights; I’ve watched what Dallas is skilled in, I’ve seen where the holes in his game are, I couldn’t feel more prepared for this fight. If it turns out that...whatever, the tide turns against him and he has to headbutt me again? I mean, I think that says more about how he thinks the fight’s going and what he has to resort to for an advantage than anything. Like the fans’ reactions, that’s something that’s outside my control, and...I try not to worry too much about what I can’t control.

[Kelly takes her seat again, but it’s only a moment before another reporter stands up and flags down Lauren’s attention.]

???

You’ve been a little coy about it so far, so I wanna just ask the question direct--how do you see this fight going?

[Lauren cocks her head to the side, pursing her lips just a little bit, as if to silently call out the “being coy” part. The facade cracks, though, and the familiar smile spreads on her face once again.]

LAUREN MOORE

I expect we’ll be the fight of the night. Both Dallas and I have improved a lot since our last fight, I expect this will be the best of the three we’ve had. As far as a prediction...

[Lauren’s tone lightens in amusement at Dallas’s claim.]

LAUREN MOORE

He can be prettier than I am.

[The so-called “Smiling Assassin” glances down the line, to her opponent, and just grins.]

LAUREN MOORE

I’ll just have to be grittier than he is.

[Lauren glances back to the audience, and when nobody else stands up right away, she sets the mic back down in front of her and settles back in her seat.]

[There is a break in the action and Dante Reed feels like this may be a good time to wrap things up.]

DANTE REED

Is that it from everybody?

[Dante scans the audience one final time and notices all of the reporters have taken their seats.]

DANTE REED

Alright, folks. Thank you all for coming out here tonight! We’ll see you all again Sunday night!

[The fans in the crowd continue to roar with cheers. The PA system hits with some generic music as the fighters begin to exit the stage via security escort to ensure no funny business happens between opposing fighters. The feed fades to black then the poster for UGP 28 fades in as the final clip.]