UGP 37 PRESS CONFERENCE

EVENT: UGP 37 Press Conference
VENUE: Illusions Theater at the Alamodome
LOCATION: San Antonio, Texas
DATE: September 2, 2022

[The feed gradually fades into a panoramic view inside the Illusions Theater at the Alamodome. The dimming sunset peaks through the four columns of windows, setting the mood for another eventful press conference. Ascending down to the main stage, there’s a black glossy podium in the center with the trademark Octagon Star logo engraved and flanked on both sides are a long table draped with black felt with the Union GP word mark embroidered in the center.]

[The eager crowd cheers as Dante Reed makes his way to the podium. Just a few seconds later, all of the scheduled fighters begin to make their way on stage and take their reserved seats. The crowd roars with cheers for the fighters before gradually lowering to a dull roar. Dante takes the opportunity and draws in a deep breath before lowering himself closer to the mic.]

DANTE REED: “What’s up everybody, glad to see you all here. It’s been a while since we’ve been in Texas, and it’s the first time here in San Antonio. We got a big night of fights in store for you all, two title fights, two Interim Heavyweight Championship Grand Prix fights, and a big Bantamweight fight that will surely shakeup the top of the division. So let’s open the floor up, who’s got the first question?”

[Dante tosses it over to the reporters, who eagerly await their turn. Press conferences have…never exactly been Paige Holloway’s favorite part of the fight weekend process; at least with Union, you were guaranteed some degree of simplicity, but every time she got on stage, she prepared for the old Caged Glory events–which is why, even on the eve of one of the biggest nights in her career, she’s still sitting relatively on edge, dressed plainly, with just a little Throne MMA logo on a black shirt. And, indeed, seems to be expecting to be second to her upcoming opponent, the longtime Lightweight Champion–at least, until a reporter stands up and flags the Aussie down.]

???: “Paige, Luke Reed from Texas MMA–the fact that Delaney’s basically set a deadline for the end of his career has caused some talk about maybe he’s not as driven, not as passionate, he might be losing focus with the end in sight. I’m just curious what your take on that is, and if you think that effects this weekend’s fight at all?”

[Paige chuckles a little bit, but shakes her head dismissively.]

PAIGE HOLLOWAY: “Did you watch the fight with Abbie? Because I did, and mate, if you think that’s showing some lack of focus or whatever…I’m sorry, but what fucking standard do you have? Yea, you’re right, Delaney’s said time may be coming up, and if he is looking ahead, honestly, can you blame him? I’m not here to butter him up or anything, but let’s just be honest, there’s only one contender left that he hasn’t put down at least once, and she’s holding the mic right now. But to answer your question, yea, nah, I think all that mess is just talk, just people on the internet spouting off. As far as I’m concerned, I prepared for this fight like this is Delaney’s first defense, not maybe his last.”

LUKE REED: “Speaking of people chirping online, I hate to harp on this, but there’s been a lot of question about the rankings, particularly at Lightweight–I don’t think anyone’s gonna take anything away from you about what you did in the past, but in Union, you’ve only had 3 fights, and only Erick Costa has ever gotten to the point of challenging Delaney in the past. Obviously, you’ve been very vocal about wanting a chance to become champion, but do you think those three fights were enough to earn you the shot?”

PAIGE HOLLOWAY: “…I mean, I’m sitting on this stage right now, answering your questions, so apparently so?”

[It’s a little more sarcastic than Paige has answered in the past, and the question clearly agitates the Aussie a little bit, but before Luke can elaborate on his point, Paige elaborates on her’s instead.]

PAIGE HOLLOWAY: “I mean, it really is that simple. People can have their opinions, it really doesn’t mean anything to me one way or the other. I fought whoever they put in front of me, that’s really all there is to it, and…I beat all of them. And now, I’m sitting at this table, I’m signed to fight for the title this weekend, if that doesn’t prove I’ve done what I need to do to earn the shot…have fun debating that on the forums, guys, it really doesn’t concern me. What concerns me is what I’ve had to do to get here, and what I’ll have to do to get the job done and take the Lightweight Championship home. That’s my concern, that’s what I’m focused on this weekend.”

[Before Luke can ask another question, another reporter flags Paige’s attention down. There’s a moment where Luke looks offended by the interruption, but the fact that Paige relatively easily moved on from him seems to sit Luke down and allow a new set of questions.]

???: “Jason Clarke, Fight Online, I wanted to get into something a little more…well, fight relevant, frankly. Last time we saw you fight was the same night we saw Delaney last, and that night he…pretty handily beat Abbie Peterson until the doctor couldn’t clear her for round 4. Considering you and Abbie have…fairly similar fighting styles, did that open your eyes to anything in Delaney’s game, any…any holes you might see, or something like that?

PAIGE HOLLOWAY: “Here’s the thing about that–I never assume I’m facing the same fighter I saw last time. Yeah, that fight was only a couple months ago, I know, but I’m gonna say it again, I don’t think Delaney’s coming into this fight looking at it as it might be his last. The only major thing I saw that night was he took a few kicks in that third round before the cut that stopped the fight, and–to your point–he’ll be just as aware as anyone else that he fought someone similar to me last time, so he’ll probably have been working on that. But it’s hard to point out a flaw in the guy who’s beaten…basically everyone, y’know? You don’t get to the point he’s at, going through damn near an entire division, by…luck, or by fluke, or whatever. You do it by constantly improving, so…did I see something I might be able to exploit? Maybe, yea, but do I think he hasn’t been working on shoring that up? Absolutely not. I don’t really see any glaring weaknesses, so…I’ll just have to find my opportunities on fight night.”

JASON CLARKE: “You’ve been crystal clear since debuting with UGP about what your goal is, but I’m curious what it means to you to have reached this fight, with…it has to be said, relative quickness, and a chance to derail one of the most dominant reigns we’ve seen in any company.”

[The question actually stops Paige and forces her to mull over her thoughts, even bobbing her head side to side as she thinks. For just a moment, she glances down the table toward Delaney, then turns back to Jason to respond.]

PAIGE HOLLOWAY: “As a fighter, this is…this is the moment I’ve been working toward, for the past four years. Even out of competition, I wasn’t just taking it easy, I was keeping myself sharp, I was staying ready to go if the urge ever hit. Fighting Delaney’s not exactly everyone’s idea of a great Sunday night, but personally? I couldn’t ask for much more than this fight, with this opportunity. And, you said it, a chance to dethrone maybe the most dominant champion of all time, certainly the best one in Union’s history so far, and get a chance to make a similar mark for myself…look, I don’t just want to be champion for its own sake, I want to say I fought the best and came out on top–hard to argue Delaney’s one of the best, so…yea, this chance means a lot, and I hope to make the most of it.”

???: “Prediction for the fight?”

[Paige’s attention turns toward the back of the room, where the comment came from. A little smirk forms on her face as she gives her usual response to that question.]

PAIGE HOLLOWAY: “Fireworks.”

[Paige turns her attention back to Jason, who looks like his train of thought got derailed by the interruption and ultimately sits back down, leading to the Lightweight challenger setting her mic down and letting others talk. It’s only a moment of quiet, though, before a woman stands up, flagging down the attention of Isabel Azevedo and the translator behind her.]

???: “Natalie Hayes, just a quick question for Isabel–last fight was a rough night, after a great first round there was some concern about your knee at the end of the fight, I was just wondering if you could give us an update, we haven’t really heard much about it since that night.”

[Izzi might not speak great English, but she can recognize the tone of the question even before the translator does his thing, and her usual smile lessens just a little bit. She taps a finger or two against the desk, but ultimately she just shrugs.]

ISABEL AZEVEDO: “(Lucky for me, it wasn’t as bad as it looked–hyperextended, but no major damage, nothing that needed surgery or anything. I can’t take anything away from Gianna, she found the tool she needed to win the fight, that’s what she’s done to almost everybody, but…I like to think I showed her what kind of danger she could’ve been in, and if we fight again, who knows? Maybe one of those submissions I caught early on finishes her next time.)”

NATALIE HAYES: “That leads us to this weekend’s fight, of course–with Gianna’s next defense against Lilly Dunne, and a 2-0 record against Dallas Meechan, a win this weekend could put either you or Lauren into a title fight…”

[Her name being mentioned draws L-Mo’s attention, but as ever at a press conference, she’s loathe to interrupt, letting Izzi and Natalie have their time.]

NATALIE HAYES: “So, a question for both of you–probably an obvious one, but does that give you any extra motivation, going into this fight, or is this just…another fight for you?”

[Lauren hesitates to speak up first, but when she realizes Izzi’s having the question translated for her, she grabs her mic.]

LAUREN MOORE: “I mean, obviously, everybody wants to get to the top, right? So…yeah, in that sense, there’s extra motivation, but there’s a lot that goes into that that you can’t predict. Sure, Gianna has two wins over Dallas, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he can’t earn a third crack at her. Lilly might be the one to dethrone her. Lena’s always right on the cusp of a shot, if she gets a good win over Gibrelle in Arizona, you never know what the rankings might look like. So…yes, but I don’t like to look that far ahead, personally.

NATALIE HAYES: “And, Isabel, same question for you?”

ISABEL AZEVEDO: “(I can’t say I wasn’t disappointed with not being able to get the job done in Brazil, especially after that first round, so a chance to earn a shot at the title again, a chance to get that belt that slipped through my fingers a couple months ago? Yeah, that’s…that’s a pretty strong motivator, that’s something that makes me push a little harder.)”

[Natalie nods and sits back down, replaced almost immediately by a younger man in a San Antonio Spurs cap and a UTSA t-shirt.]

???: “David Martinez, San Antonio Express-News, this is mostly a question for Lauren–coming up against a grappler like Izzi, it doesn’t seem like fighting your usual fight is going to be a benefit this time, but in the past we’ve seen fights that stay standing don’t often go your way–Zari and Dallas come to mind; I’m just curious, what have you done to prepare, given that your strengths kinda play into Izzi’s as well?”

[Lauren screws her nose up a little bit at the reminder of her more recent losses, but it’s more of a pout than any real annoyance; instead, Lauren just spins her mic for a second while she thinks before speaking up.]

LAUREN MOORE: “You’re not wrong, unfortunately; I don’t have the best history with fights I can’t get to the ground, but I also don’t know that I’ve ever faced a grappler like Isabel before. But, on the flip side of the coin, I don’t think she’s ever faced a wrestler like me, either. She’s proven she’s dangerous off her back, I’m not going to pretend like that’s not something we’ve seen in the past, but it’s not just a jiu-jitsu match in there, so…just because she’s talented on the ground, doesn’t mean she’s not in trouble when I take her down.”

DAVID MARTINEZ: “Just one quick follow-up, then I have a question for Isabel as well–in her past few fights, Izzi’s shown some pretty solid boxing, knocking out Tim, she put Lena on spaghetti legs, even in that first round against Gianna, she had some really impressive combos; is that something you’ve been working on as well, or is your focus more on just getting her to the ground?”

LAUREN MOORE: “I mean, I’m always working on every part of my game, trying to improve everywhere I can, but…I’m not going to pretend like I’m going to be winning kickboxing tournaments or anything, yanno? I know what I’m best at, I know where I can control fights, so…that’s my focus, but yeah, I’ve definitely seen what Izzi brings to the table, and I’ve definitely been working on getting better on my feet as well.”

DAVID MARTINEZ: “And then Isabel, with that in mind, even though you’re primarily known as a grappler, is there a plan to keep the fight on the feet this weekend, just knowing the kind of wrestler you’re up against?”

[“A Maravilha” clicks her tongue just once, glancing over at Lauren for just a second; maybe the happiest, most civil stare down in history occurs for just a second, before Izzi turns her attention back to David.]

ISABEL AZEVEDO: “(If you’re asking if I think I have an advantage on the feet, I do–Lauren’s been pretty one-way in her fights, every one she’s looking for the takedown, it’s…really, really rare to see her trying to engage on the feet, and less so that she does it successfully. So if I can keep the fight standing, I think I’ve got the advantage, but you said it earlier, if she gets a takedown? That’s not really a safe place for her either. So…I guess my answer is no, I don’t plan on keeping the fight standing; I do think I have the advantage there, but I’m pretty confident I can win this fight regardless of where it takes place.)”

[Lauren’s smile twists a little bit, Izzi’s confidence drawing just a little smirk from L-Mo as she settles back in her seat.]

DAVID MARTINEZ: “Fair enough, thanks ladies.”

[Izzi keeps her attention on the crowd for a moment longer, looking for anyone else who might have a question for her–but when it looks like it’s chilled out for now, she sits back as well and sets her mic on the table. The silence lasts for barely a moment before Jason Clarke is once again on his feet, this time looking towards the current UGP MIddleweight Champion. Travis clocks this and sits forward awaiting the question.]

JASON CLARKE: “This next one is for you, Travis. Now your last two fights have been against fighters who, some would say, are part of the “pioneer” era of Union GP, and have seen a lot of ups and downs in their recent fights. Byron McCall, on the other hand, is a pioneer to the sport and has been on a tear as of late. What does this fight mean to you, given the fact he’s a Hall of Famer and a former teammate?”

[Travis looks over at his opponent sitting at the same desk.]

TRAVIS DECKER: “Byron is one of the best to ever step foot in that cage. Period. There’s a few people who can make that claim, and it is my honest belief that Byron is one of them. To step into the cage and defend my middleweight championship against such a fighter is the reason why I fight. The reason why I give everything to continue to be the best.”

[Travis looks back at the reporter.]

TRAVIS DECKER: “I understand better than most what it is like to stumble before finding your groove, and his path may very well lead him to becoming middleweight champion as mine did.”

[Travis once again looks to Byron.]

TRAVIS DECKER: “But it will take more than finding your groove to take this championship from me Byron. It will take more than you were even at your previous best. You need to be in the best form of your career right now or you will not become Middleweight Champion. And even then, I’m not going to make it easy. Right now I’m tied for the most consecutive title defenses in Middleweight history, and I am going to give everything I can to make sure that streak continues.”

JASON CLARKE: “Speaking of your streak, a win here would set a new Middleweight record of consecutive title defenses and tied for second all-time in Union GP. There’s a wave of new generation talent coming up the rankings, my question for you is, how much longer can we expect to see you in the octagon? There’s definitely fresh matchups coming up, does that excite you and keep you motivated to extend your résumé?”

[Travis takes a second to think as he focuses back on Jason. He gives a small smile.]

TRAVIS DECKER: “Well, I just signed a new deal, so at least another 4 fights.” 

[He lets out a chuckle.]

TRAVIS DECKER: “Seriously though, the thought of retirement has not even approached the back of my mind. I’m in my prime right now, and even IF I were to lose the Championship I would still have that desire to get back into the cage again. Seeing new fighters making their way up, making names for themselves, it just shows that this sport has a bright future and I look forward to hopefully getting to face a few of them before I finally call it a day, whenever down the line that may be.” 

[Jason sits down as Travis sits back in his chair. At the same time, the Lightweight champion leans forward in his own chair as he sees the attention turning toward him.]

FRANKIE DE JONG: “Delaney, I’ve got a qu-”

[Donovan, with an easy smile on his face, cuts the man off by speaking up.]

DELANEY DONOVAN: “Almost thought the lot of you forgot I was even here. I’m kidding, of course, and sorry to interrupt. Go ahead.”

FRANKIE DE JONG: “Have you considered the possibility that, taking another fight in defense of your championship, that you might get beat? And if you do get beat do you think it tarnishes your legacy at all?”

[Thoughtful as ever, Delaney contemplates the question for a moment before answering.]

DELANEY DONOVAN: “The first question is an easy one. Of course I’ve considered that possibility. I’ve considered the possibility and the ramifications of that happening in every fight of my career. Do I think it will tarnish my legacy? I don’t think that’s really for me to decide. But I’ve been the Lightweight Champion for nearly 3 years. I haven’t lost a fight in the Lightweight Division since before the Misty Demeans steroid scandal when Hanako beat me. That’s not to say that Paige can’t and won’t. But if she does, I don’t know that it will tarnish my legacy. I don’t know what else I can do, except beat her. And if that is the difference between my legacy being appreciated or not, well, I don’t know what to tell you.”

JASON CLARKE: “What made you take the fight? After your last defense we were all pretty certain you were going to step away for mega fights? Did those not materialize?”

[Before the words can even get out of his mouth Delaney is already shaking his head to deny the reporters question, but naturally he goes forward to answer more thoroughly a moment later.]

DELANEY DONOVAN: “No, that’s not it at all. I never even really got into the conversation about moving up or down a weight class to fight Decker or Gianna. The reason for that is because Paige made what I thought was a fair point the last time I spoke to you all. She said if she was going to fight me, she wanted it to be while I was the champion and I can’t help but not only respect that, but see the validity in what she said. So it was at that moment that I decided I owed it to the division that I’ve already given so much to, to keep defending this championship until I lose it. If that’s tonight, so be it. If that’s the next fight, so be it. If I have to keep signing one off contracts until I’m fifty years old, so be it. The division deserves its next champion to be someone who beat the current one. So here we are.”

DAVID MARTINEZ: “If you lose tonight will you seek an immediate rematch?”

DELANEY DONOVAN: “No. If I lose tonight, the division deserves to move onward. If I lose in my next fight, the division deserves to move onward. If I lose after that, the division still deserves to move onward. Whenever that loss comes it will be my last fight as a UGP Lightweight.”

LUKE REED: “You sound like you’ve already accepted that defeat is coming.”

[Again, Donovan shakes his head in denial.]

DELANEY DONOVAN: “Not at all. I know I have the ability to beat anyone that stands across the cage from me. I’ve had a solid camp. I’m in possibly the best shape I’ve ever been in in my life. I feel good. I feel like my understanding of how Paige fights is solid. And at the end of the day this is Mixed Martial Arts, a sport which I’ve been the undisputed pound for pound best the world has to offer for years now. If there’s anyone in the world to bet on, it’s me. But I’m also not a fool. Time catches up with everyone and eventually even the greatest runs in sports come to an end. Will it be Paige Holloway to achieve that feat? We’ll see. Many have tried but it’s been a hell of a long time since anyone has succeeded.”

ISAAC COHEN: “Gauge, question for you right here. First off, how are you feeling? How has the camp been going, knowing that you aren’t on a super restricted diet and cutting to 225 anymore?”

[Gauge Lattimore’s ears perk up hearing his name called and quickly picks the mic up to answer the easy layup question.]

GAUGE LATTIMORE: “I’m feeling great. Not gonna lie, I don’t miss the weight cut. That shit was draining. I’ve been able to just eat clean and train. I feel like I’ve gained a lot of my strength and power I had when I was in G2, while still keeping my speed up. I’m excited for this fight.”

ISAAC COHEN: “Do you feel this first round fight will be a tune up for your heavyweight debut in Union? Are you looking past Von Mathieu and circling a date with Sergey Loktev?”

[Gauge Lattimore can’t help but smirk at the question, flashing his gold tooth in the process and slightly shaking his head.]

GAUGE LATTIMORE: “I’m not overlooking Von at all. Absolutely not. Von is my main focus and has been for weeks. He’s a big boy with a lot of power. He’s sitting at 9-2. You know where I was when I was 9-2? I was getting ready to face Daniel Fisk in the G2 World Fight League, and you all know how that went down. I beat a legend when no one really knew my man or gave me any sort of chance. That catapulted my career, put me on the map, and helped pave the way to where I’m at now. So no, I’m not overlooking Von Mathieu at all. I know exactly what he’s got ahead of him because I was in the exact same situation. I know he’s a real threat and has a ton of potential to be a big star, but he’s gonna have to wait another day. He’s not making a name off of me.”

ISAAC COHEN: “Does the size difference worry you at all?”

GAUGE LATTIMORE: “If anything it’s what’s driving me. The guy’s 6’10” and all of 265. This fight is gonna show me where I stand in this division. If I get past Von, then I’m feeling really good about how I can hold up. I know I may be a bit undersized against a lot of these guys at heavyweight, but I know I can outwork just about every single one of them. So that’s really my game plan. Slip and dip, wear him down and then do what I do best and just swarm him.”

[As Gauge sits the mic down on the table, another reporter pops up with a question.]

KAYLA CHAPMAN: “Gauge, I have a question over here. We all just watched the first RFC event take place a few weeks ago, do you have any interest in competing there?”

GAUGE LATTIMORE: “Is there interest? Sure. If the money is right, I’ll fight anyone, anywhere. I haven’t given it much thought though, my main focus is UGP 37 and this tournament. Once this is wrapped up, I’ll have a talk with Levi and maybe we’ll entertain the idea.”

KAYLA CHAPMAN: “Last one for me. At the most recent DRIP show, we saw your gym, Gold Blooded MMA, have two fighters signed to Union contracts. Can you tell us a little bit about them?”

GAUGE LATTIMORE: “Oh man, y’all are gonna love these guys. Deebo has been my boy since we were kids man, and I’m so happy to see him finally get some recognition. He really deserves it. He’s put so much into this sport and he’s such a fun guy to watch. He’s definitely gonna shake things up in that division. And as far as Moony goes… the dude is a Jiu Jitsu ace. He’s been so instrumental to the gym since he joined, helping guys like me improve their ground game. He’s another guy that I think is going to change up the game as he climbs the rankings.”

ISAAC COHEN: “One final question for me, Gauge. This is the first time you’ve fought in the States since your main event fight with Lovelie Saint-Cyr in your hometown Detroit. What’s the feeling like fighting on this card, especially being the opener?”

GAUGE LATTIMORE: “First off, I’m pretty relieved that this is scheduled for 3 rounds. Before my fight with Santos, my last 3 fights have all gone 25 minutes, and that takes a huge toll on your body. I think this will benefit me in getting adjusted to the bigger guys in the heavyweight division and at the same time still push the place.”

[Gauge inhales a deep breath before answering the second part of the question.]

GAUGE LATTIMORE: “Secondly, I love competing and traveling all over the world. To me that’s a big perk that doesn’t really get talked about much for this sport. But the ease of competing in the U.S. makes for a much easier training camp. You don’t have to worry about passports and travel restrictions and all that nonsense. And honestly, I’m hyped about being the opening fight. We go out there and set the tone. And to be on a card that’s headlined by Delaney Donovan, Paige Holloway, Travis Decker, and Byron McCall…? Well that’s just icing on the cake.”

[Gauge pauses to scan the stage to see all of the fighters in attendance and really soak in the magnitude of this event.]

GAUGE LATTIMORE: “Those are four fighters that will end their careers in the hall of fame, and to be a part of it all is absolutely special. I’ve had my times as the main event attraction, but opportunities like this are what makes you a superstar. You kinda get that rub. Both hardcore and casual fans are going to tune into this event. And to be the first guy they see when they flip on their screens, that’s a golden opportunity, man.”

[Gauge once again sits the microphone down on the table and nods his head, as it seems that the reporters have gotten what they needed outta him.]

ISAAC COHEN: “Byron, I have some questions for you if you’re ready.”

[Byron, who has been attentive this whole time, looks over towards Isaac. He seems to have a laundry list of questions ready, Byron nods.]

ISAAC COHEN: “What does it mean for you to come back from retirement, from being inducted into the hall of fame, now sitting and waiting for a title opportunity? Did you ever think you would get to this point after leaving the sport?”

[Byron picks up the microphone in front of him, rubbing the scruff on his face. He’s deep in thought, almost ambushed by the question in a way. Even in preparation, the words still are hard to come by.]

BYRON MCCALL: “When I left, I was still physically in a good way. Things were happening all around me, I was starting a family and I just thought that in doing so other things needed to be put aside. Money wasn’t going to be a problem, and I wanted to be there for my kids. I didn’t want them to see this shell of what their father used to be because he kept chasing something that wasn’t there. So I made a choice to leave, and I was still appreciated in the end. I was put into something I didn’t really think I deserved, but it was a nice reward in a way.

Time passed, my family was going good. But knowing that I didn’t really deserve being in the hall of fame without winning a championship here never sat right with me. And people around me knew this, my wife knew this. She saw how much it bugged me, leaving so much on the table. Maybe it was too early, maybe I just needed the break. I knew, and she knew, that trying again wouldn’t really hurt anything. So I had to try, and now I’m here. I’m proving it to myself, I’m going to earn what was given to me. People may consider me a hall of famer, but until I win that championship from Travis I don’t consider myself one. This is the shot I’ve always wanted, and I’m getting it now. I earned it, I’m going to earn my place here.”

KAYLA CHAPMAN: “Byron, question over here.”

[Byron scans the room, searching for Kayla Chapman. His eyes lock onto her, as he nods.]

KAYLA CHAPMAN: “You’re finally here, title match against Travis Decker. Do you feel like you’re ready for a match like this?”

[Byron waits for her to finish, answering her almost immediately as she sits.]

BYRON MCCALL: “I’m very familiar with Travis, and how he works. He gave his all to get to the top, and win that championship. His work ethic is unmatched, and knowing that I was going to face him made me realize some things. I came back for a reason, and the amount of training the both of us were going to do wouldn’t matter in the end. We’re both world class, we both put in ungodly amounts of hours and effort into our camps. We’re virtually even there, I had to come to terms with that. It’s going to come down to who can survive better. Who can outlast the other with the right amount of grit and fortitude. We’re not coming out of this okay, it’s going to be ugly. But this is what I wanted.”

[Kayla speaks up again.]

KAYLA CHAPMAN: “Travis has already stated that he’s signed a four fight contract, if you win or lose could you see this matchup happening again?”

[Byron thinks for a moment; his gaze looking towards the ceiling as he does.]

BYRON MCCALL: “Win or lose, I feel I’ve gotten what I’ve wanted out of coming back. I know there are others out there, hungry and ready for their opportunity. But I know our talents, and I know it’s going to be hard to separate that. I’m coming off a win that avenged one of my few losses in this company. I think either way it’s going to be hard to keep either of us from wanting to run it back when everything is said and done.”

[Byron is just about finished when Isaac stands back up, reading off of his phone it seems that something has come to mind for him.]

ISAAC COHEN: “Last question here, but do you have any plans or interests in fighting under the Ryujin FC banner? Their last show was widely regarded to be a success, it could open up a lot of matchups for you.”

[Byron smiles, almost like he was expecting that question.]

BYRON MCCALL: “I think I’m going to take things one at a time, right now my focus is on the middleweight championship. But after that? Who knows, if an interesting match presented itself I wouldn’t shy away from it.”

[Suddenly, there’s a commotion towards the back as the doors to the auditorium swing open. A few reporters swarm the area as security can be seen heading over. Over the chatter of the reporters, a voice rings out filling the auditorium.]

???: “GET THE FUCK OFF ME CORNBALL!“

[It becomes clear that the voice belongs to that of Ryujin Fighter CC Flynn when the young woman pushes past the reporters. She doesn’t get far though, as she’s soon apprehended by the security guards. They easily start dragging her out of the room but that doesn’t stop her from screaming the entire way out.]

CC FLYNN: “AYE! IT’S MOTHERFUCKING CC! BIG SUPASTAR SHIT! 206 OR SUCK MY DICK! FUCK TWIN CITIES! FUCK RED ROCK! FUCK SCRAPYARD! FUCK HIT SQUAD! FUCK THRONE! FUCK KRATOS! FUCK MKK! GIVE ME CAL STUPID ASS! GIVE ME SCOE BITCH ASS! GIVE ME DELANEY! FUCK IT! GIVE ME DANTE!”

[There’s a lot of commotion and all attention has been redirected toward the back. The swarm of security forcefully escort the former Everest Featherweight Champion back out of the main doors. Dante Reed can be seen on the main stage with his eyes closed, head tiled down, and taking a deep sigh as he shakes his head.]

DANTE REED: “Well, I think that’s a good time to call it, folks. Thank you all for being here, we’ll see you Sunday night!”

[The room is filled with controlled chaos as the PA system kicks in and the lights gradually flicker on. The feed gradually fades out, leaving only the Battleground Network Logo visible for the final shot.]