[The arena is swarming with a loud and animated crowd that becomes more restless by the second for impending chaos. Crimson spotlights scan all through the building while laser lights and a brilliant white strobe light flutters on the main entrance stage. The deep bass from the music shakes you to the core.]
[The air, which hours ago was fresh, cool, and dry, is now thick with humidity from twenty-thousand plus, and reeks with the toxic aroma of alcohol and that sticky sweet leaf. The pyrotechnic explosives drown out the sounds of cheers from the crowd with each detonation, havoc has descended upon these grounds.]
[The stage of a bloody war is set. The conquerors envision nothing but execution towards victory, while the meek is flooded with doubt. The camera pans down in the trenches at cageside, where we are greeted with Bodie Sullivan and Jason Jackson, ready for their cue.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Ladies and gentlemen, we are live exclusively on the Battleground Network here at the T-Mobile Arena in Sin City Las Vegas, Nevada and the octagon is officially open for business for UGP 38! We thank you all for joining us again for a special night of fights. I am Bodie Sullivan and standing next to me is Hall of Fame legend, Jason Jackson! JJ, as always, it’s an honor to be in the presence of greatness to call these fights my friend.”
JASON JACKSON: “Happy to be back, uce. I don’t know about you but I am HYPE for this card. Fight fans around the world are in for a treat! ”
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Some would say that this card has flown under the radar, especially with not one but two new champions being crowned at our last super card, but let me tell you, it is absolutely stacked with killers from top to bottom tonight. Kicking things off we have the lone Middleweight bout on the docket as former two-time Champion Robert Guilliman takes on Aries Reed in a rematch from their epic UGP 13 Main Event clash. Once upon a time, these two were pillars of the 185 pound class, but now they seem to be heading into the twilight of their careers, still grasping at one more run at the title. Since their first meeting, Guilliman has gone 5-6 while Reed has amassed a 7-4 stretch. But make no mistake about it, both of these men sit inside the top five and with Travis Decker recently getting unseated by Byron McCall, the next man up is up for grabs.”
JASON JACKSON: “Yeah this one right here definitely has promise for some fireworks. Like you said, they are two men at the tail end of their careers with hopes for one last push for gold. Reed made the jump up in weight class for a minute and I think that is what threw him off his game. Primarch on the other hand has been on a skid ever since the fall of Real KIllas, and I think he really needs a win here to make continuing in this sport make sense. Either way, I don’t think there will be any timidness between these two. They are known to throw bombs and look to leave it out of the hands of these judges so… you can count on some showcase standup skills in this opener.”
BODIE SULLIVAN: “From there we move on to our lone Lightweight bout featuring two prominent prospects who have scorched the earth on their way to top four rankings. Former Everest MMA Featherweight Champion Alistair McKay takes on former Everest MMA Welterweight Champion Silvio Gotti Junior in what could be surmised as a title eliminator. Paige Holloway is now Queen of the Lightweights and needs a worthy opponent for her first title defense now that Delaney Donovan has called it a career. I can’t think of two better fighters duking it out to answer that call.”
JASON JACKSON: “Silvio Gotti Jr has gone from prospect to prime in the blink of an eye, meanwhile Alistairs been here doing work and he’s made a name for himself right? Although they have similar records, I think you have to give the edge in experience to McKay. He’s fought on the big stage more, he knows how to handle the pressure and the nerves. But you can’t count Gotti out. He’s beaten some real savage motherfuckers in Everest, Derrius Webb most notably. Both of them are the future of this division though Bodie, and I think either one would be a fitting challenger for Paige. I think if Gotti can shake the nerves and the pressure he has the ability to pull this off. He’s just gotta watch out for that showstopping power of Alistair McKay.”
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Next is our featured undercard bout, which is the first of two Bantamweight contests tonight. Former Champ Dallas Meechan takes on Tim Vu, and somewhat similarly to McKay and Gotti, this fight has the potential to be a title eliminator bout. Both of these fighters sit inside the top four and depending on how tonight’s Main Event unfolds and the subsequent aftermath, this could decide the next title challenger. However, the top of the division is bottle necked with the likes of these two plus Izzi Azevedo, Lena Lyons, Lauren Moore, and Rachel Parsons; so it could all come down to who shows out in their next outing.”
JASON JACKSON: “I think you’re right. This one could very well determine who is up next, but it will have to be a masterful performance. You’ve got huge HUGE names in this division, the likes of which you mentioned and they all want to be the king or queen of the hill. Dante is going to book the fights that are the most thrilling and must see. So these guys are going to want to come out here and put on a SHOW. That usually isn’t a problem for either man though. I think we are going to be treated to a back and forth war from these two potential title contenders.”
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Heading into the Co-Main Event, it’s the last semifinals bout in the Interim Heavyweight Championship Grand Prix. We know Viktor Volkov has advanced to the finals, and tonight we will see who he will face between Sergey Loktev and Gauge Lattimore for the Interim Title. Both Sergey and Gauge possess some incredible skills and even though they both are known for their striking, their approach is distinctly different. Sergey can mix it up with his kickboxing, but Gauge is a straight up pure boxer.”
JASON JACKSON: “Big Vik waits atop the mountain and both of these men are hungry to be the one to meet him there. Both are heavy hitters that can end the night in one single strike, but like you said Loktev has that kickboxing skillset. He can use that to try and keep Gauge at bay on the outside. That being said “try” is the keyword there. If Gauge can close the distance and land cleanly? I think he puts Loktev to sleep. I guess we’ll see though, huh? I can’t wait for this one. Big boys makin’ big noise.”
BODIE SULLIVAN: “And finally, the Main Event for tonight is a rematch that first took place in Everest MMA for the inaugural Strawweight Championship. Two Throne MMA teammates and two Vegas fan favorites, Gianna Howard defends her Bantamweight Title against Lilly Dunne. JJ, we have become accustomed to the dominant performances from Gianna Howard, but the biggest question on everybody’s mind is whether or not Lilly Dunne has made not only the necessary adjustments for this rematch, but also the overall improvements to her game. G likes to work on the outside perimeter and utilize her kickboxing whereas Lilly Dunne does the most damage inside the clinch and keeping things in close range. It’s gonna be a battle of who can implement their strategy throughout a possible twenty-five minutes.”
JASON JACKSON: “It’s a good question. Has Lilly made those adjustments? That’s the key. If she can utilize those level changes and keep Gianna guessing, then she has a chance. Feint that takedown, shoot a few times, and then close that distance to get your clinch. The key is to keep Gianna on her toes and guessing, because if not? She’ll pick you apart within 3 rounds. I’m excited to see if Lilly has come back for revenge, or if the Ghost proves to be just too much for her once again.”
BODIE SULLIVAN: “And with that folks, it’s time to turn our attention inside the octagon where our very own hype man, Mike Dempsey, patiently awaits! It’s Bout Time, ladies and gentlemen!”
MIKE DEMPSEY: “Ladies and gentlemen, we are live exclusively on the Battleground Network here at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada for UGP 38! And now, this opening contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Middleweight Division! Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of nineteen wins, ten losses. He stands 6’ even, and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Atlanta, Georgia, fighting out of the Lion’s Den FC Las Vegas, presenting the number four ranked Middleweight Contender in the World, “The Silver Tongued Devil” Aries Reed!
[Aries Reed looks calm in his corner, but knows he has a tough fight ahead of him.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “First at bat for the night is Aries Reed. As we mentioned at the top of the show, Reed has gone 7-4 since his first meeting with Robert Guilliman. Two of those losses came from his brief stint at Cruiserweight. He’s won three out of his last four, but he’s coming off of a loss to Travis Decker that was for the 185 pound title at UGP 36. He’s had two failed bids for the title, but tonight we will see if he has enough left in the tank to make a push for a chance at a third title shot.”
JASON JACKSON: “Not just a third title shot, but there’s some speculation it could be a last chance at a title shot. Some folks are saying he’s at the end of the road in his career but personally I hope we get the Aries Reed that was out here starching guys like Navorro Williams, Travis Decker, Zion Momo’a, and even the current champ Byron McCall. Aries was no slouch in his come up, and although he’s missed a step with the weight division shift, I believe he has what it takes to knock Gulliman slick the fuck out and send him to the retirement home.”
MIKE DEMPSEY: “And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of twelve wins, seven losses. He stands 6’1”, and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Los Angeles, California, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, presenting the former two-time Middleweight Champion and the number three ranked Middleweight Contender in the World, “The Primarch” Robert Guilliman!”
[Robert Guilliman is calm in his corner. He looks confident in his abilities.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “You know better than most, JJ, but we talk a lot about how fighters leave a piece of themselves in the cage after every fight. And sometimes, a fighter is never truly the same after a devastating loss. That couldn’t be truer for Robert Guilliman as of late. We could pinpoint the sudden downfall of The Primarch starting with his loss to Delaney Donovan. Including that fight, Guilliman has gone just 1-5 after dominating the division for so long. For some it’s a gradual decline, and for others like Guilliman, it’s a free fall. You have to think that if he doesn’t come out of this one with a win, it might be the end of the road.”
JASON JACKSON: “Yeah, he’s not looking so great anymore. I think between the losses and the sudden evacuation of a lot of RK’s top tier training partners, he’s suffering. Not to mention, he’s always been this… I hate to say it… “one trick pony.” By that, I mean he relied to heavily on that headkick and after a while people are able to scope that and scout it and make adjustments. MMA evolves each passing day and if you don’t evolve with it then you perish. Let’s see if Primarch has evolved his game and made the adjustments for one more run at the gold, or if this is the end of the rope for him.”
[Both men touch gloves as the fight begins, and Guilliman opens up with a series of stinging leg kicks, over and over, to the same place on the outside of Reed’s thigh, that’s visibly annoying the Silver Tongued Devil. When the fourth one lands and causes a visible welt on Reed’s leg, this early on it, Reed decides he’s done with this and jabs his way in tight, cinching up a single collar clinch. He digs a few body shots, but Guilliman covers up and avoids any major impact. He’s eventually able to shuck Reed’s hand off his head, but Reed doesn’t give him time to circle away–instead, he throws a MASSIVE left hook that buckles Guilliman’s legs, and causes significant swelling on his right cheek! Guilliman circles away, but Reed’s in pursuit, jabbing his way back into range before winging an overhand right that SLAMS into Guilliman’s face!]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Big shots landing early here! These two are very familiar with each other and see no need for a feeling out process.”
JASON JACKSON: “There’s the fight ending power of Reed on display early. Guilliman can’t take many more of these. He doesn’t have the chin that he used to.”
[Guilliman swings a wild kick that whiffs, but after a moment to reconstitute himself, he slams a liver kick that Reed only JUST manages to block. Guilliman jabs in close, but Reed parries a punch and manages to tie him up in a clinch again; it doesn’t last long, as there’s minimal action, and the official steps in to break the clinch. On the restart, a WILD firefight kicks off, with Aries Reed getting the better of the exchange, managing to knock the Primarch’s head back with an uppercut! Guilliman circles away, which causes Reed to shout at him that they’re “in a fight, LET’S FIGHT!” Guiliman responds with a shrug and slams another leg kick in, that forces a grimace to Reed’s face.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Those leg kicks by Guilliman lit a fire under Reed! He’s ready to throw down!”
JASON JACKSON: “My man said “THIS IS A FIGHT, NOT A MARATHON! STOP RUINNING!” I love it. It looks like Primarch is on the ropes already. His only answer are those legs kicks and they seem to be doing some damage but is it enough? He also needs to mix it up and set those up with his hands because Aries is going to counter them eventually. No one is going to stand in one spot and willingly get leg kicked.”
[Seeing success with it, Guilliman tries again–this time, Reed checks it, and absolutely BLASTS the Primarch with a straight right hand that wobbles him! Guilliman keeps his guard up, deflecting some of Reed’s follow up punches, before coming back with a few big shots of his own that forces Reed to step back and weave to try to avoid any heavy impact. Nothing significant lands from the Primarch on this occasion, but it gave him enough room to recover, so when Reed steps back in with a couple straight shots just before the round ends, Guilliman’s able to deflect them and survive to the horn.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “We had a feeling these two would generate some action right out the gate and they did not disappoint. There were some strong striking sequences out of both guys. Guilliman targeted the legs with his kicks, which is no surprise, and Reed landed some brutal shots that looked like they put Guilliman in some vulnerable spots and exposed him a bit.”
JASON JACKSON: “Yeah, that round was all Reed, if I’m scoring it. Aggression, control, damage, he controlled all those aspects. I’m going 10-9 Reed and that’s being generous to Guilliman. He’s gotta do more than just leg kicks. If there was a time for one of those patented headkicks? Now would be a good time.”
[After taking several big shots from Aries Reed in round one, Robert Guilliman seems to have decided he’s going to try to close this fight out early in the second–as no sooner has the round started, than he rushes across the cage and launches a flying knee that absolutely ROCKS Reed, and sends his mouthpiece flying! Somehow, though, the Silver Tongued Devil is still on his feet, and he’s even cognizant enough to keep the Primarch at bay with a few tentative jabs and one big hook. But Robert saw what worked, and goes to the well again–he avoids a big shot from Reed, and quickly jumps for a second flying knee that again slams into Reed’s head! Yet, somehow, Reed’s STILL on his feet! He’s on spaghetti legs, though, and circles away to avoid any follow up attacks from Guilliman.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “It only takes one shot to turn a raging bull into a stumbling Bambi! Aries Reed takes two massive knees to the dome but somehow this guy is still standing!”
JASON JACKSON: “Whewwww. Those were some BIG knees. Silver tongued devil? More like Steel chinned warrior. This man ate BOTH of those.”
[The Primarch chases Reed down, which gives Reed an opportunity to land a big, looping counter strike that forces Guilliman to rethink his pursuit. Reed manages to buy himself enough time to shake the cobwebs free, and when Guilliman launches a big, high head kick, Reed leans his body back to avoid it, then absolutely SLAMS a counter right hook in, that opens a cut under the Primarch’s left eye! Reed pounces on the opening, landing a series of straight shots, before punctuating the combo with a haymaker of a right hook that puts Guilliman down! Before Reed can do any more damage, Lars Levy steps in and waves the fight off!]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “AND IT IS ALLLLL OVER. Aries Reed with a dominant performance here tonight. You’ve gotta think that this is the twilight of Robert Guilliman and a resurgence for Aries. What a fire fight to open the show.”
JASON JACKSON: “I told you. You either evolve, or perish. Aries knew that this man only had a bag of kicks and he came prepared to counter everything Primarch threw at him. I agree, we’ve gotta be seeing the end of Robert Gulliman’s career. There’s no way he can keep taking this sort of punishment each time out. Shout out to Aries though! He looks to be back in prime form and I’m excited to see what comes of this.”
[The crowd explodes into cheers while Reed celebrates with his cornermen. The Ringside Physicians rush into the octagon and immediately tend to Guilliman. After a few moments pass, The Primarch is able to stand on his own, so the medical team files out of the cage so both fighters can meet back in the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY: “Ladies and gentlemen, referee Lars Levy has called for a stop in this fight at one minute forty-four seconds in the second round, declaring your winner by technical knockout, “The Silver Tongued Devil” Aries Reed!”
[The crowd cheers once again as Aries Reed has his hand raised in victory. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to their respective crews. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight while the commentators recap.]
Winner: Aries Reed by TKO (Shovel Hook) at 1:44 Round 2
Statistics: Robert Guilliman
Punches 0/14 (0%)
Kicks 6/14 (43%)
Clinch strikes 0/3 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
Statistics: Aries Reed
Punches 17/23 (74%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 0 s
BODIE SULLIVAN: “We are back ladies and gentlemen from our break for station identification. Be sure to tune in to the Battleground Network for Season Three of Everest MMA. The landscape is going to look a whole lot different with all four season two champions getting the call up to Union. It’s a phenomenal product to watch today’s up and coming prospects hone their skills. We’ve seen the two fighters coming up next compete there and make a name for themselves, winning championship gold along the way.”
JASON JACKSON: “Everest has given us a lot of talent as of late and it’s awesome seeing these new waves of fighters coming into the fold. It’s great to see a developmental place like this too where you can hone your skills before stepping up to the big stage. There was nothing like that in my day. It was right into the deep and you either sank or swam. Me? I liked to breast stroke all over these hoes. But seriously, Dante is doing great things for this sport, and he’s always been one to give a shot to deserving fighters. Kinda like he did for this guy right here.”
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Big shout out to Zion Momo’a who’s in the building tonight. We got to finally see him return to action at RFC 1 and put on a helluva performance. Makes me believe that he’s not far from a Championship bout over there in Japan.”
JASON JACKSON:“Not far from a championship shot at all, and JESUS what a nasty knockout that was in that last bout. Shades of me back in the day in CGFC. It’s been a journey for Zion, that’s for sure. He’s gone from charity shows to title contention, but the big one has always seemed to elude him, hasn’t it? After suffering a brutal leg injury in that fight with Decker and having to vacate the division, he’s back with a vengeance and has his sights set on finally conquering the unconquerable. Mixed Martial Arts gold.”
MIKE DEMPSEY: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Lightweight Division! Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Wrestler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of five wins, one loss. He stands 5’9”, and weighing in at 155 pounds. He is from Vienna, Austria, fighting out of Red Rock Fighting, presenting the former Everest MMA Welterweight Champion and the number four ranked Lightweight Contender in the World, “The Sickle” Silvio Gotti Jr.!”
[Silvio Gotti raises his fists in his corner. He seems confident.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “First up in our lone Lightweight bout is the former Everest Welterweight Champion, Silvio Gotti, who delivered on his Union debut with a gritty decision victory over Osvaldo Ledesma at Boss Fight XXXV. Jason, you touched on the potential this guy has based on the quality of his wins, particularly the not one but two wins over Derrius Webb. However, I think it’s safe to say he’s stepping up in competition in a big way. I’m curious to see how his wrestling holds up against such a terrifying striker. Can he do enough to suffocate his opponent’s terrifying offense tonight?”
JASON JACKSON: “In a BIG big way, Bodie. He’s got a real challenge laid out in front of him tonight. This is what I like to call “the measuring stick.” Dante and the powers that be want to see what this young man has at this higher level and they’ve thrown him right into the fire. It’s going to be interesting to see how he fares.”
MIKE DEMPSEY: “And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of nine wins, one loss. He stands 5’6”, and weighing in at 155 pounds. He is from Melbourne, Australia, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, presenting the former Everest MMA Featherweight Champion and the number one ranked Lightweight Contender in the World, “Artillery” Alistair McKay!”
[Alistair McKay is calm in his corner. He looks confident in his abilities.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “The Aussie Alistair McKay returns to action while riding a two fight win streak. He suffered his only loss in controversial fashion against Delaney Donovan at UGP 31 in his home country, which I believe has helped McKay grow into an even more dominant fighter in the long run. He’s got some experience facing world class grapplers, which only improves his chances of walking away with the dub here tonight.”
JASON JACKSON: “Let’s talk about the power though. Fuck the experience. They call this man Artillery for a reason. He has howitzers for fists and one shot could spell the end of the night for Silvio here. Gotti is going to have to be smart and use his grappling to the best of his ability because Alistair is going to be looking to take his goddamn head off. That much is for certain.”
[McKay and Gotti move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight. Both fighters size each other up in the center of the cage, then McKay launches a nice one-two combination. Gotti blocks the shots and wraps McKay up with double overhooks. This doesn’t slow the action down, as McKay continues to throw hands. Most of them miss, but he does land a couple good body shots before the two break off.]
[As the two circle about, McKay throws an uppercut, and then a hook to the body that lands solidly. McKay pushes the pace and goes with a looping right hand while Gotti jumps back and jabs. McKay only hits air then Gotti surprises him with double overhooks. McKay tries pummeling his way out, which opens him up for Gotti to catch his far ankle and trips him to the mat with a slick sweep single.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Nice takedown by Gotti. He’s got McKay in unfamiliar territory, let’s see how he handles it.”
JASON JACKSON: “Beautiful trip. That’s going to be the key to this fight. Keep him on his back and impose your gameplan. Great start by the newcomer.”
[As the two jockey for position, Gotti seems to have control of the situation until McKay senses an opening and rolls on the ground to get to full mount. Gotti doesn’t look the least bit worried and manages to free up a leg and scoot to half guard. The two continue scrambling for position and McKay switches to side mount, but during the move, Gotti rocks him with a headbutt! Referee Archie Driscoll sees the foul and puts a pause to the fight. The referee gives McKay the allotted five minutes to recover, and during the downtime, docks one point from Gotti for the headbutt. Gotti, his corner, and a majority of the crowd voiced their disagreement, but the decision was done. Not long after, McKay is ready to resume, and so the referee restarts the action with both fighters on their feet.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Oh. Boy I don’t know if I agree with that decision by the referee. What’s your take, Jason?”
JASON JACKSON: “I don’t think he did that maliciously. Looked to me like just a clash of heads. I don’t know if Archie saw something we didn’t but Gotti needs to fight like hell now because he’s down a round just like that. Bad call though in my opinion.”
[You can sense a fire has been lit under McKay, who comes out firing off a tremendous flurry. Gotti is able to defend them and counters with a snapping low kick just above the ankle. McKay feints and moves forward to land a left hook and then a double straight right. Gotti eats the hook but circles away in time to avoid the follow up strikes. McKay isn’t letting him off that easily though as he cuts him off and the two get into a heated exchange, where surprisingly Gotti gets the best of it. McKay lands a nice one-two combination and then a brutal right hand makes Gotti stumble back!]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Fistic fireworks in the making!”
JASON JACKSON: “Silvio was getting the better of that exchange and then BOP. One single shot changes the momentum. That’s Alistair McKay for you.”
[Gotti gets cut on his left cheek and like a shark smelling blood in the water, McKay swings for the fences! Gotti quite literally runs away and McKay is asking him if he is going to fight! The two gradually close the gap and as soon as he gets in range, McKay blasts Gotti with a right hand that causes him to slip to the mat! Gotti is dazed but still in position, readymade for McKay to try and jump his guard. Alistair isn’t biting though and instead launches a handful of kicks to the thigh that Gotti is able to check before the horn signals the end of the round.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Solid performance by Alistair McKay to close out the first round. Jason, we said McKay was in unfamiliar territory when the fight got to the ground, now he’s in another uncharted territory. This is the first time in McKay’s professional career to see the second round!”
JASON JACKSON: “Listen to what you just said. This is the first time EVER someone has survived the first round with McKay. He’s a bad man. As for scoring, with the point deducted that makes this a 10-8. Gotti is in a hole early here and he’ll need to rally back in this next round. Take advantage of McKay never going to deeper water. Make him work for it.”
[The second round begins with McKay wanting to continue pushing the pace. He comes out swinging, but Gotti is ready for it. Gotti blocks a nice one-two combo and then dodges a big swinging overhand right that opens up his opponent for him to change levels and score a double leg takedown. McKay manages to close his guard on the way down, which stifles any offense from Gotti for the time being.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Gotti scores another takedown to open the round. Now he’s gotta make something out of it. This is where he’s got the clear advantage.”
JASON JACKSON: “That was a great level change. He knows that Alistair is going to sit down on those punches and he’s using that to his advantage. Great skill level on display in terms of wrestling. He’s just gotta make something of it now.”
[The two scramble for position, but Gotti shows he’s got the higher skill set in the ground by keeping things under control. McKay tries to roll on top but Gotti keeps him planted firmly on the mat and works to posture up and open McKay’s guard. Not much happens from here and the referee decides to stand them back up.]
[Back on their feet, McKay circles his way in and lands a shattering straight left. He then fires back with a straight right hand, but Gotti ducks under and shoots a takedown, but McKay sprawls back and remains on his feet. Off the break, a quick hook by Alistair McKay glances off Gotti’s arms before they circle out to regroup. McKay tries catching his opponent off guard and rushes in, raining down punches but Gotti is able to protect himself. Gotti launches a kick but McKay avoids it and lands flush with a counter hook! This ignites a wild exchange, but neither man lands anything significant before they break off and backpedal away to catch their breath.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “It seems evident that MacKay still has the gas tank to go full throttle at the halfway point of round number two. Gotti is either gonna have to put much more emphasis on his takedowns and ground game, or start letting those fists fly.”
JASON JACKSON: “Yeah, he’s getting the takedowns but nothing is really coming of it. He needs to find a way to get into a dominant position and posture up.”
[McKay continues to be the aggressor as he works his way back in and lands a big right hand that makes Gotti stumble back on his heels. McKay rushes in, throwing a flurry of punches, but Gotti slips out of danger. McKay tries to cut him off with a hook to the body. Gotti eats the hook but defends the follow up uppercut, then launches a body kick right back at McKay that gets blocked. Both fighters back off once again, showing each other a lot of respect.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Gotta hand it to Gotti there, he’s doing a good job avoiding major damage, but I’m not sure how long he can keep that up.”
JASON JACKSON: “Not long. That’s for certain. He’s really gotta keep McKay on the ground and do some work. Alistair is still firing on all cylinders and that grappling will grind him down and take more fuel out of the tank.”
[With time winding down, McKay closes in and puts some serious power behind a Superman punch! He barely misses as Gotti steps backwards, but keeps himself protected as he blocks a counterpunch from Gotti. A right hand from McKay gets deflected and then he whiffs once again with a Superman punch. McKay is looking a little frustrated, but gets off some nice shots to the head and a hook to the body before the horn signals the end of the round.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Ten minutes down and we have just five more to go. I liked the footwork by Gotti, especially in the later part of the round. However, I think McKay’s aggressive offense is gonna keep him up on the scorecards. JJ, Silvio Gotti might have to hunt for the finish here in this final round if he wants to walk away with the win.”
JASON JACKSON: “That was a closer round, definitely harder to score. I think that he really needs to dial it up and look for a finish in this next round if he has any hope of winning this fight, for sure.”
[McKay shows no signs of slowing down as we begin the third and final round. He catapults himself with another Superman punch, but Gotti steps back just in time to avoid the impact and fires off a strong combination of punches. McKay stumbles back a bit, but then comes right back with a right hand that surprises Gotti. As Gotti shakes off the hit, McKay storms in with a couple punches and a hook to the body. Gotti tries to circle away to create some space but McKay shadows him and lands another hard right hand that splits Gotti’s lip.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “A little sense of urgency coming out of both fighters here.”
JASON JACKSON: “No one wants to leave a fight in the hands of the judges. You can count on them throwing everything they have into this round and looking for that finish.”
[McKay circles around Gotti, finds an angle and launches a nice uppercut that snaps Gotti’s head back. McKay suddenly spins around, going for what appears to be a spinning back fist, but Gotti is ready for it and blocks it with his forearms. With his hands still up, Gotti now spins, going for a spinning back elbow, but McKay ducks under and catches him with a counter haymaker! Gotti stumbles on the backs of his heels as McKay rushes in. McKay doesn’t let up as he continues to rain down punches, pinning Gotti up against the fence. He continues to take massive damage as the referee intently watches on. A few more uncontested shots land and referee Archie Driscoll jumps in between the two fighters and waves off the fight!]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “And this fight is all over! Alistair McKay unloads the heavy artillery to put this one away here in the third round! Great resilience and great determination for the number one ranked Lightweight Contender!”
JASON JACKSON: “Gotti looked strong at points in this fight, he just couldn’t get things working once he got McKay to the ground. Great fight by both men, but that Power of McKay is just hard to overcome. You’ve gotta think he will be in consideration for a shot at gold next.”
[The crowd explodes into cheers while McKay celebrates with his cornermen. The Ringside Physicians rush into the octagon and immediately tend to Gotti. After a few moments pass, Gotti is able to stand on his own, so the medical team files out of the cage so both fighters can meet back in the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY: “Ladies and gentlemen, referee Archie Driscoll has called for a stop in this fight at two minutes seven seconds in the third round, declaring your winner by technical knockout, “Artillery” Alistair McKay!”
[The crowd cheers once again as McKay has his hand raised in victory. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to their respective crews. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight while the commentators recap.]
Winner: Alistair McKay by TKO (Punches) at 2:07 Round 3
Statistics: Alistair McKay
Punches 26/79 (33%)
Kicks 0/4 (0%)
Clinch strikes 2/2 (100%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 127 s
Statistics: Silvio Gotti Jr.
Punches 12/16 (75%)
Kicks 1/2 (50%)
Clinch strikes 1/1 (100%)
Takedowns 2/3 (67%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 161 s
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Welcome back to the broadcast, ladies and gentlemen. Don’t forget to catch the next DRIP event only on the Battleground Network, in which the three-headed honchos, Dante Reed, Cass Madrigal, and Perry Wallace continue their search to fill out the rest of the divisions for Everest SZN 3. Before we return to action for our first Bantamweight contest, we have a top Bantamweight contender in the audience tonight. I’m sure Izzi Azevedo isn’t just here as a fan with a handful of top 135’ers competing tonight.”
JASON JACKSON:“Yeah, you know she’s here to watch Meechan and Vu reeeeal closely. After that slick Kneebar finish of L-Mo she has to be in contention for another crack at the champ. Last time didn’t go so well for her though, and it left a bad taste in her mouth, from what I hear. Either way, title fight or not, we are looking forward to seeing this grappling wizard back out there real soon.”
MIKE DEMPSEY: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Division! Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Taekwondo Striker holding a professional mixed martial arts record of seven wins, five losses. He stands 5’9”, and weighing in at 135 pounds. He is from Brisbane, Australia, fighting out of the Yongsa Gym, presenting the number four ranked Bantamweight Contender in the World, Tim “The Intimidator” Vu!”
[Tim Vu shifts back and forth nervously.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Now we head into the featured undercard bout folks. It’s a Bantamweight contest that could answer some questions about who just might be next in line for the title shot. Up first, Tim Vu, who has been on a skid as of late, but has been through the gauntlet. In his last four outings, he’s gone just 1-3. He picked up a win over Lauren Moore, but has losses against Gianna Howard, Isabel Azevedo, and Lilly Dunne; all of which have either held the title or have competed for the title. A win here against a man who ruled the division for a long time could erase the bad taste in that slump and catapult him right back into the title contention discussion.”
JASON JACKSON: “Yeah, that’s all it takes to break a skid. A definitive win would help him shake those losses and make a trek toward contendership again. Vu is a great striker he’s just a bit timid at times and likes to fight from the outside with his Tae Kwon Do. I think he needs to press the pace more with Dally. Take the fight to him and show him some intensity and aggression instead of counter fighting this time out. Like I said, it’s evolve or perish in this sport these days.”
MIKE DEMPSEY: “And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Muay Thai Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of ten wins, three losses. He stands 5’10”, and weighing in at 135 pounds. He is from Coatbridge, Scotland, fighting out of The ScrapYard MMA, presenting the former Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Champion and the number two ranked Bantamweight Contender in the World, “Playboy” Dallas Meechan!”
[Dallas Meechan looks at the ground while he does his calming exercises. He knows he can not fail tonight.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “And now the man who holds the Bantamweight record for most title defense, Dallas Meechan. Playboy lost the strap and the immediate rematch to Gianna Howard, so he’s got some work to do in order to get back in the title picture, especially if Gianna Howard continues her reign after tonight. Jason, we talked earlier in the night that this division is a bit congested at the top with a handful of fighters all deserving of a title shot, it’s just a matter of sorting it out to see who got next.”
JASON JACKSON: “Yeah it’s not about who wins now, it’s about who wins in the most impressive and dominant fashion. The keys to this fight for Dally is going to be exactly what I said Vu needed to do. He needs to press the pace, close the gap, and work that clinch striking. Don’t let Vu breathe, and don’t let him keep you on the outside. Level change, use that footwork and close the distance, and feed him a healthy helping of elbows and knees. You do that? And You’ll be back in that title picture in notime. These guys do NOT want this to go to a decision. That’s for sure. Unless it’s an absolute WAR. I guess we’ll see. Let’s take it down to Ron Anderson to get this underway.”
[Dallas Meechan and Tim Vu touch gloves in the center to get this fight started. Both fighters circle around, feeling out their range and searching for any tells. Meechan is first to attack, landing a nice combination of punches. Vu checks a kick but Meechan fires back again with another flurry. Vu eats a number of shots before he tries to circle away and narrowly avoids an unorthodox punch from Meechan. Vu lands a stinging leg kick on his way back in, but some nice counter strikes from Meechan knocks him back a few steps. Meechan and Vu circle back around to the center of the cage. Vu launches a couple low kicks, but Meechan checks them and counters with a furious hook that drops Tim Vu to the mat.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “BOOM! Big shot from Dally! Meechan is finding a nice rhythm with his counters. Early and often, man, early and often.”
JASON JACKSON: “Executing perfectly. You see how Vu keeps coming in, and then trying to pop right back out to the outside. Dally timed that, and made him pay big time!”
[Meechan is standing while Vu is on the ground on his back. Meechan doesn’t look interested in trying to jump in his guard, so instead he keeps on the perimeter and fires off a few kicks. Meechan is only able to slip one past Vu’s defense before he gets back on his feet. Both men cautiously close the gap and begin to trade strikes but neither one lands anything significant. They take a breather to reset themselves then go back in. Meechan lines up a nasty front kick that causes Vu to stumble back. Vu retaliates with a solid combination, but it mostly hits air.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Ooooh, nasty front kick lands clean for Meechan. That right there is enough to lay a man out cold, but Tim Vu shakes it off and stays upright.”
JASON JACKSON: “Yeah, Tim definitely has a solid chin. He’s eaten TWO big, significant strikes early in this round. He’s really gotta find his range because he’s swinging at air and Meechan is going to use this against him.”
[Meechan throws a counter hook that hits its target, then follows up with a stinging inside leg kick. Tim Vu counters with a low kick of his own but Meechan checks it. Both fighters then circle around looking for openings but as the clacker signals the final ten seconds, both men throw it down with a wild exchange to close out the round.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Round one is in the books and no question about it, Meechan takes the lead on the scorecards as we head into round two.”
JASON JACKSON: “Yeah. I got it 10-9 Meechan. He had the aggression and the more significant strikes. I think Vu needs to press the pace more if he wants to get the next round back. He’s sitting on the fence too much. He needs to commit and get in there in Dally’s fucking face.”
[After a feeling-out process in round one, round two picks up the pace. Both men get into an exchange where Vu gets the upper hand by landing a few more blows. Meechan fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside. He finds a better angle and connects with a nasty hook to the ribs that deflates Vu a bit, but Vu fires back. He launches a kick to the body that gets blocked, and a follow up flurry of punches yields mixed results. Vu isn’t letting off though, as he catapults himself into the air and lands a filthy flying knee! Meechan’s mouthpiece flies out of his mouth as he stumbles back on his heels and catches himself on the fence.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “OOH! Dallas Meechan gets rocked!”
JASON JACKSON: “There we go kid. LIKE THAT. Get all up in his shit. Meechan is on Bambi legs! Can Vu capitalize here?!”
[Tim Vu rushes in to capitalize, but Meechan swings for the fences with a timely uppercut that snaps Vu’s head back. Meechan then circles away from the fence, where the referee quickly picks up and hands back his mouth guard. Meechan bobs and weaves back into range, where he throws some body shots that get defended. Vu fires back and the two get into a heated exchange, with Meechan gradually getting the edge. With Meechan taking control, he decides to pummel his way in and eventually wraps Vu in a textbook double collar Thai clinch.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “What a comeback for Meechan. He gets hurt badly with that flying knee but somehow rallies back and now is back in the driver seat.”
JASON JACKSON: “That was a nasty desperation uppercut too. Now he’s got Vu where he wants him. He’s got that clinch and you can bet some punishment is incoming.”
[The two pummel back and forth for control and Meechan switches up to double overhooks. Both men target the body with some heavy shots and neither one is willing to back down. Welts begin to form on the ribs of both men as they continue to clash like rams. Meechan senses a brief opening and decides to jump on it with a flying knee! Vu eats the shot with little resistance, and he tries to break free afterward but Meechan clamps down and keeps the clinch.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Dallas Meechan said he got receipts with a flying knee of his own!”
JASON JACKSON: “Tit for tat. Vu just ate that like a champ though. If you can say one thing about VU in this fight, his chin had held the fuck up. That is for sure.”
[Seemingly accepting this position now, Tim Vu goes back to thumping Meechan with body shots while also trying to loosen Meechan’s grip to slip free. Meechan would absorb the body blows, but once Vu would try to break free, he’d land a couple nice short range punches to keep him locked in. Meechan then pushes Vu back up against the fence and pins him into a corner. As they continue pummeling for control, Meechan decides to try and pull guard out of nowhere. Whether it was sweat, exhaustion, or simple human error, Meechan fails to pull guard as Tim Vu pushes him down to the mat and remains on his feet. Vu keeps himself in a close enough range to land a couple kicks to Meechan’s thighs while avoiding any upkicks, and the two stay in this position for the remainder of the round.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “That… was a much closer round. Tim Vu might have done enough to get the edge on the scorecards, but Meechan definitely didn’t make it easy for him. That’s gonna be a tough one to call, it could go either way.”
JASON JACKSON: “I think I’m gonna be charitable and give that one to Vu. I think he did enough to edge him out in that round. He really needs to dial it up coming down the stretch though if he wants to walk out of here as the winner.”
[Fatigue has set in for both fighters as the third and final round begins. Their tempo has stalled and their precision has diminished. Nevertheless, Meechan and Vu power through. Both guys are trading blows, but they either miss their mark or are too stagnant that they are easily defended. Without warning, Tim Vu connects with a looping right hand that wobbles Meechan back a few steps. The crowd pops with excitement as Vu rushes in with a bunch of jabs and crosses. Both fighters are wildly hitting the air as Meechan fires back to defend himself, but at the end of it all, Meechan secures double overhooks to slow the action down a bit.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Tim Vu is giving the former champ everything he’s got. There’s no quit in this guy.”
JASON JACKSON: “This is exactly what I wanted to see from him though. He needs to pummel through this clinch now, and keep causing damage. He has Dally in a bad spot, he’s just gotta see it through now.”
[Similar to the last round, both Meechan and Vu are throwing hands in the clinch, but this time neither one is doing much damage. Vu is able to shuck his shoulder and escape the clinch while avoiding a potential bone shattering straight left hand from Dallas Meechan off the break. The two stagger their way back toward the center of the cage, where Meechan’s kick to the body gets blocked. Vu fires back with a counter body kick that lands just below the ribs. Meechan tries again with a series of low kicks that fail to land, so instead he pushes Vu back to create some distance to catch his breath.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “It looks like these guys are running on fumes. This is where mistakes are made and bad things can happen. Gotta stay focused.”
JASON JACKSON: “Both of them on wobbly legs and both of them tired and hurt. This has been a war. One mistake can end the show though, you’re right Bodie-san.”
[Meechan slowly works his way back in behind the jab, tagging Vu a couple good times. As he gets in range, the two exchange punches but both are missing their mark. An inside leg kick from Meechan goes awry, leaving himself open for Vu to counter. The fatigue at this point is almost painfully obvious as Vu misses badly with a head kick and slips to the mat. Meechan steps back and allows Vu to get back to his feet, and it looks like these two are content to kill the clock and take this to a decision. The two fighters size each other up in the center of the cage, where they go back to exchanging wildly. Most of what’s thrown misses its target, but both fighters at least show some elusiveness that keeps the spectators on edge. The final horn signals the end of the round and referee Ron Anderson directs them back to their corners.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “And this one goes the distance. Gutsy performances from both Dallas Meechan and Tim Vu. Gotta love the heart these two have. Absolutely no quit in them.”
JASON JACKSON: “Great fight. Neither of them did enough to get a unanimous win here, which may be detrimental to their chances at being next in line… but man what a fight. Both of them are warriors and should be proud of their performance here today. That being said, I think I have to give this to Vu, surprisingly. First round was all Meechan, but I think Tim came back and took the next two.”
[Both fighters shake hands before staggering to their corners and clenching the top of the fence to hunker over as they gasp for air. The doctors disperse to each corner as standard procedure but neither fighter looks too banged up. After a few moments pass, the doctors exit the cage and the fighters meet back in the center of the octagon for the official decision.]
MIKE DEMPSEY: “Ladies and gentlemen, after three rounds, we go to the judges’ scorecards for a decision. Judge Roger Dickerson scores it 29-28 Meechan, Judge Keon Carson scores it 29-28 Vu, and Judge Holly Cabrera scores it 29-28, declaring your winner by split decision, “Playboy” Dallas Meechan!”
[The crowd bursts into cheers, regardless of the winner, but this one is for Meechan, as his hand is raised in victory. Both fighters shake hands and exchange positive feedback to one another. The two eventually split off to their cornermen and the commentators recap the fight as a graphic pops up, breaking down the statistics.]
JUDGE ROGER DICKERSON
Dallas Meechan 10 10 9: 29
Tim Vu 9 9 10: 28
JUDGE HOLLY CABRERA
Dallas Meechan 10 10 9: 29
Tim Vu 9 9 10: 28
JUDGE KEON CARSON
Dallas Meechan 10 9 9: 28
Tim Vu 9 10 10: 29
Winner: Dallas Meechan by Split Decision
Statistics: Dallas Meechan
Punches 25/55 (45%)
Kicks 3/13 (23%)
Clinch strikes 4/15 (27%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 54 s
Statistics: Tim Vu
Punches 17/42 (40%)
Kicks 8/15 (53%)
Clinch strikes 2/5 (40%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 45 s
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Welcome back from the break folks. Be sure to tune in to the Battleground Network when we head back to Minneapolis for Boss Fight XXXIX. Before we move into our Co-Main Event, we have to spotlight one of the most notorious fighters around today, who just recently scored a Co-Main Event win at RFC 1. She creates headlines both in and out of the ring or cage, the one of one, CC Flynn!”
JASON JACKSON:“The infamous CC Flynn. She’s coming off a decision win against Donnie Calabrese at RFC 1 like you said, which had to be refreshing after a three fight skid in Everest. CC is a superb boxer, who likes to hang out in the pocket and use some incredible head movement to make her opponents miss and pay for it. She seems to lack that ability to finish the fight though, and leaves it in the hands of the judges a bit too much. One thing she REALLY excels at, is she sure knows how to sell some tickets. People come from all over to watch this girl fight just on the heat she generates alone. I’d like to see her start finishing folks though, and I tell you Bodie.. If she does? She could be a champion down the line in Ryujin.”
MIKE DEMPSEY: “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the Co-Main Event of the evening! Sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, our three judges scoring this contest at cageside are Roger Dickerson, Holly Cabrera, and Keon Carson, and when the action begins, our referee in charge in the octagon is Dusty Whittaker. AND NOW, the following contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Division! Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of twenty wins, four losses. He stands 6’3”, and weighing in at 245 pounds. He is from Detroit, Michigan, fighting out of Gold Blooded MMA, presenting the former Union Grand Prix Cruiserweight Champion and the number three ranked Heavyweight Contender in the World, Gauge “Lights Out” Lattimore!”
[Gauge Lattimore glares at his opponent from the opposite corner.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “We’ve reached the Co-Main Event of the evening folks, and it’s a bout to determine the final spot in the finals of the Interim Heavyweight Championship Grand Prix. Up first we have the former Cruiserweight Champion Gauge Lattimore looking to solidify himself as a top contender in his new weight class. For a man his size, he’s got incredible speed and agility that has yielded some great performances and monumental wins. He took down the towering Von Matthieu in the quarterfinals and looks to do the same tonight against another white hot prospect.”
JASON JACKSON: “This man is a menace. He’s got wins over the likes of Roscoe Robinson, Lovelie Saint-Cyr, and Mike Santos. He’s got terrifying one punch knockout power and his fights have only gone to the judges four times in his career. We are in for a brawl in this one Bodie. These guys are going to chuck hammers, and Gauge is a certified carpenter.”
MIKE DEMPSEY: “And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of seven wins, four losses. He stands 6’1”, and weighing in at 233 pounds. He is from Sochi, Russia, fighting out of The Factory, presenting the former Everest MMA Heavyweight Champion and the number two ranked Heavyweight Contender in the World, “The Last Tsar” Sergey Loktev!”
[Sergey Loktev is beating himself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking himself in the face, body and legs to get ready for this fight.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “And here is the rising prospect, the former Everest MMA Heavyweight Champion Sergey Loktev. The Last Tsar is looking to keep the hype train rolling here tonight with a big opportunity against a former Union Champ. If Loktev can beat Lattimore, it’s next stop: Title Fight. Choo choo motherfuckers!”
JASON JACKSON: “That’s a big ‘if’ uce. Loktev does have a win over hard hitting Dax Levandrier, but Dax also showed us this guy can be knocked slick out and Theirin followed that up with a repeat performance. Sergey, listen to me, heed my advice. Don’t get caught into a fire fight with this man Lattimore. If you thought Dax hit hard? You ain’t seen nothing yet. Pick your spots and pick your shots. Move your head and you’ll be fine. You stand flat footed with your head on a flag pole and you’re going to get starched. Mark my words.”
[This fight takes about 2 seconds to get going, and from there, it really doesn’t slow down–Loktev rushes across the cage to put the pressure on Gauge early, a big right hook just barely parried in time. Before Gauge can throw a counter shot, Loktev flicks a quick one-two combo that just narrowly misses–and this time, leaves an opening for Gauge to utterly ROCK him with a straight right hand! Loktev doesn’t move backwards, though–for better or worse, as Gauge lands a one-two combo, punctuated with a big right hook that opens up a cut on Sergey’s chin!]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Oooh, Sergey just got rocked! Lattimore hit him with some crispy jabs and topped it off with a big right hook that left a sizable gash on his chin.”
JASON JACKSON: “I told you. He HAS to move his head and get out of the way of those shots with his footwork. You CANNOT eat them. You CANNOT stand still in front of Gauge and try to have a firefight.”
[Loktev flicks a couple of jabs out, but nothing lands with any real impact; before he can get his guard back up, though, Gauge does the same right back to him, straight rights and lefts that wobble the Russian and force him backwards, whether he wanted to or not! Loktev manages to avoid a big uppercut that might very well have sent him to the moon, but he doesn’t avoid the follow up right hook that visibly wobbles his knees! Lattimore throws punch after punch, straights and hooks punctuated by uppercuts that force Loktev back up against the fence…and it’s here that Gauge can really unload. Powerful straight punches, digging hooks to the body, and a series of uppercuts that would’ve leveled other men get absorbed by Loktev, until Dusty Whittaker decides he’s seen enough and waves the fight off.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “This one is over, ladies and gentlemen! Gauge Lattimore pulls off the first round stoppage and punches his ticket into the finals of the Interim Heavyweight Championship Grand Prix!”
JASON JACKSON: “Punched his ticket, literally. That was brutal. He smelled blood and turned into an attack dog. Great win for Gauge. It’s back to the drawing board for Loktev, but I’m sure we’ll see him back soon.”
[The crowd explodes into cheers while Lattimore celebrates with his cornermen. The Ringside Physicians rush into the octagon and immediately tend to Loktev. After a few moments pass, Loktev is able to stand on his own, so the medical team files out of the cage so both fighters can meet back in the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY: “Ladies and gentlemen, referee Dusty Whittaker has called for a stop in this fight at two minutes eleven seconds in the very first round, declaring your winner by technical knockout, Gauge “Lights Out” Lattimore!”
[The crowd cheers once again as Lattimore has his hand raised in victory. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to their respective crews. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight while the commentators recap.]
Winner: Gauge Lattimore by TKO (Punch) at 2:11 Round 1
Statistics: Sergey Loktev
Punches 0/9 (0%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
Statistics: Gauge Lattimore
Punches 28/36 (78%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Welcome back ladies and gentlemen. It’s about that time of year again, and no, I’m not talking about Pumpkin Spice lattes, candles, or lube… It’s the Union Grand Prix 2022 Honors, where we acknowledge and award the best fighters in a number of different categories, and also reveal the next class of Hall of Fame fighters. And speaking of Hall of Fame fighters, we have a future inductee right here in the audience tonight. It’s still tough for me to even say it, but the now-retired Delaney Donovan is in the house!”
JASON JACKSON: “Absolutely a future inductee. Delaney set a standard for this new class of fighters and although it sucks to see him hang them up, it’s been a pleasure watching him do work in his storied career. I have no doubts he will get enough votes to receive one of these rings and I’m sure there will always be a seat for him at the analyst desk with us if he ever gets bored of spending that money and sitting at home.”
♫
WALK RIGHT IN ALL YOU SINNERS AND SAINTS
TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT WE’RE GONNA TAKE OFF THESE CHAINS
SOME WOUNDS WILL NEVER MEND
IT CAME WITH A WARNING, NOW WE’RE ALL OUT OF TIME
THIS ROMANCE WITH IGNORANCE HAS LEFT US BEHIND
SIT BACK, RELAX, BEGIN
♫
[The arena begins to dim as the crunchy riffs of “Can’t go to Hell” by Sin Shake Sin begins to play. Just as the chorus kicks in, a singular spotlight shines on the main stage and Lilly Dunne pops out from back. Although she is mostly her usual happy-go-lucky self, skipping down the aisle with her coaches trailing behind her, she does have a degree of focus in her eyes.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “This is it, folks. This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Lilly Dunne has established herself to be a fierce competitor in any promotion she has competed in, and in whatever division she occupies. Dunne is riding a wave of momentum, winning her last two outings. We’ve mentioned it before, but her only losses are against Gianna Howard and Isabel Azevedo, who mostly recently fought each other at UGP 36. She’s the type of fighter that lets her work inside the cage do the talking, so let’s see what she’s got to say about the landscape of the Bantamweight Division.”
JASON JACKSON: “She’s a big name in any division or promotion she fights in. Lilly is always a game competitor and a real workhorse inside that cage. Tonight though she’s looking to elevate that to “champion” and conquer what has eluded her in her career this far. Standing in front of her is a woman who had her number back in Everest. Let’s hope that she has made those changes we talked about earlier in the night. Only time will tell.”
[Once Lilly makes it to cageside, she undresses down to her fight gear and hands off her warm ups to the coach closest to her. She goes around to give a hug to each member of her corner before facing the official to be inspected. Once she’s been cleared, Lilly bounces up the steps and almost casually walks to her corner, where she awaits her opponent.]
♫
WHEN DARKNESS FALLS, MAY IT BE
THAT WE SHOULD SEE THE LIGHT
WHEN REAPER CALLS, MAY IT BE
THAT WE WALK STRAIGHT AND RIGHT
♫
[The crowd is split as Metallica’s “Now That We’re Dead” hits the PA, and the lights cut to black–some of the Vegas fans cheering the THRONE representing Bantamweight Champion, others wanting to support a Vegas native, as opposed to someone who relocated there. Red house lights swirl around the crowd, but one spotlight lingers on the main stage–and when she pushes the curtain aside, it’s quickly clear that Gianna’s not worried about the reception she gets; similar to her walkout in Brazil, Gianna enters wearing the Bantamweight Championship…although that lasts about three seconds, before she unstraps the belt from around her waist, happily playing her air guitar using the belt tonight.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “And now with the final walkout of the night, the undisputed 135 pound Champion Gianna Howard is here! When she made the move from Everest to Union, she quickly rose in the rankings en route to winning the strap. Along the way, she hasn’t shied away from ruffling some feathers and playing the villain. She INSISTED on fighting Izzi Azevedo in her home country Brazil, just so she could play the spoiler. And here tonight, even though she has become an adopted daughter of Sin City, she has no issue turning her back on the people just to get a reaction.”
JASON JACKSON: “I’ve played the villain for most of my career. It gets views, sells tickets, and oftentimes it gets into the head of your opponent before the fight ever begins. It’s smart, and Gianna has the skill to back up the talk unlike…say, Blue Barrera. She’s been one hell of a champion and in my honest opinion? I think she will be champion when she leaves here tonight unless Lilly can pull off this tremendous upset. I’m ready to find out though.”
[Those fans that ARE in The Ghost’s corner tonight? She’s all too happy to take her time interacting with them, even snapping a quick selfie with one fan in the aisle seats. Eventually, though, even The Ghost has to make her way to the cage. She passes her title, her warmup suit, and her beanie off to her teammates, embracing each member of her corner before turning to the cageside official to get inspected. Once she’s given the OK, it’s a quick three steps up to cageside, then she practically sprints across the length of the cage. She circles the perimeter of the cage, slapping hands with Lilly on her way to her corner, where she settles back against the fence.]
MIKE DEMPSEY: “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s TIME! For the Main Event of the evening! Sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, our three judges scoring this contest at cageside are Roger Dickerson, Holly Cabrera, and Keon Carson, and when the action begins, our referee in charge in the octagon is Colin Davenport. AND NOW, this is the moment you’ve all been waiting for! Live from the sold out T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NEVADA! Broadcasted exclusively on the Battleground Network, IT’S TIME! The following contest is scheduled for five rounds, and it is for the UNDISPUTED Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Championship! Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Muay Thai Kickboxer, holding a professional mixed martial arts record of seven wins, two losses. She stands 5’ even, and weighed in at 135 pounds. She is from Las Vegas, Nevada, fighting out of THRONE MMA in Las Vegas! Presenting the number one ranked Bantamweight Contender in the World, “Deadlift” Lilly Dunne!
[Lilly raises both fists, a confident smile on her face as her hometown fans shower her with cheers.]
MIKE DEMPSEY: “And her opponent, fighting out of the red corner: a Kickboxer, holding a professional mixed martial arts record of ten wins, two losses. She stands 5’6”, and weighed in at 135 pounds. She is from Phoenix, Arizona, fighting out of THRONE MMA in Las Vegas! Presenting, the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Champion of the World, “The Ghost” Gianna Howard!”
[Gianna pounds her chest three times as she’s introduced, before spreading her arms out wide as her name is called.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Listen to the crowd, Jason. They’re amped up! This is what it’s all about. Throne versus Throne. A rematch that has spanned through two divisions and two promotions.”
JASON JACKSON: “We are going to find out who the better woman is tonight. This is going to be a brawl. I’m with the crowd. This is fuckin awesome.”
[The official calls both Champion and Challenger to the center of the cage, before going through the last of the formalites.]
COLIN DAVENPORT: “Alright, ladies, we’ve already gone over the rules in the back. Any questions from you, blue? Any questions from you, red? Protect yourselves at all times, follow my instructions. Touch gloves if you want to, and let’s have a clean fight.”
[Both women shake hands before turning back to their corners, leaving Colin to make one final check that both are ready, before calling for the fight to begin.]
[There is exactly no feeling out process between the two THRONE teammates; they touch gloves in the middle, and immediately Lilly starts throwing BOMBS. Ever the counter-puncher, though, Gianna weaves around the big shots, waving a finger at Lilly before tagging her with a series of quick straight shots. They don’t do much damage, but they do just enough to disrupt Lilly’s momentum, forcing her to step back and re-engage every time she starts to move forward. Dunne manages to force her way in tight, momentarily grabbing hold of Gianna’s head, but Howard clearly knows the clinch is coming and throws up a front kick that hits Dunne in the bread basket, forcing her back a few steps and breaking the clinch, giving Howard time to circle away and retake the center of the cage.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Gianna Howard says miss me with that shit!”
JASON JACKSON: “That was a slick counter. You know her head is ringing after that kick.”
[Lilly wastes no time re-engaging, jabbing her way into range. She eats a few counter shots from Gianna, but she’s able to get in close, land a quick three-punch combo that puts Gianna on her bike a little bit…but when Lilly chases after the Bantamweight Champion, she eats the same combo right back, and stumbles back a half-step as Howard punctuates hers with an uppercut! Lilly shakes the blow off and keeps on pressing forward–running almost chin-first right into a spinning wheel kick from The Ghost! Colin Davenport is quick on the scene to ensure Lilly’s still in the fight, as she struggles for a clinch with Gianna to gather her wits. Howard’s wise to the tactic, though, and shucks Lilly’s hand off her head. Dunne stumbles just a step, and gives Howard time to SLAM her with an oblique kick that causes the challenger to visibly wince.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Hickory dickery, here comes some trickery! Brutal wheel kick by Gianna and then a disrespectful oblique kick. I don’t know how Lilly Dunne is still standing after that.”
JASON JACKSON: “Yeah those kicks were nasty, Bodie. Dunne is tough as nails, because most folk would be on the ground right now.”
[Despite the pain in her leg, Dunne keeps pressing forward, parrying one of Gianna’s punches and trying to tie her up in a clinch again, but Gianna’s able to shuck Lilly’s arm off and circle back to the center of the cage again. Lilly’s slower on the pressure this time, taking a few seconds to recover her breath; Gianna smiles as her opponent looks winded, and when Lilly stares her down, Howard beckons her on. Lilly obliges, pushing forward again and launching a BIG overhand right–but she gets clipped by a quick left hook from the Champion that wobbles her legs! Gianna tags Lilly with a couple quick jabs, then a stinging kick to the calf that THUDS on impact. Relentless in her attack, Gianna follows up her low kick with a kick to the ribs that nearly buckles Lilly, then a high kick that Lilly might only have avoided because of the liver shot that preceded it!]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “The Ghost is firing on all cylinders right now, Lilly Dunne is getting mauled.”
JASON JACKSON: “She is picking Lilly apart. I think Dunne needs to show some level changes and maybe shoot for a few takedowns. The clinch ain’t working right now. It’s time to adapt on the fly or die.”
[Lilly manages to parry one of Gianna’s punches and finally secures a clinch, turning Gianna’s back to the fence and just UNLOADING with body shots. Most, Gianna has covered, but a few get through, and Lilly’s strength becomes very visible as The Ghost can’t hide a grimace. Howard manages to turn the clinch around after quite a struggle, freeing her arm and TEEING. OFF. on Lilly, digging body shots coupled with massive hooks up top that look like they might put Dunne down…but they don’t, she manages to survive and grab the clinch again. Gianna’s quick to break herself free, though, clipping Lilly with a right hook on the way out that wobbles Dunne’s legs again! She staggers back, but the Champion’s in pursuit, landing a HUGE series of shots. Colin Davenport warns Dunne to defend herself–and she lands an absolutely MASSIVE power shot to Gianna’s chin that stumbles the Champion back in response!]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Tides keep turning here, Jason. It’s giving me motion sickness!”
JASON JACKSON: “Oooooh! Big uppercut out of nowhere stumbles the champion!! Lilly needs to go on the attack!”
[Despite taking more than a few big shots, Lilly landing a big one in response obviously has her feeling it–she jabs her way in range, but the shots are deflected by Gianna, who weaves a follow up uppercut before absolutely SLAMMING her shin into the side of Lilly’s head! Somehow, though, Dunne stays on her feet, but immediately eats a liver kick as well that nearly drops her. Gianna finishes her combo of kicks with a stinging kick to the calf, but it gives Lilly time to tie her up in a double overhook and ride out the rest of the round. The horn sounds, and it’s Gianna playing to her adopted hometown–which gets a mixed reaction, with a Vegas native on the opposite side of the cage.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “What a wild first round! Lilly Dunne is a terminator out there. She took a ton of damage but kept pushing forward. She’s gotta start defending herself better, there’s no possible way she goes five rounds fighting like that.”
JASON JACKSON: “Yeah, no way at all. She’s already absorbed too much punishment as it is. That round was definitely a 10-9 for Gianna but Lilly had some glimpses of hope there. She needs to get this to the ground though to slow the pace and negate Howard’s striking.”
[One minute isn’t a long time to recover, and that’s fairly evident in the early seconds of round 2; Lilly’s quick to put the pressure on Gianna again, but only so far as to try to clinch up with her again. Gianna wings a potential knockout blow as Lilly approaches, forcing her to back off and rethink her strategy–and giving Gianna time to slam another high kick in, that looks like it all but turns out Lilly’s lights. She’s still on her feet, somehow, though, but she eats punch after punch from Gianna, two, three, four punch combos that clip Lilly’s chin and dig power shots to her body.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Lilly Dunne is on auto pilot right now! This is not looking good!”
JASON JACKSON: “Yeah they need to stop this fight. Her corner should throw in the towel and protect her. She’s getting tuned up right now. ”
[Lilly tries to draw Gianna into a firefight, winging a few big punches in hopes of landing a potential knockout shot, but Gianna keeps her distance and just picks Lilly apart with jabs before circling away as Lilly engages. And the more she avoids, the more she lands, the more Gianna’s arrogance starts to show. She drops her hands and beckons Lilly forward again; Lilly’s more patient this time, pawing to get her range back so she doesn’t get blasted like last time. Both women connect with a couple shots, but when Lilly tries to back Gianna up, the Champion counters with a flying knee! It misses, but only narrowly, as Lilly has to deflect some of the impact before it cracks her in the jaw!]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Gianna Howard is showboating now. The spectators aren’t too fond of it as you can hear the boo birds coming out in droves.”
JASON JACKSON: “I’m here for it. She’s here to put on a show and I’m loving every second of it. I just think this should be stopped if she eats any more punishment.”
[Before Gianna can reset, Lilly’s on the attack, winging a few big punches and forcing Howard to take a couple steps back; the resulting firefight sees both women land, but eventually it’s Gianna that gets the better of the exchanges, clipping Lilly’s chin with a straight left before landing another HUGE head kick that wobbles Lilly! Smelling blood, Gianna pushes the pressure, landing a series of power punches, hooks and uppercuts, that eventually buckle Lilly’s knees, and force Colin Davenport to step in before Gianna can do any more damage!]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “And this one is all over! Gianna Howard retains the Bantamweight Championship here in Sun City Las Vegas!”
JASON JACKSON: “Yeah that was ugggggly. I don’t know where Lilly Dunne is at, but this ain’t her. I think Gianna got into her head before the fight even began and it was all downhill from there. Rough showing but I’m sure she will be back. As for the Ghost, another title defense, and another top notch performance. She just continues to impress. ”
[Gianna takes off in a sprint toward the cage, leaping into it and throwing her fist in the air. As with everything The Ghost has done tonight, it gets a mixed reception, but she takes her victory lap nonetheless. Once she’s done, though, she turns around to check on her teammate, who’s more disappointed than truly hurt. There’s a moment of conversation between the two before they go back to the center of the cage for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY: “Ladies and gentlemen, referee Colin Davenport has called a stop to this contest at two minutes, forty seconds of round number two! Declaring the winner, by TKO, annnnnnnnnnnnnnd STILL! The undisputed Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Champion of the World, “The Ghost” Gianna Howard!”
[Once Gianna has her hand raised and her title strapped around her waist, she circles the ref to give Lilly one last hug before unstrapping the belt as quickly as it was put on, thrusting it into the air. A graphic pops up as Bodie Sullivan exits commentary to talk to the retaining champion, breaking down the stats of the fight.]
Winner: Gianna Howard by TKO (Punches) at 2:40 Round 2
Statistics: Gianna Howard
Punches 24/36 (67%)
Kicks 8/9 (89%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
Statistics: Lilly Dunne
Punches 10/23 (43%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 4/10 (40%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/3 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
[When we cut back to cageside, Bodie’s side by side with Gianna, and for once? An interview between Bodie and Gianna can begin with ease, as nobody’s trying to drown The Ghost in jeers tonight.]
BODIE SULLIVAN: “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here with your winner and STILL the Bantamweight Champion of the World, Gianna Howard. Gianna, first of all, congratulations on another outstanding performance; I know you two are teammates, so this may be one of a silly question, but was there anything about this fight that surprised you? I mean, Lilly took some BIG shots and kept coming…”
GIANNA HOWARD: “Yeah, she’s hard headed like that.”
[Gianna smirks, unable to suppress a chuckle at her own dumb joke.]
GIANNA HOWARD: “Really, though, I wasn’t that surprised. I know she’s a tough girl, I know she can take a lot of punishment, so I wasn’t really surprised that she kept coming forward. That’s who she is, man, she’s gonna keep coming after you until she can’t anymore. I’m just the wrong person to be chasing, sooner or later, everybody finds out that chase doesn’t end well for you.”
BODIE SULLIVAN: “You had her hurt a couple times in the first round, but it seemed like she was always able to get that one big shot to slow the momentum back down. How much did those shots actually hurt you, because a few of them looked…pretty rough.”
GIANNA HOWARD: “Yeah, honestly, I thought I had her finished a couple times early on. I saw her hunched over, I thought there’s no way she’s recovering, and then…fuckin’ bam, she hits that big hook and, listen, everything Lilly throws has bad intentions, man. I’m not gonna lie, I saw little tweety birds for a second…”
[Gianna stops talking just long enough to make the cuckoo motion on either side of her head.]
GIANNA HOWARD: “But it takes more than that to put me down. Especially with this belt on the line? Nah, I’m not ready to be done as Bantamweight Champ yet, so…did I get tagged, no doubt about it, but I wasn’t going anywhere. She’d have to put me stone cold out if she wanted to take this belt.”
BODIE SULLIVAN: “You’re now one defense shy of Dallas Meechan’s record of four with the Bantamweight Championship, and the next several contenders are all rematches for you, so I’m curious, is there someone in particular you want to see next? And when do you want to get back in the cage?”
GIANNA HOWARD: “C’mon, Bodie, you already know how this goes. A.S.A.P., I already said last time we talked, I want to get to that fourth defense before the end of the year. As far as who it is, where it is? Man…I don’t care. I said it to Isaac before this fight, I’ll say it to you again tonight: bring me anybody in the division, take me anywhere in the world–hell, put me in their backyard, it doesn’t change anything. I’m ready for anyone, anytime. Just find me somebody and get me on another card before the end of the year, Dante!”
BODIE SULLIVAN: “I think after a performance like that tonight, Dante Reed will have no issues in trying to make that work. Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the AND STILL Bantamweight Champion, Gianna Howard!”
[The two shake hands before Bodie swiftly exits the octagon, allowing Gianna to soak in the crowd’s reaction, for better or for worse. Howard climbs the fence and perches on top, playing up the crowd even more so as the broadcast gradually fades out.]