UGP 64 PRESS CONFERENCE

The press conference stage is set inside the Smoothie King Center, transformed for the occasion with a long black table at the front, nameplates marking the seats of each fighter on the dais. The Union GP Championship belts gleam under the harsh overhead lights, strategically placed in front of their respective titleholders. A massive LED screen looms behind the stage, alternating between promotional graphics while cycling through highlight reels, slow-motion knockouts, and staredowns designed to feel mythic.

The room is already alive, reporters and photographers packed into the floor space, holding their cameras, clutching their recorders, waiting for something to happen. Toward the back, the real fans, because there are always real fans at these things, make their presence known, throwing out cheers, jeers, and the occasional half-drunk callout.

At the center of it all, Dante Reed stands poised at his elevated podium, one hand on the mic, the other resting on the table. Dressed sharp, his demeanor is calm but authoritative, he’s seen enough of these to know that chaos can break out at any moment. He lets the noise hang in the air for a moment, soaking in the atmosphere before speaking.

DANTE REED: “Alright, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the official press conference for UGP 64: SOKOLOV vs MOMO’A, coming to you live from New Orleans! Sunday night, we take over the Smoothie King Center, and if you can feel this energy already here in the Big Easy, you know what kind of card we’re working with.

In our Main Event, Alexander Sokolov, the reigning, defending, undisputed Middleweight king defends his title against Zion Momo’a, the number one contender who’s spent his entire run in Union GP leaving bodies in his wake. These two are on a collision course, and Sunday night, only one man will walk out with the belt. Something has to give.

The Co-Main Event features another high-stakes title fight. The inaugural Featherweight Champion Isabel Azevedo defends her title for the first time against the relentless Carter Vaughn, a rising force with Championship aspirations of his own. Two of the most dynamic 145-ers in the sport, and they’re ready to go to war.

And the undercard? Stacked from top to bottom. Eugenie Bombelles and Serenity Holmes, two elite Bantamweights, looking to make a statement and push for a title fight. We got a pivotal Welterweight showdown where Ray Rogers welcomes the returning Hall of Fame legend Byron McCall back to the octagon. Then to kickoff the Main Card, former Union GP Lightweight Champion 2Face Rodríguez taking on former Lightweight Title Challenger Catherine Harris in a battle that will shake up the top of the rankings.

We’ve got all the fighters here, we’ve got the media, and we know how this goes. Let’s not waste any more time, let’s get to your questions.”

Dante leans back, letting the words settle. A beat passes, and then the hands shoot up. The real show begins.

REPORTER: “You and Zion had a heated altercation at a fan event. Can you tell us what happened from your perspective?”

ALEXANDER SOKOLOV: “Zion was… speaking freely about his intentions the whole day. He spoke of what he wanted to do, and I let him know where I was going to be. I knew he was going to try to stir the pot. I knew that he was to attempt to goad me into a fight, but I also knew that he knew better than to get one out of me. We are fighters. We do our business in the cage.”

REPORTER: “Do you think the bad blood between you two will affect your game plan, or is this just business for you?”

Alexander shakes his head in reply to the question, before beginning to reply to the reporter.

ALEXANDER SOKOLOV: “No. The bad blood will not affect my game plan. If I let these mental games, such as the ones that Zion is attempting to play here, affect me, I would not be sat here today as the Undisputed Middleweight King. I would still be an unranked fighter. I would have let my two back to back losses at the beginning of my career here in UGP weigh me down and I never would have made it this far.”

REPORTER: “Zion Momo’a is a two-time Ryūjin FC Champion. What makes you confident you’ll stop him from taking your championship?”

ALEXANDER SOKOLOV: “Because he never has won this championship before. Every time he has had the opportunity to secure this crown for himself, he has stumbled. He could not grasp the brass ring, nor could he break through the glass ceiling. This fight will be no different, for this is my destiny… to be here and defending this crown I have moved mountains to get.”

REPORTER: “Many fans expect a striking war, but do you see a scenario where you take this fight to the ground?”

ALEXANDER SOKOLOV: “I have been working on my ground game in the events this fight were to go to the ground… but I am not looking for another decision win. I want to make this decisive. I want to prove why I am The King of The Streets.”

REPORTER: “You’re on an 8-fight winning streak, and Zion is on a 9-fight streak. Do you believe this is the toughest fight of your career?”

ALEXANDER SOKOLOV: “Every fight I have been in since I entered the top five rankings has been increasingly difficult. Every time I speak of how it was the hardest fight of my career thus far, and I am… well aware that this will be no easier. But I have prepared for this fight. I have prepared to defend my crown against Zion, and I intend on staying atop this mountain.”

REPORTER: “You’re known for your striking, but Alexander Sokolov has shown he can take a punch. Do you think you have the power to put him away?”

Zion looks down the table at Alex with a smirk before answering. 

ZION MOMO’A: “Folks were saying the same damn thing about Venus, weren’t they? She had this incredible chin and could take a punch and that it was going to be hard for me to put her away. But I cracked that coconut in the end, didn’t I? I did EXACTLY what I said I was going to do and I left her snoozing on the canvas. So no, whatever your name is, I don’t just THINK I can put this man on his pockets. I KNOW I can. ”

REPORTER: “You’ve already won gold in Ryūjin FC. What would winning the UGP title mean to your legacy?”

ZION MOMO’A: “You heard what self proclaimed king dipshit down there said, even if it’s the only REAL rebuttal that he has when he’s asked about me. I can’t deny it. It’s the one thing that has eluded me in my career and it’s the one thing I have left to accomplish, personally, before I retire. Alex Sokolov is standing in the way of that, and I promise you I’m a much more evolved fighter today than I was back then.  It would be the cherry on top of my career and regardless of what he THINKS is going to happen? I’m going to leave Nawlin’s this weekend as the new Middleweight Champ. ”

REPORTER: “You’ve fought champions before—does Alexander bring anything you haven’t seen before?”

Zion shrugs nonchalantly.

ZION MOMO’A: “He’s resilient, but I’ve fought resilient motherfuckers before. He hits hard, but I hit harder. I’m prepared for anything that he brings to the table. I sparred with Spyda for each one of his camps against Alex. We’ve seen what he has to offer. We’ve watched film and studied the previous fights. Unless he’s radically changed his style recently, it’s nothing remarkable and I wouldn’t be surprised to see me finish this fight before it ever makes it to the judges.”

REPORTER: “What exactly led to the altercation with Alexander at the fan event? Did he say something that crossed the line?”

Momo’a gives an amused chuckle and looks down at Alex for a second before looking back at the reporter with another faux-innocent shrug.

ZION MOMO’A: “I dunno. There’s just something about this motherfucker that I don’t like. Just sits with me wrong. Maybe it’s because he beat my homeboy. Maybe it’s that perpetual dumbass look he keeps on his face or the fact that he calls himself a “king” like he’s cock of the walk or something. I just want to beat his ass forreal and I was letting him know that I’m about that shit. We can do it at a press event, or walmart, or cafe du monde while he’s picking up some beignets for his bitch.. Oh I’m sorry… I mean his “queen” corny ass dude. What? You’re looking at me like you’re going to actually do something this time, bitch. You got something you wanna say? Say it with your chest. ”

Zion goads the Champ, standing from his seat to extend his arms out at his side.

ZION MOMO’A: “Once again, there isn’t anything between us but air and opportunity and…”

Momo’a blows a puff of air out towards Sokolov, who is looking upset at the mention of his partner.

ZION MOMO’A: “There went the fucking air.” 

At that moment, Alexander rises from his seat and turns to Zion, shouting at him in Russian as he goes to make a move towards him. The minute that he gets within reach though, Zion shoots in for a double leg takedown without any hesitation. 

To his surprise though he’s stuffed as Alex sprawls and defends perfectly. Sokolov attempts to lock in a choke but Zion powers back to his feet with an explosive burst and the two men begin throwing a flurry of dirty boxing shots as they sling each other around the stage, knocking over chairs and crashing into nearby folks as they brawl. 

Security floods the stage and they tear the men apart but the warriors keep going back at each other for a few more brief moments as Zion can be heard yelling at Sokolov.  

ZION MOMO’A: “There he is. That’s the motherfucker I wanted to fight. Where’s this version been hiding? Hm, bitch? You’re fired up now though aren’t you?”

He keeps shouting until Jason Jackson steps in and drives Zion back to his seat in an attempt to settle him down and reign him in. Meanwhile,  Sokolov’s corner does the same for him. 

There’s a brief discussion from the board about whether they should be kicked out of the event or allowed to stay,  but after a few moments of deliberation it’s decided that they will be allowed to remain with a wall of security separating them if they chose to. 

Both men remain at the table and continue chirping and shooting glares at each other around the wall of security guards as the press conference continues. 

Izzi can’t help it; she glances down the table at the Middleweight Champion and his challenger, and looks…well, a little amused by the confrontation, but also she just lets out a sigh at the antics as well. She shakes her head a little, just waiting until the all too familiar face of Kayla Chapman catches the Featherweight Champion’s attention.

KAYLA CHAPMAN: “Izzi, obviously I want to start with congratulations on becoming the Featherweight Champion, it’s got to feel good, sitting on the stage with that title in front of you this time.”

Isabel smiles and nods quickly.

ISABEL AZEVEDO: “(Yeah, of course. After several attempts when I was at 135, it feels good to be sitting here as the champion instead of having to come in trying to still earn the title. But, at the same time, I’m not 100% happy with the way that tournament panned out–I felt like I could’ve made more of a statement in the early fights, especially.)”

KAYLA CHAPMAN: “Now, as the champion of a new division, you’ve got a lot of people chomping at the bit for title contention. No doubt people like Jalen Briggs at number 1, or Lucija Dragicevic who’s undefeated since coming to Union GP, might feel a little slighted by your first defense coming against Carter Vaughn, who’s coming off a loss in the Grand Prix. Do you think he’s earned this opportunity, or was there someone else you were expecting to see this weekend?”

Izzi wrinkles her nose a little as her head bobs to either side.

ISABEL AZEVEDO: “(I’ve never been one to pick and choose who I fight. I don’t hold out for certain names or need…this opponent, that arena, three rounds or five, first fight of the night or the main event; honestly none of that even crosses my mind, I fight because I love it. So, I didn’t put a whole lot of thought into who might be the first challenger, I took a week or so to celebrate finally becoming a champion, then I got back to work preparing for whoever it might’ve been. Then I got sent a contract to fight Carter, and that’s…about as much as I thought about it. His name was on the contract, I signed the contract, here we are.)”

Kayla nods and sits back down, only to be immediately replaced by one of the men sitting nearby.

REPORTER: “Max Ross from FIGHT! Magazine; you mentioned not being particularly impressed with your own performance in the Grand Prix, especially with the fights that made it to decision before you were able to find that submission over Katya–the recent part of your career has been a lot of grueling, close decisions, some going in your favor, some going against. Do you think that kind of experience, especially at the top of two different divisions, gives you the edge over a younger, more inexperienced fighter?”

Izzi thinks for a second, ultimately nodding…but it has to be said, she doesn’t look entirely convinced by her own reaction.

ISABEL AZEVEDO: “(An advantage? Maybe. I’ve fought these kind of fights before, I’ve been in this position, and…it’s true, it hasn’t always gone the way I wanted it to go. But I’ve been…here, before, I’ve been in this position, so…I know people talk about, like, things can go wrong, the first time you’re under bright lights, this isn’t my first time, so I’m not really worried about that. But, at the same time, I’d be silly to overlook what Carter can do, he took down an incredible striker in Rachel Parsons, then took Katya to a split decision after the improvements she’s shown since coming back, so I don’t know how much I can really trust the ‘advantage’ that it brings.)”

MAX ROSS: “You’re both high-level grapplers. Do you see this fight turning into a BJJ chess match, or do you plan to keep it standing?”

ISABEL AZEVEDO: “(Obviously, I’d like to really put a stamp on this fight and this division, make a statement with a big win, and a submission seems like the obvious choice there, but…I’m going to take whatever openings Carter gives me. He’s tremendous on the ground, I’m not going to pretend like this is going to be like fighting some of the more one-dimensional standup fighters, where as soon as the fight hits the ground, it’s…just a matter of time. I’m excited to see how this fight plays out, but…as far as a particular strategy, I think it’s just a matter of seeing what openings are there. If I can get the win on the mat, obviously that’s what I prefer, but if it happens on the feet, I’ll be happy with that too.)”

Izzi stops for a second to take a swig from her water bottle before pressing on.

ISABEL AZEVEDO: “(But that’s my main focus–getting my hand raised, and keeping the Featherweight Championship. The how and when and all that, I have my own…fantasy, I guess? of how I’d want it to play out, but the main focus is to just get my hand raised and solidify myself at the top of 145.)”

REPORTER: “You’re getting a title shot immediately after a loss. How do you respond to critics who say you don’t deserve this fight?”

CARTER VAUGHN: “Ahh you know, lad. People are always talkin’ shit like that, ain’t they? I have earned this fight with my last performance, otherwise I wouldn’t be sat here would I? They can talk all they wanna, yeah. But when that announcement comes over with the ‘and new’ they’re gonna be lookin’ like a group of right dickheads, aren’t they?”

REPORTER: “Your last fight against Katya Belinskaya didn’t go your way. What did you learn from that loss that you’ll apply against Isabel?”

CARTER VAUGHN: “I learned that I can’t trust these judges they got, ain’t I? Nah, but I learned a lot in that fight. I learned that I can’t let these bright lights distract me from my end goal, and that’s becoming the next Featherweight Champion of the World.”

REPORTER: “You and Isabel both come from a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background. Do you believe you have the edge on the ground, or do you expect to test yourself in other areas?”

CARTER VAUGHN: “I think I got a lotta work ahead of me, lad. That’s just me keepin’ it real with you. You know I’m all about havin’ a good time while I fight but she won the belt for a reason, but on the other side of the coin and aspects of it, I also wouldn’t be in this position if I didn’t think I was the best in the world. I do wanna see how I go when it comes to other areas, but yeah, BJJ will be my main weapon as I expect her’s will be, too.”

REPORTER: “This is your first five-round fight. How have you adjusted your training to prepare for the championship rounds?”

CARTER VAUGHN: “That’s the thing, lad. I’ve always been training at one hundred percent. The only thing we’ve been doin’ more of for this camp is my cardio, cause the last thing me coaches in the den wants for me to do in my first championship fight is gas out and I still got like two more full rounds to go. 3 Lions Den are legit, and I wanna bring back the Featherweight Championship for our team.”

Eugenie Bombelles is sat down at her spot on the table, headphones on as the questions coming her way are translated to her. She responds in French, the translator relaying her comments in English after she speaks.

REPORTER: “You just fought for the title but came up short against Victoria Marshall. How have you mentally and physically recovered from that loss?”

EUGENIE BOMBELLES: “(It’s disheartening, obviously. That’s the fight game, though. What I’ve learned is that you can’t get too down but you can’t get too high, either. I’ve held gold in Everest. I’m not a stranger to success, but it’s disheartening and frustrating to struggle not to be able to get over the hump. Especially against someone like Victoria, who I’ve beaten twice in the past. That’s a testament to her ability to improve and get better, and I need to take similar lessons from my shortcomings, it’s that simple. I can visualize holding that championship, having it wrapped around my waist. In my mind’s eye, I see it. So mentally, I know I’m going to do whatever it takes to get there. Physically, I’m good. I feel at 100%.)”

REPORTER: “Serenity is undefeated in UGP. Do you see this as your chance to stop her momentum and get back in the title picture?”

EUGENIE BOMBELLES: “(She’s clearing out the lower ranked fighters in the division, so I can see why she’s undefeated. Serenity is talented, for sure, but I don’t really see this like I have to halt her momentum, or whatever you’re saying. I’m thinking about one thing in regards to that and it’s how I’m affected. Not her. I see her as an opponent, that’s it. My team made a good gameplan to counter her strengths and skills, if she never fights again after this fight, I don’t care. If she doesn’t let it affect her momentum and she goes on to do really good things in this sport, okay, I still don’t care. It’s not what I’m worried about. It’s a waste of my time and my mental space.)”

REPORTER: “Eugenie, you have nearly three times the experience of Serenity. Do you believe that will play a major role?”

EUGENIE BOMBELLES: “(It can have an affect, yes. It’s a factor, for sure, but it can go either way. I’m not here to underestimate anyone. We have seen relatively unknown fighters with little experience come out of nowhere and storm through the divisions, going on to cement themselves in history. Experience has a factor but only to a certain point. Some people just aren’t affected by it. I wasn’t, I can tell you that. It looks like Serenity won’t be either. It’s something inside of you, not being afraid of the occasion, afraid to be in that moment. From a fight IQ perspective, you know, maybe, but things happen so fast in there, sometimes it’s instinct. Sometimes you get caught with a punch. A kick, whatever, and you don’t have time to think or do anything. So I don’t think it’ll be major. Will it give me an edge? Maybe. But it’s not something I’m giving too much thought to. On some level it’s not tangible. I can’t see it. I only see her tape, how she fights, her tendencies, anything else is on the periphery.)”

REPORTER: “If you get the win, do you believe you deserve an immediate rematch with Victoria Marshall?”

EUGENIE BOMBELLES: “(That’s for the matchmakers. Ultimately, is that my goal? Yes. I want to rematch Victoria Marshall, fight for the title and win the title, but for any of that to even come to fruition I need to look at the opponent in front of me, and that’s Serenity. Title aspirations might be on my mind, they should be on everyone’s mind that’s here, if you don’t want to be a champion, you are wasting your own time – but it’s not something that is dominating my thoughts in the least. My focus is where it needs to be, so I’m going to go and put on a show for the fans and cement myself as the next contender.)”

HOWARD LEMS: “Howard Lems from BestofMMANews. Serenity, congratulations on earning your first honors in the Union Grand Prix. How does it feel to be named the 2024 UGP Prospect of the Year and do you think people were right to vote for you as that winning prospect nominee?”

Serenity sits upright on the chair behind the table holding the microphone but before she lifts it up to speak, there’s a quite good reaction from the fans attending inside the Smoothie King Center. Serenity smiles, a little surprised from seeing a plethora of UGP fans showing support, and leans forward adjusting the shades on her face to sit down on the table and move around in her leather jacket.

SERENITY HOLMES: “What’s up New Orleans!”

The audience appreciates the acknowledgment and Serenity laughs a little before answering.

SERENITY HOLMES: “Yeah! I really appreciated being named Prospect of 2024. Umm, it’s just been a great experience and it was very satisfying but also surreal. If you look at how I started in 2024, I had five fights in one calendar year and each fight I won so I’m 5-0 which is a great start for a rookie. I think I did more than enough to win that award because I pushed myself farther than anyone had expected. I said I wanted to reach into the top five bantamweights and from being unranked to doing that only solidified how much I worked to reach that goal.” 

HOWARD LEMS: “And to follow up on that question, you’ve had a very fast rise to making the top five, right now, you’re ranked at number four due to roster changes and ranking changes, has that added to your confidence or do you think about just moving up in general?”

SERENITY HOLMES: “No, I always want to move up. I never think about slowing down or falling behind. The thing about me is that a lot of people are going to move the goalpost for you when you are showing improvement but I always set these goals for myself before anyone can. When I was unranked, I said I wanted to become top 10. When I was in the top ten, I wanted to become top five. Now I want to become the number one contender and then this year, I want to reach my top goal and that’s to become bantamweight world champion.”

She thanks Howard for his questions and looks around for the next reporter. She spots her and awaits her question.

KELLY ORLON: “Kelly Orlon from the Orleans Insights, there’s always the biggest criticism about you Serenity that you are both doing professional wrestling and MMA. You came from professional wrestling and are heavily involved in that sport. Do you think it’s taking away your focus?

The mentioning of professional wrestling draws boos which Serenity understands so she waits for the audience to die down before she can speak.

SERENITY HOLMES: “Look, I knew exactly the type of environment I was getting into. I was expecting people to make fun of me or mock me because I came from professional wrestling but the joke is really on them. What they truly forgot was that my style in professional wrestling is MMA-Influenced. It means that I’ve been doing boxing, kickboxing, muay thai, wrestling and especially brazilian jiu-jitsu prior to being in the squared circle. I just never had the opportunity to start with MMA professionally hence why I joined professional wrestling.”

She clears her throat.

SERENITY HOLMES: “But like I said, after 2024, I think everyone who’s ever doubted me or thought I wasn’t going to last probably has a sour taste in their mouth. I earned my wins fair and square, I’ve been putting a lot of focus, attention and passion into MMA. I don’t half-ass anything, I give it my all and I learn every time which is attributed to my camp, the Holmes MMA and Wrestling Academy.  So, yeah, I’m just a girl who can do it all but when I am in UGP, I am a fighter and I’m damn sure going to the best bantamweight fight every time.”

She hardly places the microphone down after exerting a strong statement. The fans enjoyed her putting an end to that criticism and Serenity turns her attention to a familiar face asking the next question.

KAYLA CHAPMAN: “Serenity, you mentioned your camp, the Holmes MMA and Wrestling Academy, which has been developing a lot of fighters on the scene and acquired Jordan Parker who is now a 3-time Lightweight Champion. You being the first fighter signed from your camp, how do you feel about seeing the progress it’s made in UGP with a plethora of your team-mates growing?’

SERENITY HOLMES: “I’m freakin’ proud man! It’s just a good vibe, good energy. We fight together and ride together and die together. You just have to remember that we are all working to get where we are and it’s a family environment. We all push each other to hone our strengths and to diminish our weaknesses.”

KAYLA CHAPMAN: “We’re seeing your name be in the conversation of potential contenders against Victoria Marshall for the UGP Bantamweight Championship alongside Gianna Howard and Marissa Kane. How does that boost your confidence and do you think they’re overlooking Eugenie Bombelles or they’re predicting you as the winner?”

Serenity knew that question was coming and she paused for a second looking over at Eugenie for a second then answered directly to Kayla.

SERENITY HOLMES: “I’ll be the first to say that I’m super happy about where people see me in the conversation for potential title contenders. The names that were always spoken about were either the former champion, Gianna Howard, rising contender, Serenity Holmes, or hall of famer, Marissa Kane. To be recognized just shows far I’ve come but I’m not overlooking Eugenie at all. I called her and Gianna out for a reason because I need to earn a victory over a former champion and title challenger to mark my name down as the next title challenger for Victoria. So I’m not overlooking Eugenie, I’m not taking her lightly, I’m going into this fight with one purpose and that’s to win because I need that title shot.”

KAYLA CHAPMAN: “One last question for you Serenity, Eugenie is one of the top pure strikers in the division. You are a formidable kickboxer yourself and a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Are you going to stand and strike with her to send a message or take it to the ground to mix things up?”

SERENITY HOLMES: “I am going to fight to get a finish by any means necessary. Eugenie is an amazing striker as you’ve said but my camp and I have been training like crazy. I am at a point where I can go for six or seven rounds inside the cage. I’ve sharpened my striking and thanks to Jordan and Robin who are amazing grapplers, my wrestling and jiu-jitsu has improved. However, I’m going to be blunt. There are holes in Bombelles’ game that I’ve seen especially in her fights where she struggles with grapplers or people on the feet who can match her pacing, footwork and her volume in striking and the clinch as well.”

A slight ooh from the audience is heard and Serenity shrugs her shoulders but smiles confidently.

SERENITY HOLMES: “But, I’m not going to lose. I’ve had my struggles with different fighters but I improve every fight. This is the fight that will guarantee my name next to challenging Victoria. I am very aware of what Eugenie can do and that’s why I called her out. She is a former strawweight champion, title challenger and has an amazing resume. However, I want her to bring her best because I want to show everyone that I am a mixed martial artist. And as for Victoria seeing the hype is real, I hope she watches because I’m going to finish Eugenie and prove that I am ready to take that belt off her.”

She lets the microphone down and raises her fist in the air after the audience applauds her for her critical answers, emulating her confidence and growth in the company. From what she said, it’s safe to say that Serenity Holmes wants to win this fight more than anything.

REPORTER: “Ray, you’re currently on a four-fight losing streak. How are you approaching this fight mentally and physically, and what steps have you taken to turn things around?.”

RAY ROGERS: “Look, I know what the record says, and I know what people are thinking. I don’t dwell on the past. I focus on what’s in front of me. Every loss has been a lesson, and I’ve taken the time to make the right adjustments. Mentally, I’m as locked in as I’ve ever been. Physically, I’ve fine-tuned my training, got back to my fundamentals, and I feel sharper than ever. The streak doesn’t define me, how I respond to it does.”

REPORTER: “You’ve faced a variety of opponents in your career. What’s your strategy for dealing with someone like Byron McCall, who has a strong striking background?”

RAY ROGERS: “Byron’s a legend for a reason. He’s got that veteran savvy, dangerous hands, and an insane fight IQ, but at the end of the day, this is mixed martial arts, not boxing or kickboxing. I know where my strengths lie. I’ve built my career on breaking guys down and dragging them into deep waters. If he gives me an inch, I’ll take a mile. I’m not looking to play his game, I’m going to make him play mine.”

REPORTER: “With the losing streak, do you feel any added pressure heading into this fight, or has it motivated you to push through and prove your critics wrong?”

RAY ROGERS: “Pressure’s always there, whether you’re on a streak or a skid, but honestly, I thrive on it. I know what people are saying. They think I’m done, that I don’t have it anymore. That fuels me. I’ve been an underdog my whole career, and I’ve made a habit of proving people wrong. This fight is my chance to remind everyone, including myself, who the hell I am.”

REPORTER: “How do you feel about your current place in your career? Do you feel like you have a lot more to give, or are you starting to think about your legacy?”

RAY ROGERS: “I’m not done. Not even close. Yeah, I’ve had setbacks, but I’m still in this fight game for a reason. I’ve got a lot more to give, and I’m not thinking about legacy yet, I’m thinking about what’s next. I know I can still hang with the best, and this fight is about proving that. Legacy? That’ll come later. Right now, I’m focused on one thing… winning.”

REPORTER: “Byron, you’re a Hall of Famer and a former middleweight champion, but you’re now competing at welterweight. How does the move down in weight affect your training and approach to this fight?”

BYRON MCCALL: “First of all, it’s great to be back. Thanks for the welcome. I’ll answer your question, the weight change hasn’t affected me at all. I stepped away feeling like my time at middleweight was done, but truth be told I was scared of getting hurt again. I won the title, and wanted to get out while things were still good. That was a mistake, precious time was lost that I’ll never get back. However, I’m still at what I feel to be a good age, I still feel good stepping in and sparring. I haven’t lost a single step, so it’s time to push past the worries. I’m not worried about moving down, I’m looking forward to dominating a new division. And then maybe when I’ve sunk my teeth into that welterweight title I’ll look to regain the championship that I allowed myself to lose.”

REPORTER: “After a long absence you’re returning at 35. What motivates you to continue competing  and what do you feel you still have left to prove?”

BYRON MCCALL: “Time is my motivation, knowing that I allowed myself to waste so much of it. I’ve been watching, seeing these fighters come and go. I know that I could be better, I should be better. I should have been here as a champion all these years, and again that was my fault. I know better, and I know what I need to do to make this change a reality.”

REPORTER: “You’ve faced some of the best fighters in the sport. Does the pressure of being a former champion and Hall of Famer add any extra weight to this fight, or do you approach it like any other?”

BYRON MCCALL: “If anything it motivates me. Knowing what I’ve done, and what I could still do. I’m so ready, I feel like you all are going to see something of me that you’ve never seen before.”

REPORTER: “Ray Rogers is known for his grappling skills, particularly his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. How do you plan to neutralize that and keep the fight in your striking range?

BYRON MCCALL: “I’m going to stuff his attempts, and then I’m going to knock him out. Ray, I want you to know that I don’t envy your position right now. In fact, I feel bad for you. Your losing streak is about to get worse, and you have to deal with me on my return. I’ll apologize right now for everything that’s about to happen. I hope you can recover, and bounce back. But know this, what you’re about to face isn’t somebody just chasing glory days. There’s a change coming around here, Byron McCall is going to dominate this division. Plain and simple.”

REPORTER: “2Face, your last fight ended in a loss to Sadie Williams at UGP 57. How did that loss affect your preparation and mindset heading into this fight?”

2FACE RODRIGUEZ: “There is no effect. Split decision. Terrible judge. It was very clear I had won fight but many do not wish for me to succeed. They do no like that I say what I think. But I prepare same as always do. I will beat her until she breaks and then I will stand victorious.”

REPORTER: “Catherine Harris has a strong wrestling and kickboxing game. Do you feel any pressure to avoid being taken to the ground, or are you comfortable wherever the fight goes?”

2FACE RODRIGUEZ: “There is no need to worry about fight on ground. She cannot do this to me. I will knock her out and that will be it. Then Dante will pay me. He will not give me fight of the night or knock out of the night because he does not like me. It is grudge he holds for me breaking his golden goose Paige Holloway.”

REPORTER: “You’ve been through some tough battles in your career. What motivates you to keep pushing forward and improving after a loss like the one to Sadie Williams?”

2FACE RODRIGUEZ: “Stop saying I lose. I did not lose. I was robbed by corrupt and incompetent judge. So it is no very difficult to find the motivation to keep pushing forward. I know who I am. I know that the devil and his minions wish to undo me. But I am strong, and they are weak. I will not lose.”

REPORTER: “What is your strategy for dealing with Harris’ ability to close distance quickly and get into clinch or takedown situations?”

2FACE RODRIGUEZ: “I pull her face to my knee. She go to sleep. It is that simple.”

REPORTER: “This fight is high-stakes with both of you being in the top rankings. What does a win here mean for your future in the lightweight division?”

2FACE RODRIGUEZ: “It means one less excuse for Dante to use to keep me from reclaiming what belongs to me. But he will try hard. He will pay judges in secret. He will pay referees in secret. You see what he does to Supa? He do this to me tenfold. I am not weak bitch like her, though. I will not run away. I will win and then he will have to pay me much more money. He will kiss ring, you see yes?.”

REPORTER: “Catherine, John Garrett from Sun Belt MMA; you had an impressive five-fight winning streak before your loss to Benji Meyers. How have you mentally bounced back from that defeat?”

Despite obviously knowing a reference to the loss in her title fight against Benji was coming, it still causes Catherine to…well, to make a face. Her nose screws upward a little bit as she mulls over her thoughts, then speaks up.

CATHERINE HARRIS: “Yeah, it was frustrating to be honest, because I thought I was winning that fight, up until he found that big shot. But that’s the game, yanno, I should’ve done more to control him, I shoulda done more to finish the fight in the early rounds, but…he’s a tough kid, no doubt about it, so I just had to dust myself off and move on with it. No use dwelling on the past like it’s gonna change anything, I just gotta worry about building myself back up as a challenger now, starting this weekend.”

JOHN GARRETT: “You’ve had success in both wrestling and kickboxing. Which of these styles do you think will be most effective against 2Face, and why?”

CATHERINE HARRIS: “I…think it might be a stretch to call me a kickboxer, but I appreciate the praise anyway. As for this fight, I mean…I don’t think it’s a big surprise that his biggest weakness is on the mat, and that’s where I do my best work, so…obviously wrestling’s going to be a bigger focus for me than trying to stand up and trade blows with him. My game is to slam him on his back and beat a hole in his face, and, no disrespect to Sadie, but if someone like her can take him down?”

Cat just shrugs a little bit, her voice almost flat as she finishes her thought.

CATHERINE HARRIS: “Then I definitely can.”

JOHN GARRETT: “What would a victory over someone like Rodríguez mean for your career, especially after your previous loss?”

CATHERINE HARRIS: “Obviously, it’s always a big thing if you can beat a former champ. If you believe the rankings, I’m right on the outskirts of challenging again, so a win this weekend would be huge in terms of getting back up to the top and fighting for the belt again, but really, I’m just worried about this weekend. The future is kind of out of my hands, if Dante thinks a win this weekend puts me in title contention, awesome. If not, then I fight whoever’s next until I get back there. That’s all I’m worried about right now, is getting back to the title fight. So whatever I have to do to beat 2Face this weekend, that’s what I’ll do. But in terms of, like…do I think this is a career making win, not really. It’s just a fight against another contender.”

JOHN GARRETT: “As you say, with a win, you could be one step closer to a title shot in the lightweight division. How do you see yourself matching up against the current champion, Jordan Parker, after this fight?”

CATHERINE HARRIS: “Jordan’s clearly kept up the work during his time off, he’s been really impressive since he came back–5 fights, 3 submission wins so far, it’s a really impressive resume. But he’s either fought people that fight his kind of fight like Maddox, or that are…out of their depth on the mat, like Benji. I’m neither one, I don’t fight like that. The last time he fought someone like me was Lauren Moore back at UGP 2, and Lauren was an undersized Lightweight that had never fought before, at that point. So…if I get the fight, it’ll be interesting to see how we stack up. I’m not gonna sit here and say whether one’s an easier challenge than the other, and right now, it’s all speculation anyway. But yeah, that’s…that’s definitely the hope, after this weekend. Get my hand raised, and find out how me and Jordan match up.”

Dante Reed steps back from the podium, shaking his head with that knowing smirk, the kind that says, “Yeah, that just happened.” The press conference had veered into full-blown chaos early on, the Main Event fighters setting the table with bad blood and a few choice words that’ll replay in promo reels long after the dust settles. The crowd’s still murmuring as Dante leans into the mic one last time, the showman in him making sure to hit the final note just right.  

DANTE REED: “Alright folks, I think that’s a wrap. UGP 64, New Orleans, tomorrow night! We’ll see you at the fights!”

A subtle nod, a step back. Camera flashes pop like distant lightning. The fighters on stage shift, some still smirking, others staring daggers across the dais, knowing that the next time they lock eyes, it’ll be under the cage lights. The feed holds for just a second longer, letting the moment breathe, letting that final charge settle in, before the UGP logo pulses and the screen fades to black.