ONE ON ONE FT. TRISTANO D’AMICO
[As the scene opens up Isaac Cohen is dressed as sharply as ever, but his guest for the conversation has gone to the effort of matching Isaac’s energy from a fashion perspective. Tristano D’amico is a relatively new name to the Union Grand Prix scene and as this is the first time he’s actually sat down and had this kind of discussion it’s apparent he wanted to make sure and leave a good impression.]
ISAAC COHEN: Ladies and gentlemen, we sit down this afternoon with one of Union Grand Prix’s rising stars, Tristano D’Amico. To this date he’s earned a record of four wins to zero losses with one performance of the night bonus coming from his bout with Felix Rosario back at Boss Fight 52. Tristano, how are you feeling?
[D’amico smiles politely during the introduction and then considers Isaac’s question before answering succinctly.]
TRISTANO D’AMICO: “I feel good.”
ISAAC COHEN: “A man of many words.”
[Cohen laughs but Tris simply stares back at him blankly.]
ISAAC COHEN: “Right, Tristano, let’s start out by talking about how you anticipate your upcoming fight with Carter Vaughn going? Do you believe having the home crowd at your back will help at all or does that make the nerves that much more intense?”
[Again, Tristano considers Isaac’s question and weighs it before finally answering after moments of awkward silence.]
TRISTANO D’AMICO: “I don’t expect it to be an easy fight for me. Carter excels in areas that I am still working hard to improve upon. His submission game could be very problematic for me if I allow him to take me down. Much of the focus of this camp has been working on improving my takedown defense. I can’t say that I have especially enjoyed it. I respect the grapplers and the submission artists, but what I have always loved about fighting and mixed martial arts specifically is the contest of strength. Who can stand and look the other man in the eye, take their best shot and give your best back in return and be left standing.”
[D’amico pauses for a moment and Isaac looks to ask his next question before Tristano raises his hand to silence him.]
TRISTANO D’AMICO: “I was not finished yet, Isaac. As I was saying, most of my camp has been working on defending takedowns. If he is able to close the distance and take me down it will be a problem, as I said. But I have a substantial height advantage over him. I believe with my reach I will be able to keep him from effectively utilizing his outstanding take down and ground capabilities. This is the gameplan. I believe we both know this and each understand what we must do if we wish to be the victor. For my part, I do not expect to see this fight go to a decision.”
ISAAC COHEN: “From your statement it sounds like you respect him.”
[Another pause follows as D’amico gives consideration to the statement.”
TRISTANO D’AMICO: “I have no reason not to. I respect any man or woman who is willing to step into the cage and fight. There are many things I admire about Carter but most is that he has such an infectious spirit and a love for fighting that you want him to do well. I am sorry that my success and ambition must come at the cost of his. Unfortunately, that is the nature of this business.”
ISAAC COHEN: “Speaking of the nature of this business.. What do you see for yourself should you emerge with a victory at UGP 70? Do you see someone like Isabel Azevedo on your radar?”
[By this point it doesn’t surprise anyone watching when Tris takes his time and gives thought to the question before answering.]
TRISTANO D’AMICO: “I’m not sure that’s really for me to say. I think perhaps some would argue that since I have not yet been featured on the main card that I should have at least one bout at that stage before challenging being considered a legitimate championship contender. Perhaps a fight with Danielle Fontaine or Isabel. Ultimately that is not up to me nor does it matter that much. I want to reach the biggest, brightest stages and fight the best competitors in the world. Whoever’s name and accolades meet that standard are who I want to face. I know that that is a rather boring, white meat answer but it is the truth. I want that for myself. I need that for myself. But it is one step at a time and I will take all the steps that are necessary to get to where I want to be.”
ISAAC COHEN: “Let’s come back to the question about fighting in front of the home crowd here in Chicago. How important is that to you?”
TRISTANO D’AMICO: “Not at all. Cheer me. Boo me. I’m going to fight my fight all the same and I think any fighter that is impacted by those kinds of emotions is fragile both mentally and emotionally. For some, like Donnie Calabrese, it may have carried them to greatness but imagine how much greater Donnie could have been had he been disciplined. Instead of being in the conversations about who is the greatest of all time, it would have been undisputed. I do not intend to ever let my emotions, the mental game, or any fan in attendance dictate the success or failure of my career.”
[This answer rolls right off of the tongue without any thought and it catches Isaac off guard a bit, leading to the interview ending a moment later.]
ISAAC COHEN: “Well you heard it here first, Chicago. There’s no home field advantage for featherweight competitor Tristano D’amico. Just straight physicality. We’ll see if it pays off at UGP 70. Tris, thank you for your time.”
