UGP 72 BEFORE THE WALK: ROBIN KELSON
Holmes MMA and Wrestling Academy
Houston, Texas
[Another day in the office of the Holmes MMA and Wrestling Academy. The gym that has become a formidable training camp with world class fighters and athletes. Inside the gym, the video footage of a sweaty Robin Kelson working the pads on the training mats in a striking session hosted by the head striking coach, John Karthan. He’s exploiting simple boxing combinations but also emphasizing on the need for head movement and footwork to keep at distance and avoid any significant counter strikes. After the session ends, a close up of John Karthan to speak on their gameplan.]
JOHN KARTHAN: “Robin is one of the best grapplers in UGP. He’s a wrestler who loves to maul and entertain. We want him to use that against Byron but be aware of the potential counter strikes Byron possesses. Right now, we’re working on improving his striking and striking defense. Robin has always been dominant on the ground but he’s been improving on his feet as well.”
[Robin continues to move around, never staying in a single spot after throwing a punch or a combination. He’s very fluent with his gloves on, focusing on combinations and putting the best technique he can. Another round is finished and Robin sits on the mat taking a breather when the camera does a close up.]
ROBIN KELSON: “It’s been a long time coming for this fight. To main event Riyadh and the last card of the year is a blessing. I’ve always thought things come full circle. I opened The Kingdom and now I’m going to the main event, The Kingdom. Talk about Game of Thrones right?”
[Transitioning from the mats to inside the cage, Robin is sparring one of the other fighters in the gym. He has a tendency to let his sparring partner continue with combinations as he covers his face to block. However, he moves to the right and catches him with a left hook followed by a straight that catches him off guard. Robin turns up the pace and finally, the round comes to an end. From there, Robin walks around to get his breath and he sits down at the cage with John Karthan speaking on some ideas. The final shot is Robin speaking to the camera.]
ROBIN KELSON: “This fight is going to be one for the ages. I get to show what I can do and I’m going to get that win. I’ve been wanting to become champion so Byron, if you’re watching, all love but I’m coming for you brother.”
[The final shot of the scene is Robin taking off his boxing gloves and handing it to the coach. He leaves the octagon and steps onto the mat to continue with his grappling training. He’s showing his rolls, submission game and also his heavy wrestling dominance in controlling his opponents.]
The Kelson Residence
Houston, Texas
[The home to the welterweight title challenger is welcomed not only by his family but also his team mates. Robin is in the backyard cooking up some steaks, burgers, and other meats but also adding some seasoning as he’s joined by his girlfriend and former UGP Featherweight Champion, Verona Jimenez. Both their families have come together to celebrate Thanksgiving early and Serenity Holmes is in the backyard playing soccer along with Mason while Jordan is having a nice coffee with the coaches. Robin continues to make the grill sizzle with the meat.]
ROBIN KELSON: “Happy Thanksgiving two weeks ahead of the actual date. Unfortunately, I have to cut weight during the real Thanksgiving so that hurts my soul but I’m glad my friends and family are here plus my girl, Verona.”
[The food is looking pretty good. The video footage cuts to Serenity Holmes bouncing the ball on her knees and playing with a few of the children. Verona sits behind the grill watching her boyfriend do the cooking and she lets her hair down and keeps her shades on, letting the camera come closer.]
VERONA JIMENEZ: “Robin is a good man. Many people don’t know this but we started dating the moment he joined the gym. He’s super funny, positive and just himself. We started talking as friends and then we became inseparable. He’s going to be a champion and no one else deserves this more than him.”
SERENITY HOLMES: “Heads up Mason!”
MASON LAMBERT: “Over here!”
[Serenity kicks the soccer ball in the air to Mason who jumps up and catches it on his chest. The ball bounces off and he passes it to a kid who kicks it into the goal. Serenity and Mason celebrate the child’s goal and Robin smiles at their involvement.]
ROBIN KELSON: “Food is ready! Serenity, don’t hog all the meat!”
SERENITY HOLMES: “Hey, I have to put on some weight for the fight too!”
ROBIN KELSON: “Bon Appetit everyone!”
[The families come and eat together enjoying the food. Verona and Robin are enjoying each other’s company, Serenity is chowing down with Jordan and the atmosphere is a family-friendly wholesome gathering.]
Holmes MMA and Wrestling Academy
Houston, Texas
JOHN HARTMAN: “I want you to use the strikes to set up your takedowns. When he’s coming for the counter, that’s your time to level change. Go!”
[The clock begins and the loud beep tells both fighters in the cage to start. Robin moves forward, throwing out probing jabs to his sparring partner then when his sparring partner tries to counter with the left hook, Robin ducks and blasts him down to the mat with a double leg takedown. He’s in full guard but starts working past to side control.]
JOHN HARTMAN: “Excellent work! We want more of that. Always put the threat of takedowns to keep him guessing but once you get him on the ground, control him, make him work and empty that gas tank.”
[Robin is pressing his chest on his sparring partner who is trying to buck his hips or shrimp his way out. However, the control is too strong. He has deep side control and begins to isolate the right arm to apply the Kimura where the sparring partner taps out. The sound of the beep is heard representing the end of the round. There, the close up of the head grappling coach, John Hartman watches from the cage wall.]
JOHN HARTMAN: “This is his toughest fight. Byron is a veteran, experienced and has been through many opponents. Robin needs to be on his game to become the new welterweight champion. This is his most important fight but we are believing in him. We have a great gameplan and Robin won’t hesitate until he wins.”
[Back on the training mats, a group of athletes and fighters are practicing their rolls. Working on their wrestling, Ju Jitsu, submissions, transitions and Robin is working with other wrestlers. In the cage, Serenity and Jordan are sparring each other being coached by John Karthan. Robin is managing to get the better hand of the scrambles proving that his grappling is world class and becoming fluid in his movement. Once the session ends, Robin is sitting on the cage side bench and looking at the sparring session between Serenity and Jordan.]
ROBIN KELSON: “We’re almost there. We’re almost there to the fight. I hate suspense when you really think about it. All these build ups and promotion, it’s great but inside, you want to just fight and be done. Most people think being a fighter is easy but to be a champion? That’s a whole different story.”
[Robin is on the bike machine to coordinate with his cardio and conditioning circuit training. He’s pushing the pace and working hard knowing it will pay off. This is his first championship fight and main event which means Robin will do everything to be ready.]
George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Houston, Texas
[Travel days are never the most fun but Robin’s personality and antics made it better. With the long hour flight to Saudi Arabia, it was going to be a long time of rest and recovery from the weeks of training for the upcoming fight. In the Kelson residence, he’s packing up the last of his suitcases and Verona, his girlfriend, is organizing his mess by folding his shirts and pants before packing it correctly. He stands there watching her do this and tries to help but she slaps his hand away.]
ROBIN KELSON: “You know I can pack my own suitcase right?”
VERONA JIMENEZ: “You throw your clothes in it and just zip it. You have to fold and put them aside. There’s a system here that works.”
[Robin looks at the camera wondering where she’s going with this. He shrugs his shoulders after she’s done and he carries his suitcases down the stairs to outside where the team is ready. After loading up, they travel to the airport where security and travel agents are escorting Robin and his team through TSA, and to his flight. They are awaiting confirmation for boarding. Serenity Holmes sits on a chair and leans back to enjoy the comfort when the camera shows a close up of her.]
SERENITY HOLMES: “We’re about to travel to Saudi Arabia. Robin’s been an amazing fighter and a great friend. He’s earned this title shot and he’s going to win. I’m going to fight Morgan and she’s good too but I need to get the bantamweight championship by any means necessary.”
VERONA JIMENEZ: “You will girl. You don’t quit. You’re going to win this.”
[Serenity smiled from the reassurance from Verona. Serenity always respected Verona and loved her kind spirit. On the other hand, Robin is conversing with a few of the coaches and enjoying the conversation. He looks off to the camera next to him and gives his thoughts about the upcoming fight.]
ROBIN KELSON: “I don’t know about you guys but I’m going to pass out on the plane. If I snore, good, don’t wake me up. If I’m not snoring, somebody will punch me in the face so I can sleep.”
[The coaches laughed with Robin who loved the company. Verona and Serenity shook their heads wondering how they can put up with such child-like behavior. However, the time to board had been called and the team packed their belongings to get on the plane.]
Kingdom Centre Tower
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
[The Kingdom Centre Tower is one of the most beautiful architectures in the world. The 99-story building over the shining lights of the city nightlife created a beacon of beauty and outstanding awe that fighters such as Robin had to be in pure shock. He watches the city view from such a high angle inside the tower and takes a moment to just be in complete bliss of how beautiful Riyadh is. Robin wants to have this forever but the camera comes closer as he watches the view with a look of humility and gratitude.]
ROBIN KELSON: “Now this is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. Honestly, how many people can get to say they’ve witnessed this a day in their lives. It’s some cool shit. I’ve never seen a city look this beautiful and honestly it’s just very humbling to get to be here. I’m going to fight in front of all these people and I promise to make it a show. I’m very happy.”
[The tour continues on and alongside him is Verona. These two have become glued to the hip, inseparable and pushing through everything together. Verona holds his hand and clings to his arm as he is led by the touring agents who speak about the history and design. Robin is very thankful for this experience and looks at Verona with a giant smile on his face.]
ROBIN KELSON: “Thank you for being here with me baby.”
VERONA JIMENEZ: “Of course.”
[It’s a great moment between the two and they’re so happy to spend time with each other. Verona is very proud to be his girlfriend and when he’s busy speaking to the tour guide regarding questions, the camera comes in to get her personal thoughts.]
VERONA JIMENEZ: “He’s the love of my life and a great man. He’s going to be the next welterweight champion because he just loves to be himself. A lot of people aren’t too fond of the whole antics and entertainment but that’s just who he is. He’s a go with the flow type of guy but also always surprising people when they least expect it. ”
ROBIN KELSON: “This is freakin’ awesome!”
[Robin returns back to his girlfriend and the two are engaging in conversation after the tour had ended. They leave the building to get into the assigned SUV for transport. Robin looks out through the window to see the view of the tower one more time but it’s really a blessing to share it with the one he loves, Verona Jimenez.]
Pre-Fight Interview
The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh
[The Ritz-Carlton is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city of Riyadh. For the event of UGP 72, it’s been a perfect choice to house the title challenger and his team to stay during their time for the fight. However, with such a title challenger comes new duties and one of those is doing media days. Inside the business conference, there’s a production setup for an interview with Kayla Chapman regarding his upcoming championship bout against Byron McCall. Robin is sitting in front of Kayla and production gives the cue to begin the segment.]
KAYLA CHAPMAN: “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the pre-fight interview with Robin Kelson who is currently the number one ranked welterweight fighter challenging Byron McCall for the UGP Welterweight Championship in the main event of UGP 72. Thank you for joining us Robin.”
[Robin shrugs his shoulders but he’s ultimately thankful to be here.]
KAYLA CHAPMAN: “Robin, you’ve been one of the most entertaining fighters in UGP. You’re undefeated in the promotion riding a five fight win streak. How has the journey been to the championship?”
ROBIN KELSON: “Amazing Kayla. I’ve always been one to put my best in and just do everything for the love of the sport. Every fight I’ve been in has been for the thrill. When the audience is invested, that’s when I shine the best. So far, no one has been able to overcome my wrestling and my skills inside the cage so hoping to continue that momentum.”
KAYLA CHAPMAN: “And right now, you’re going to be challenging Byron McCall. He’s a hall of fame inductee, former middleweight champion and now welterweight champion. How has the preparation been for a man of his caliber?”
ROBIN KELSON: “You just have to go in and do what you know. Byron can fight anywhere but I will just maul and destroy. I have a great team of coaches who has been developing a gameplan, I improved my striking and defense but I’m also ready to take the fight down to the ground and just finish him there. When it’s all said and done, I will be the new welterweight champion.”
KAYLA CHAPMAN: “Alright ladies and gentlemen, that’s all we have for now. Be sure to prepare for the last event of UGP for 2025. Robin Kelson, thank you for joining me and I wish you good luck in your fight against Byron McCall for the UGP Welterweight Championship! Be sure to catch the action at UGP 72: McCall vs Kelson!”
