UGP 73 BEFORE THE WALK: SERENITY HOLMES
Holmes MMA and Wrestling Academy
Houston, Texas
ANDRE HOLMES: “Alright! We’re going to be working on our movement, combinations, and advancing! I want you to maintain distance, strike in and out and force a clinch or takedown. She’s going to be looking for the counter shot so use that momentum to disrupt her rhythm and timing.”
[The Holmes MMA and Wrestling Academy has been extremely busy after a new group of athletes, fighters, and staff have joined the facility. The camera angle recording takes place inside the octagon cage where Serenity Holmes, dressed in her workout gear sponsored by Celsius, is hitting the boxing pads held by the head striking coach, John Karthan, tailoring it very carefully to work with a boxing stance. Inside the cage watching is the former Union Grand Prix Featherweight Champion, Verona Jimenez.]
VERONA JIMENEZ: “We really want to make sure we have everything to get her ready. Serenity is a mixed martial artist but this is her toughest fight yet. C.C. Flynn is one of the best and Serenity has wanted to fight her just to shut her up. We’re working on a gameplan to neutralize her but also to bring the fight to her.”
[The continuous string of punches, boxing combinations, and each combination ending with a kick targeting either the leg, body or head. Serenity uses lateral movements, switching from angles, and maintaining distance to avoid any potential counterpunches. However, the moment the couch goes for a counter, she times it well driving him to the fence for the clinch and continues to pressure her coach. John Hartman, the head grappling coach, screams instructions from the cageside.]
JOHN HARTMAN: “Whenever you feel she is getting too close or aggressive, use that to indulge the grappling. She’s going to be emotionally invested, use that against her to make her come to you!”
[After bringing her coach to the clinch against the cage wall, she applies a Muay Thai grip and unleashes a barrage of knees to the pads. Within that same clinch, she fires short elbows to the pad and sweeps the couch down to the mat where she stands tall to drop hammer fists on the pads. The bell sounds and Serenity backs off letting her coach stand where the next shot of the scene is her sitting against the cage wall unwrapping her boxing gloves.]
SERENITY HOLMES: “Finally, the fight is here and we’re not hesitant. We’re going to push the fight wherever it goes but I promise the world I will be the one getting my arm raised.”
[After the short break, Serenity is doing light sparring drills with Verona for her three-round fight.]
The Holmes Residence
Houston, Texas
[Shifting away from the hard training regime of both fighting and physicality, today in the Holmes residence was a day to be celebrated. All the fighters and athletes along with family and friends have gathered in the backyard after the announcement of the training camp becoming the 2025 Camp/Gym of the Year for the Union Grand Prix. Jordan Parker, Mason Lambert, and the newest member yet to make her debut at Boss Fight 59, Kimberly Barclay, are all enjoying their drink. Robin and Verona are together but helping to host, serve and cook is Serenity Holmes behind the grill.]
SERENITY HOLMES: “We’ve come such a long way, dad.”
ANDRE HOLMES: “Yes, we have. Everyone, let me get your attention.”
[The simple request was acknowledged. All the fighters, athletes, friends and family, coaches, staff, it mattered to him. Andre stood next to his daughter, Serenity, as he addressed the audience watching.]
ANDRE HOLMES: “This wouldn’t be possible without every single one of you here. We started small but over time, we grew. We faced a lot of criticism, haters, and people who thought we were a joke but now our gym has been recognized as the 2025 Gym of the Year for UGP. Now, we have our very own fighters ready to continue that momentum in both ”
[He pulls in Serenity closer for a small hug and raises his glass of beer. The rest join him in the cheer and Serenity holds up her glass of fresh lemonade.]
ANDRE HOLMES: “To everyone, you are the reason why our camp continues to do amazing. Cheers!”
EVERYONE: “Cheers!”
[Music plays, people dance and socialize, it’s a beautiful dawn that soon becomes the night. Serenity is taking pictures with Verona, Jordan, and other team mates, her family is well loved and received. The final shot of this beautiful scene is a close up on Serenity watching the beautiful scenery before her and she sits down to give her thoughts.]
SERENITY HOLMES: “We really have come a long way. I always brag about our gym, our home and now the world has agreed that we truly are a camp to be taken seriously. We keep growing, developing and it just proves the mindset we share. I’m so proud to be a part of this family.”
Holmes MMA and Wrestling Academy.
Houston, Texas
[From celebration to coordination, John Hartman was in charge of the grappling session. On the black mats where the fighters were doing drills in wrestling, and Brazilian Ju Jitsu rolls. The focus was on Serenity sparring with Robin Kelson, both of them significantly working their transitions, submissions and being heavy on their control game. Assisting the session is Jordan Parker alongside John Hartman paying close attention to the two. The atmosphere is filled with confident fighters training very hard to improve.]
JOHN HARTMAN: “Serenity’s progress is immaculate. She’s going into the fight with one of the best fighters in UGP. Regardless of how we feel about Flynn, we cannot deny she’s Serenity’s most dangerous opponent. However, Serenity isn’t the same fighter as before. She’s really learned to hone her craft, and control her emotions. That will be the key, to bring the fight, focus, use all her skills and overwhelm Flynn mentally.”
[On the mat, Robin continues to pressure Serenity Holmes from the bottom. He has her in the guard, and she’s standing on her feet trying to move past him. Robin shifts his weight, turning to the side trying to apply a high triangle choke but Serenity shoves his legs aside and jumps into side control.]
JOHN HARTMAN: “Well done, you have to be strong and explosive but maintain control. She has the experience but you need to overwhelm her. Don’t make this her fight, make it yours. You dictate and offset her!”
[Robin quickly sits up, and hooks her right arm to sweep her off the mat. Serenity falls backwards and it gives him more than enough time to stand and barrage her against the wall when she gets up into the clinch position. Jordan moves closer, giving instructions to both on different scenarios, but the timer comes to an end and they separate. Serenity is on the sidelines listening to Jordan’s masterful insight but the camera shows Robin watching the rest of athletes for his close up.]
ROBIN KELSON: “Back to Dubai’s baby. I’m really loving that spot, it’s like my second home. A lot of people have been asking me about my last fight against Byron and it’s bitter sweet. Bitter because the judges chose him but sweet knowing I put that doubt in people’s mind and his reign. I respect Byron. I know I can be welterweight champion and when we meet next, it’s going to happen.”
[In the aftermath, Robin and Serenity are on another mat doing their striking sparring. The coaches are invested to ensure they have everything they need for their upcoming fights at UGP 73.]
Compound Gym
Houston, Texas
[The Compound Gym is one of the most pristine gyms in Houston, Texas, with equipment and staff to help primetime athletes and high-profile customers. Tonight, Celsius hosts a promotional event for their products and one of their main ambassadors, Serenity Holmes, stands in the forum to help relay information and her experience in mixed martial arts. There’s a seminar in attendance where influencers, athletes, and local media are there to listen to Serenity.]
SERENITY HOLMES: “Thank you all for coming and I appreciate you so much. I’m really thankful to the staff of Compound Gym for their hospitality. Everyone here knows my story but I’m here because I’m a firm believer of persistence, motivation and showing that no matter who tries to put you down, you can rise above it and really show them you’re here.”
[Also in attendance behind her is her team, her father and two head coaches, watching and being proud of her. Andre never expected his daughter to be so controlled and confident as she continued to give a lecture and answer questions. The close up of him lets him speak his thoughts.]
ANDRE HOLMES: “She’s there. I know my daughter very well and she thrives when she’s being told she can’t do something or there’s someone like Flynn always trying to ruin her. Serenity’s stronger than she is, and we see it. We’re not ignoring how skilled and experienced Flynn is. We are preparing for the best and worst case scenarios but I know my daughter, she will win and she will shock the world.”
[After the lecture and questions, there’s a fun part of this event where the athletes get a chance to spar with Serenity in the boxing ring. One athlete, a woman’s volleyball player for the University of Houston, steps into the ring with 16 ounce boxing gloves and Serenity motions for her to come forward. She tries her best to punch Serenity who moves out of the way, keeps her distance and shows head movement. The audience enjoys the spectacle until the athlete surprises her with a tackle at the last second that puts them both then applause for that experience.]
JOHN KARTHAN: “Let’s give it up for Serenity everyone!”
[Serenity stands up to cheers and applause. She lets her glove down for the volleyball player to grab and lift her up to her feet. Both women thank each other and hug it out with the last shot of the scene showing Serenity and her team taking pictures with the Celsius representatives. Serenity poses with a couple of products, being flashy, goofy and picturesque in her poses but to celebrate how much support she received overall.]
The Holmes Residence
Houston, Texas
[Home. She loved home. Despite the past, the drama, and the traumatic events, she loved home so much. To be with her father, step-mom, her sister, and her growing baby brothers, this was her foundation and no one could take that from her. Every time she was home, she felt safe and inside her childhood room, it was the one place in the world she felt grounded. However, it was time to leave soon. She was packing her bags, bringing everything she needed for one of the longest flights but regardless, her years of traveling made it easy. In the doorway, her sister, Athena, crossed her arms to speak to her.]
ATHENA HOLMES: “How do you feel?”
[Serenity folded some clothes and answered.]
SERENITY HOLMES: “Ready but happy. No more need for the back and forth, the constant arguing, the piece of shit words she can say or theatrics she can pull. I feel ready. ”
[The finality in her voice made her sister smile. Athena walked over and grabbed her bag.]
ATHENA HOLMES: “You’re so cringe but we’re going to support you.”
SERENITY HOLMES: “Thanks sis.”
ATHENA HOLMES: “Shut up, let’s go down.”
[The sisterly love was sweet to see. Her team was loading up the bags in their arranged travel SUV’s. Serenity turned around to hug her sister, her step-mom and even say goodbye to the twins but regardless, they were ready. All luggage and equipment was loaded, Serenity got into the backseat next to her father and the vehicles sped off, following the path to the George Bush International Airport. She leaned against the window looking at the city pass by under the sunlight.]
SERENITY HOLMES: “We’ve done everything at this camp. We’ve pushed hard, really trained and now off to Dubai. I have a lot of media for this one. The fans definitely want to know where I stand especially after years of built up shit for this fight. I’ll speak my mind and she’ll go off in whatever childish rant but facts are facts. She hates me and I pity her. She’s not worth the hate, she’s worth the humility.”
ANDRE HOLMES: “Amen to that.”
Pre-Fight Interview
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
[A long flight to Dubai. The seats were first class, Serenity and team enjoyed excellent service but also some well needed sleep. She was extremely comfortable snoring on her bed, where Robin Kelson and her head coaches were trying their best not to laugh due to how funny she sounded. Her father, Andre, rolled his eyes and hours later, they had arrived in Dubai. The transport to the JW Marriott Hotel was smooth, she was baffled and in pure awe from the beauty of the city and they had made it to the hotel. After some well deserved sleep, the morning struck for a live interview via a video call with Kayla Chapman. The makeup team did their job and right on cue in front of her laptop, the call was established and Kayla began the interview.]
KAYLA CHAPMAN: “Thank you Serenity Holmes for joining us on the pre-fight interview for UGP 73. After years of turmoil, bad blood and vicious back and forth, you’ll be facing one of the best in UGP history, C.C. Flynn. Now that the time has come, how are you feeling?”
[Serenity chuckled. She leaned forward, hunched her shoulders back and spoke with a fiery tone.]
SERENITY HOLMES: “Kayla. I knew this fight would come sooner or later. I’m 100% ready for this bitch. Cierra has been on my ass ever since I joined UGP and said everything but it has never caused me to quit. It’s only motivated me. Regardless, I am going to beat her and embarrass her.”
KAYLA CHAPMAN: “Serenity, you’re facing a former three-time champion in UGP. Pound-for-pound and one of the most accomplished fighters in this sport yet people have you as the betting favorite. How has the training been for what could be described as your biggest fight?”
SERENITY HOLMES: “I trust my team. I trust my camp. I’ve walked into unbearable environments and come out strong. I’ve faced people who have taken even the worst parts of my life and used it to try and hurt me. Cierra is no different. I’m not coming with baggage. I’m coming with purpose. For her entire career when we met, she has never met anyone who can step up to her like I can. Now? I’m going to drown her legacy.”
KAYLA CHAPMAN: “Thank you-”
SERENITY HOLMES: “No, thank God. No more time for excuses, antics or any of this fake tough shit. It’s time to fight and by God I’m going to make sure this is a night the world sees Cierra for the fraud she is.”
Pre-Fight Press Conference
Coca-Cola Arena
[Coca-Cola Arena. The place where everything will be settled between Serenity Holmes and C.C. Flynn. The fight yearns for the world to truly enjoy. On the other hand, in one of the conference rooms, the setup is usual. A stage followed by rows of chairs for the media to sit down, cameras, lighting, and the large poster of UGP 73 with all the sponsors. Walking up the stairs is Serenity Holmes before taking a seat behind the table and grabbing a microphone. She looks off to one interviewer who has his hand raised and acknowledges him.]
INTERVIEWER: “Serenity Holmes. You’re the featured fight on the main card for UGP 73. This has been a feud, a rivalry and has gone beyond personal. What is- ”
[Serenity grabs the microphone and speaks into it, interrupting him.]
SERENITY HOLMES: “I’m sorry but I need to say this. I know all these questions you’re going to ask of me about how I feel or how my training is. I’m here because of one reason: This woman has been on her high horse for too long. Despite everything she’s accomplished, everyone in UGP has had enough of her and I’m the one who speaks because I bruised her ego. Yes, a professional wrestling fuck told her that she’s not the girl she thinks she is. ”
INTERVIEWER: “So C.C. Flynn-
SERENITY HOLMES: “Cierra. Her name is Cierra. That’s who I’m fighting. I’m not fighting C.C. Flynn, the self-proclaimed face of UGP. I’m fighting Cierra. The little girl inside who has to put on a front for everyone because she hates me so much that I represent who I am to the core. She is no different from any of us except that she’s been exposed for all her insecurities. So whatever games she’s pulling, I’m not. I’m here to fight and I’m here to win.”
[There was an awkward silence from the loud outburst but Serenity stands on her feet and looks at the rest of the media.]
INTERVIEWER: “Any last words for your opponent?”
SERENITY HOLMES: “Words? No. Just action. Just time to show the world that everything Cierra has said about me will mean nothing. When she learns that I can hurt her, face her whether on the feet, in the clinch or on the ground, you’ll see her break. My job isn’t to fight her, it will be my personal gratitude to break her. And when she does, I will unleash every single hell on her!”
Open Mat
Coca-Cola Arena
[The open forum in the Coca-Cola Arena has a lot of gracious space to host a stage for the open mat workouts. In this public event, the fans have paid good money to check out the action first hand from the fighters. On top of the stage, working the mat, Serenity Holmes is dropping vicious combinations in her kickboxing base but also working dirty boxing using boxing with elbows to add in the mix. John Karthan is screaming from stageside but her father is holding the pads. The fans are watching with their eyes, recording with their phones and listening to the sound of pads being beaten down.]
JOHN KARTHAN: “You’re facing a southpaw fighter who is going to pressure and focus on counter strikes. I want you to dirty box, clinch and disrupt the rhythm. Keep the fight to her, put that pressure on her and let her break. Make it dirty and grinding.”
[The sound of her punches on the pads are equivalent to shotguns being blown. Serenity’s elbows are fast and vicious, utilizing her head movement, spacing and following with kicks repeatedly for combinations. She never stays flat footed, always bouncing on toes, and then quickly finishes with a powerful kick. Serenity continues to move around, switching angles, using linear and lateral movements to confuse John Hartman who comes closer into a close combat then she locks in a clinch before going to the Muay Thai grip.]
JOHN KARTHAN: “Yes! Knees, elbows, short punches. Even in the grip, she has powerful hooks and uppercuts. Keep busy with volume and then go for the trip or takedown!”
[In the Muay Thai clinch, she is peppering him with brutal knees to the ribs and then to the face. A couple of elbows before shifting her weight to the side for the inside trip. Once John falls to the ground, she quickly dives on top of him for side control and goes for the Kimura. The round comes to an end and she stands up with her coach thanking the audience as they cheer in support of her rounds. Kayla steps onto the stage next to the sweaty Serenity Holmes and speaks into the microphone.]
KAYLA CHAPMAN: “Ladies and gentlemen, I am here with Serenity Holmes, the number two-ranked bantamweight fighter facing off against the number five-ranked bantamweight fighter and former UGP Bantamweight Champion, C.C. Flynn. Serenity, any final words for your upcoming fight?”
SERENITY HOLMES: “Nothing more left to say. We’re going to step into the cage, it’s going to be a bloodbath but only one woman will stand and that will be me!”
