ONE ON ONE FT. VERONA JIMENEZ

[UGP 74. The event that will set the precedence over multiple divisions with fights from bottom to the top of the card all carrying significant weight. It’s beautiful. Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The beautiful city comprises fighters, people, and architecture that works together to shift the momentum of the eventual fight night to become a world renowned event. With many eyes from around the world waiting to see the traditional sport of fighting, it’s time to divulge into the mind of a former featherweight champion making her return to the cage. The Insomnia Restaurant and Lounge portrayed class, elegance, and an atmosphere of a night to remember. For the setup, Kayla Chapman sat with a reserved table on the high-end section of the establishment and began the segment with a smile to the camera.]

KAYLA CHAPMAN: “Hello everyone and thank you for joining me with another one-on-one episode for UGP 74: KANE vs. WEBB II. Joining me for now, she is the former Union GP Featherweight Champion, and the number one ranked featherweight fighter, Mexico’s own, “Curtida” Verona Jimenez!”

[The next frame of this video shows Verona Jimenez sitting at the opposite end of the table wearing a beautiful black shirt tucked in her leather black leggings, high heel boots, a nice Rolex watch, and her hair let down. She waved to the camera and let Kayla continue.]

KAYLA CHAPMAN: “Verona. You’re one of the top fighters in Union GP, and currently the number seven ranked pound for pound fighter in the world. I remember when you first joined Union GP and your journey to becoming the first Mexican-born champion is phenomenal. How has everything been in your eyes to become where you are now?”

[Kayla had a way with her words and Verona couldn’t stop blushing. She nodded in agreement and spoke with a humble tone.]

VERONA JIMENEZ: “It’s ugh, it’s a blessing. I came from a very hard life growing up in Guadalajara. I never thought I would have been this far but I’m glad I believed in myself and just fought. No matter what happened, I would always stay true to myself and to have my country of Mexico fighting behind me was the final step. Union GP. It’s the best MMA promotion in the world so entering the featherweight division, I knew I would be fighting a lot of people and a lot of amazing fighters. Overall Kayla, I thank God every day for where I am and I thank my family, my friends and my camp for supporting me. Nothing has been more humbling than knowing to believe in yourself, push through the challenges and then just give it your all.”

KAYLA CHAPMAN: “You speak of the support you have from your family, your friends, and the camp. I want to talk more about the influence you have in your home country, Mexico. What has changed since?”

[That question made Verona’s smile expand from ear to ear. The entirety of her soul was glowing.]

VERONA JIMENEZ: “Everything. In my eyes, everything. I reconnected with my mom after so long and-”

[The tears swell in her eyes but she tries to keep them down. Her voice cracks.]

VERONA JIMENEZ: “-just hearing her say how much she’s proud of me, and she loves me really hit hard. I left home because of how violent it was and I was going down the wrong path. When I came back, everyone was saying how proud of me they were and that I was making a difference. Inspiring the youth to be more than what they are, and showing people a better path. I spent nights crying from how much that meant to me and I never thought I could be that role model for my people. I can’t bear to understand how much it is worth but I’m ready to do even more.”

[Kayla received a box of tissues from a production member and handed it to Verona who gracefully agreed to wipe her eyes.]

KAYLA CHAPMAN: “What a life changing moment for you. Unfortunately, I hate to pivot but we have to talk about your loss against Victoria Marshall. It was a great fight, fight of the night I believe, and unfortunately, you lost by unanimous decision. What was on your mind afterwards?”

VERONA JIMENEZ: “I have so much respect for Victoria. I wanted to face her, and I even demanded to have the fight. She’s the number one fighter in the Union GP. I knew what the stakes were and she was the better fighter. Losing the championship hurt after I had defeated Isabel and Lucija but you don’t let a loss define you. You don’t let losing slow you down. I remember what Zion said to Serenity after she lost, you go back to the drawing board and train. That’s exactlywhat I did. I learned from the fight that you have to be a complete fighter, you have to work on different things and put them together. So rather than be upset, I went back to the gym, to my team, and trained. I’m honestly in a better space than I was before.”

[Kayla was pleased with the answers and shifted to the future.]

KAYLA CHAPMAN: “Now your camp, the Holmes MMA and Wrestling Academy, was named Gym of the Year for 2025. What does it mean to achieve that honor with your team?”

VERONA JIMENEZ: “Earned. We worked hard. When we first started, everyone thought we were a joke and people made fun of us. A lot of people said we were not going to make it but we proved them wrong. Our camp has some of the best fighters, and athletes in the world. We have Serenity Holmes, mi novio, Robin Kelson, Mason Lambert who is going to win the featured undercard, Jordan Parker who will beat Hendrik Geen and now Kimberly Barclay. A lot of other fighters come to our gym to visit because we encourage competition and the sport of MMA. No matter what, I love my camp and my team is amazing.”

KAYLA CHAPMAN: “Now switching gears, we have to focus on UGP 74. You’re facing Cole Carter, the number three ranked featherweight fighter. This fight could be a fight to determine who faces Victoria Marshall for the featherweight championship. How are your preparations for a fighter like Cole Carter? ”

VERONA JIMENEZ: “I’m very excited. Cole Carter is a great fighter. However, he can be a little too zealous. I mean, he’s a great kickboxer, great striker but I see gaps in his overall skills. I’m not taking him lightly at all. He’ll want to come in, put on a show and stand with me. I’m ready because my team has been helping me with some weaknesses in my skills. I’ve really been working with Robin, Serenity and Jordan on my grappling. I believe I want to show my wrestling and submission skills. On the other hand, sparring with Mason, and working with my striking coach, John Karthan, has helped me with my Muay Thai. I want to show my offense and defense too. So this fight is very important to me to tell the world I’m still number one in my division and I want my rematch against Victoria Marshall.”

KAYLA CHAPMAN: “Beautifully said. Well Verona, you’ve been such a pleasure. Is there anything else you want to say to our fans?”

[The camera focuses on Verona who looks directly into it.]

VERONA JIMENEZ: “To everyone who has supported me and to all my fans, thank you for being with me on my journey. I couldn’t have done this without you. When Sunday comes, we will stand together as one country and one people. ¡Lucharé por cada uno de ustedes y le mostraré al mundo lo que significa poseer ese rico espíritu de lucha que corre por nuestra sangre mexicana!

[The sudden burst of her native tongue riled up her spirit when she pointed a fist to the camera. Kayla smiled and turned her head to the camera to finish the interview.]

KAYLA CHAPMAN: “Thank you so much Verona Jimenez for joining us on this One-on-One episode with me and for everyone watching, be sure to tune in tomorrow for UGP 74: KANE vs. WEBB II. Thank you all and have a good time!”

[The scene comes to an end with both women standing from their table and shaking hands. Verona pulls Kayla in a small embrace and Kayla humbly accepts. When they separate and walk away from the camera frame, the video transitions into the promotional package for UGP 74: KANE vs WEBB II.]