GCC 3: Malkasian vs. Ward Open workouts!

A FANS PERSPECTIVE OF INTERGALACTIC WARFARE

by: Tom Harland

When I arrived to the open workouts early in the morning I was shocked to find out that Harmony Joplin was the first one on the scene. She didn't have a dedicated mat to roll or spar on and was found shadow boxing in the lobby with a few of her coaches from the Global Training Facility. This was a pleasant surprise as she's been criticized for her work ethic in the past. This time though, she's in pretty good shape and looks the best she's ever looked since GCC 1.

Her opponent and newcomer Nika Kosov showed up a few minutes later and I was able to catch her while she was walking into the building with her teammates and friends. I asked to her about that fight and she stated, ''I am looking forward to showcasing my skills and showing the world that I am a dominant fighter, no matter the location. I know the challenge isn't an easy one but I feel well equipped to meet any challenges I might face and overcome them. I expect to see her tapping within two rounds. Well it's my hope anyway!''

After speaking with Nika Kosov more fighters began to show up to the open workouts. The first open workout spot I hit up was Hilite FC. With the recent absence of Brock Quarry and Takeshi Kato, Erik has been working much more closely with his personal coach Patrick Lafarge. He made sure that Erik had everything he needed so that he could focus all of his time on training. With other fighters to look after, Patrick was happy that all he needed to do for Erik was to simply clear the path for him and make all necessary sparring arrangements.

While watching Erik Malkasian drill some takedowns, Sergiy was hanging out nearby and I approached him for a soundbite. Sergiy was surprised. "Official statement? I don't know...I mean, Jake has of course won his last fight, but so did I. Guess, I'll knock him out as well.."

A few feet away, Sophie Anderson was throwing heavy right hands into the heavy bag rattling the chains for the media populating around their booth. Sophie at some point, stops, turns to the cameras and says "I'll beat Redd's stupid neck tattoo into her spine" before making a throat slitting gesture and turning away.

The girl is bat shit crazy.

Her opponent Trixie Redd was just as nuts. She had a swagger about her like the walk she was prepared to take on Saturday was her last. She had a smile on her face as she drilled heavy leg kicks into a punching bag. Her teammate, GCC heavyweight JaySon Francis was tasked with hugging the punching bag to keep it in place. I tried to approach her for a question but the darts she shot my way made me realize it was a horrible idea.

My prediction for the fight? I think both of these chicks kill each other dead this Saturday Night!

Trixie Redd wasn't the only fighter making her debut on the night, GCC newly signed heavyweight Jay Aguero made his first appearance at the open workout. He was also training out of the Global Training Facility but came out looking like he did a full camp at one of the more prestigious MMA gyms. I spoke to him and it seemed focused on proving a point.

''This will be my first foray into the realm of mixed martial arts but I'm not jumping in all willy nilly like some. I have been training for this for the better part of a year. I'm not out there doing it for a gym. I'm out there proving it for myself. I'm not going out there expecting to be a God in this sport but I am confident in my abilities as a fighter that pound for pound if this fight resorts to blows I will be able to best the competition. Both The Behemoth and I are making our debuts here in GCC and I anticipate a spirited fight.''

At the Lone Wolf MMA booth the vibe felt a whole lot different. A lot of the camps focus and resources went into specifically preparing Sanoh Ngam Chit for her MMA debut against Lyla Nitro. Sanoh was extremely quiet and her approach was eerily similar to her older cousin Awut Somaskul. The time and effort put into her camp seemed to pay off because Sanoh was in amazing shape, and being under the spotlight in Thailand due to her cousins success as of late leaves me without any doubts that she may be overwhelmed or experience a stamina dump.

While Sanoh was doing her pad work with Alejandro Rivera, Krystal Knight was shouting out punch combinations. Despite having a big fight this weekend, she seemed to be personally invested in making sure that Sanoh was prepared for her fight. However, just looking at the shape Krystal was in it's clear that she's had plenty of time to work on herself.

In the Lone Wolf MMA camp, Krystal was the unquestioned leader. She took it upon herself to talk with the media as Sanoh and Alejandro continued to work for the cameras. After fielding several questions, I was able to get some insight from her on Alejandro's game plan for the fight. Alejandro intends to land powerful leg kicks to weaken Drake's legs. As well, he intends to counter strike against Drake while utilizing his much greater footwork. Furthermore, if the opportunity presents itself Alejandro will force Drake into a Muay Thai clinch and devastate him with knees and elbows. Lastly, if Drake succeeds at getting Alejandro to the mat he'll immediately attempt to stand up.

My last stop of the open workouts brought me to T.W Combat's station. I'd say out of all the gyms, T.W Combat has always had the best selections in terms of characters and always make these open workouts a blast for me as a fan. Notably, during Rob Jones open workout several members of the audience had been heckling him due to his two fight losing streak and otherwise disappointing run since he departed from Union as an undefeated fighter. I spoke to Rob in between his mitt work and he had this to say, "I hear all the taunts and trash talk. Tune in on the 30th and see who's laughing then."

Juanita Sanchez is one of my favorite fighters and quite possibly the sweetest MMA fighter I have met. That said, she seemed to be upset. She wasn't as cheerful as she normally was and something appeared to have been bothering her. All things considered she was in perfect shape and still took the time to address her fight with Krystal. ' 'I like Krystal as both a fighter and a person. This will be a great fight and I'm looking forward to it.'

She at the time did not wish to divulge into any other details as to what had may have been bothering her at the time but I'd soon learn why.

T.W combat as a whole really seemed to rally around Tommy Ward. As the leader of the team Saturday Night would mark first time any of their fighters would be contending for a MMA world championship. While I did not get an opportunity to speak with Tommy Ward himself, I did manage to speak with free agent Light Heavyweight Scotty Gordy who stated, "Tommy Ward is a well rounded, tough fighter with a ton of heart. The smart money is on him."

Word has it, Tommy Ward had tried to find and shake Brock Quarry hand backstage at the open workouts at some point but was unaware he would not be attending the event. Instead, he was intercepted by HILITE FC head striking coach Misty DeMeans and the two had a brief altercation which devolved into a heated exchange of words (and nearly blows) between DeMeans and Sanchez.

In closing, this was easily the most entertaining open workouts I have ever attended and as the collection of GCC personalities continues t grow so does my excitement to attend the next one.

I can't wait for Saturday Night!!!