GFN 1: Open Workouts - A Fans Perspective
By: Tom Harland
I arrived to the open workouts a little earlier then usual but was surprised to see that Agustin Gates and his camp/entourage where the first one's at the event. The seriousness in his approach is rather intimidating and you just got a feeling that he and his crew meant serious business. Agustin was eager to begin workouts and started shadow boxing before his crew even had an opportunity to set the mats up. This guy is one hell of a hard worker and it's amazing how he manages to do it at such a high level.
Agustin Gates traits
Trait 1 >>> This fighter will look to initiate the clinch at all costs.
Trait 2 >>> This fighter will try to slam his opponent down at a higher rate.
Trait 3 >>> This fighter will try to control or lay on his opponents in order tire them out and drag the fight into a judges decision.
+ 100 Stamina, + 90 consistency
With Agustin Gates kicking things off, I knew these open workouts would be extremely fun. Notably, Rupika Khan and Gaia Galanos had a behind the scenes spat that seemed to attract a fair bit of media attention. It started when Rupika Khan mockingly brought a pen and notepad to Gaia Galano's open workout session to take notes. I don't know what notes Rupika took but I certainly took a few! Gaia Galanos looked amazing in her open workout and was impeccable shape! Personally, she is my favorite coming into Saturday Night. As for those notes, this is what my report looked like:
Gaia Galanos traits
Trait 1 >>> This fighter will throw a high volume of low kicks.
Trait 2 >>> This fighter will implement a counter striking approach in stand up exchanges.
Trait 3 >>> This fighter has an increased chance to lock in choke submissions specifically guillotine chokes.
+ 100 Stamina, + 90 consistency
The spat between Gaia Galanos and Rupika Khan was said to have been broken up by GCC President, Fazan Khan himself. After scolding Rupika Khan on her misbehavior, I can confirm that Mr. Khan and Gaia Galanos spoke at the open workouts for an extensive period of time and an invite was made by Mr. Khan himself for Gaia Galanos to make an appearance at The House of Khan, Mr. Khan's family owned gym. As for Rupika Khan, despite her antics she definitely showed up to fight and had a great camp herself.
Rupika Khan
Trait 1 >>> This fighter will look to clinch her opponent as often as possible.
Trait 2 >>> This fighter will look to lock in triangle chokes from bottom guard.
Trait 3 >>> This fighter will look to lock in flying submissions at a higher rate.
+ 100 Stamina, + 90 consistency
I think the most unique fighter I seen at the open workouts was Anaquin Adams. She seemed to hold her cards a little more close to her chest during the open workouts only going over some of the most basic 1-2 striking combinations. I had a few words with Anaquin and she seemed excited to debut. She reportedly had a great camp, a much more unique approach then some of the other fighters on the card but overall looks to be in great shape and ready for a fight.
Anaquin Adams traits
Trait 1 >>> This fighter will look to mix her striking up with grappling and takedown shots to keep her opponents off balance.
Trait 2 >>> This fighter will look to push the pace, will look to remain aggressive and generally will throw caution to the wind.
+ 90 stamina, +80 consistency
With all the hype surrounding the main and co main events, Angel Hughes open workout flew well under the radar. When I came to check him out he only had a few media personal giving him a decent look. Despite his lack of social media presence, this guy had one of the more impressive open workouts of the day and his work rate is quite simply, insane. I expect him to absolutely starch his opponent Dante Cortes and I think he will quickly become a staple of the lightweight division in the near future.
Angel Hughes traits
Trait 1 >>> This fighter will try to grapple and push his opponents against the cage in order to wear down their stamina tank.
Trait 2 >>> This fighter will look to take the fight to the ground should an opportunity present itself at higher rate.
Trait 3 >>> This fighter will look to land ground and pound rather then trying to advance positioning when grounded.
+ 100 Stamina, + 90 consistency
Our last notable mention of the night goes to the man opposite of Agustin Gates on Saturday Night, Jake Rogers. Rogers is a fairly reserved individual but not afraid to speak up for himself or stand up for what is right and will certainly become a fan favorite to be if he can knock off Agustin Gates and earn himself a shot at the GCC lightweight championship. Jake Rogers spent most of the open workout session rolling on the mats, specifically rolling for submission from guard where it is believe Rogers has planned to spend the majority of the fight. He had a great camp and looks like he'll have the stamina to go a full five rounds if necessary.
Jake Rogers
Trait 1 >>> This fighter will look to lock in triangle chokes from bottom guard.
Trait 2 >>> This fighter will implement a counter striking approach in stand up exchanges.
+ 90 stamina, +80 consistency
I also was able to take a look at Subhan Bashir, Kenny Kimura and Brooklyn Amor who all appeared to be in decent shape.
Suban Bashir
Trait 1 >>> This fighter will look to land one single, heavy knockout punch as opposed to throwing combinations.
Kenny Kimura
Trait 1 >>> This fighter will look to lock in a Kimura at a higher rate.
This was by far our best open workout session and I can't wait to be invited back to see some more! Good luck to all the Global Fight Night competitors who will be fighting their hearts out in New Delhi, India this weekend!