The following events in this thread occur on September 10th 2020 so no references or statements should be made on social media regarding this event until September
On the Paul Rossi GUF walkout
''I wasn't worried about it too much. It makes for great television, honestly. I ended up going down there and sorted matters out. Basically, we had a replacement coach come in for the week and the viewers are going to lose their minds when the find out who it is. Don't miss the next episodes of GUF my friends, you're in for a treat!''
On Tundra MMA's win streak
''Yeah, it's been a hot topic lately. Tundra MMA has been flawless since their inception. I don't take it personally that Gaia Galanos left The House of Khan, I think she felt it was a better move for her career and I can't fault her for it. Tundra MMA has one hell of a roster behind them and while I don't expect their record to remain unblemished forever; Tyler Stevens and Aleksandr Baranov are two promising talents who are more than capable of keeping the streak alive.''
On the return of Mila Sauvage
''I am very excited to see her back inside the cage. It was practically a year ago that she won the GCC featherweight championship at GCC 1 sweet sixteen and made history as the first. It's been a long time that we have seen her fight since then and Sassy Vega has proven that she isn't some sort of push over, this is a big fight for both women but Mila is the clear favorite here.''
On the Co Main Event
''This is a huge fight that both of these men and their respective camps wanted. we're talking about a fight with potential title fight implications. With Alejandro Rivera and Ross Hanson's bout waiting in the wings we're already looking at our next move potentially. If Aleksandr Baranov wins this fight and Alejandro Rivera defends successfully, I think that's the matchup. If JaySon Francis wins and Ross Hanson becomes the new heavyweight champion, how do we not book the rematch? Time will tell and reveal it's cards but the future is looking bright in the Heavyweight division.''
On Ibanez vs. Hicks
Nathan Zafir | Allthebestfights.com
How do you feel about fighting Aleskandr Baranov? We all know you have a common opponent in Ross Hanson, does this give you confidence heading into this fight?
JaySon Francis | Praying Mantis
I am not a fan of MMA Math but yeah, I do think it's important to point out. Aleksandr got his ass beat down by Ross Hanson so bad he turned around and dropped his whole purse to fund a new gym for Hanson to lay his head at. In the same breathe, I am the only person to beat Ross Hanson. No excuses, all facts.
Kevin Wilson | MMAWORLD.COM
JaySon, Aleksandr Baranov has eluded to the idea that you backed out out of a potential match up before. Is there any truth to this?
JaySon Francis | Praying Mantis
Nah, not at all. President Khan hit me up asking me if I was down to fight Aleksandr and I told him yes but he never got back to me on it to ink the deal. Next thing I find out he's fighting a bum named Charlie Leonardo so it got me thinking, who's really out here ducking who? I guess he couldn't stomach the thought of losing two fights in a row.
Nancy Holton | CageRage.com
JaySon, what can we expect in your fight with Baranov tomorrow night?
JaySon Francis | Praying Mantis
Anything and everything. If he's down for it, we can bite down on the mouthpiece and just swing and see who goes down first. I am not scared to stand and bang with this dude and in four fights he hasn't given anyone a reason too. We all watched Aleks grind out decision after decision as he pillow fights his way into the hearts of the judges even against weak competition on bicycle no gas tank having motherfuckers. I don't see what the big deal is with this guy but hopefully he'll hit back hard enough for me to finally understand.
Tyson Johnson | Blogger
Yo, JaySon! My boy! We have all heard this guy talk about Tundra MMA and what they are on but tell me about Gunplay MMA. What are you guys on?
JaySon Francis | Praying Mantis
That's what's up bro. You know all about us. Vishis, he's at the top of the lightweight division and fought for the title. Trixxie is on a win streak ready to break into the top 5 of the deepest GCC division in this bitch. We got Gamboa starching competition making his case for the next title show at Middleweight. We all have lost fights but we stay fighting the big fights, the one's that matter. We don't fuck around on the under card over here and we fight the divisions best each time out. In other words, Tundra MMA can learn a few things from Gunplay MMA. You feel me?
Tyson Johnson | Blogger
Damn right! JaySon my boy, let them know what the Russian is in for tomorrow night?
JaySon Francis | Praying Mantis
He's in for the fight of his life. He better put his Sambo to good use for once because if he thinks he can stand with me, he'll be getting knocked down and knocked out. Facts, I might just beat him down so bad that he ends up trying to join us at Gunplay MMA. Problem is, we don't allow suckas membership. We all about loyalty and that's something that his kind doesn't seem to understand.
Tyson Johnson | Blogger
Good looking out bro!
Motivation to Win Skyrockets at GCC 12
Aleksandr Baranov was a hot topic during the Zoom press conference. Anything surrounding the Co-Main Event was to be honest especially now that Mr. Khan had announced that this fight could very well reveal who the next #1 Contender to the GCC Heavyweight Championship. Baranov always seems eager to speak during these events.
On the Progress of TundraMMA:
On How He Has Prepared for JaySon Francis:
On How Confident He Feels Despite Being the Underdog:
On What a Win Would Mean against JaySon Francis:
WANNABE MEDIA ANALYST
''Feloni, you've been very quiet on social media lately. Too quiet. Why is that?''
Feloni DeMeans
''Cause my little sis is out here crampin my motherfucking style! How the hell am I going to talk shit when I am out here with an 0-2 record? Shits weak. Shits wack. I haven't won a fight yet so I am not in the position to say nothing. Ostrich Themis, her long neck headass has already won a fight and proved she could walk the walk and I haven't so I just gotta shut my mouth and show up on Friday Night. That's it.''
GUY NOT FROM THE JAPANESE COMMISSION
''At one point it seemed that you were going to protest your loss to Kiiara, why did you back off of this sentiment?''
Feloni DeMeans
''Oh yeah for sure, we could have taken that shit all the way to the courts but I was too lazy to bother with it. Everyone watching that fight already knows what it was. That's why I am fighting Ostrich who was ranked higher than the chick I ''lost'' to at the time. Sis wanted to take that shit all the way up and have the decision reversed but then I'd need to fill out some paper work and shit like that so I said forget it.''
TWENTY TWELVER
''With several high profile departures from HILITE FC have taken place recently, are you at all afraid of the potential repercussions of losing another fight?''
Feloni DeMeans
''Nah, I'm good. I am WAY better than the records show. Facts is, I just did a four year bid so the whole ground game is a little rusty that's all. I just need to find my groove and then we're legit and everything is all good. I don't need to spend all day in the gym or watch tapes on my opponent, I just need to find my groove and with a few fights already out of the way I know imma find it.''
SHERTARD MEDIA GUY
''Do you ever think you'll eclipse your sisters popularity in the sport?''
Feloni DeMeans
''At this rate, I won't but at the same time I ain't tripping. The cheques are still coming in the same AND I am pretty much the star of the prelims at this point. All the new girls coming in want to fight me and the chicks who can't actually beat my sister want the last name DeMeans under their win columns in their Wikipedia pages. Is it what I want for my career in the long run, no but beggers can't be choosers especially if they have an 0-2 losing record. Shits wack.''
SHERTARD MEDIA GUY
''And how critical has your sister Misty DeMeans have been of your GCC performances thus far?''
Feloni DeMeans
''Fuck man, you don't get to hear the end of it. She always has an opinion on what I am doing wrong, what I can do better, blah, blah fucking blah. Shits mad annoying. At the end of the day though there's always a level of respect there because she knows I can hip toss her down to the mat and break her arm in the matter of seconds if shit really gets popping between us and that's how it's always been since we were kids. She's a great fighter, no doubt the best in the world but everyone has their crip 2 night.''
SMARTASS IN THE BACK
''Don't you mean Kryptonite?''
Feloni DeMeans
''That's what I said my nigga, last question.''
GENERIC ERIC
''What would a win over Osira Themis mean to you and your career in the GCC?''
Feloni DeMeans
''Umm, a lot I guess? Worse case scenario, I lose and end up fighting in Triumph FC. Yeah, I guess that's pretty shit so I better win this fight. I know Atari and the rest of her clan would celebrate a win over me because they collectively lose together as much as I do so we're all pretty much living the same struggle out here. Imma figure it out though, no sweat.''''
Hi there Clive, thank you for joining us today! Tomorrow night, you have a huge fight ahead of you for the Middleweight championship. How do you feel?
Clive Hicks
Yur boy Clive told everyone that he would make the Middleweight division great again and he's here to deliver on his promise! While Jacky boy was a fine American champion he did let his country down by allowing the title to fall in the hands of a filthy commie by the name of Christian Ibanez! Anyone who watched that fight knows that Jacky Boy didn't show up against him with the same spark he did against good ol' Clive!
It's been a long while since you've fought on American soil, do you feel any home sickness?
Clive Hicks
Yur sure as hell Clive does! I haven't seen momma jo' in almost a year now! With all this fake news Corona Virus bulljive yur boy Clive has had to cut out all non-essential travel so you know momma jo can't be none too happy! She's hoping that her boy can make it out there to see her for Christmas and that Clive brings her home the big gold belt as a souvenir! Plus yur boy's contract is up after the fight so you know momma jo' is going to be eating real right after that signing bonus comes in!
So you will be resigning with GCC after this fight; win or lose?
Clive Hicks
Yur sure as shit he will! Who else is going to pay a big dummy like Clive that much cash? Sure, Clive was never big on the whole idea of fighting for a bunch of spoiled billionaire aye rabs but Khan and his family ain't so bad after all. They are some good people. See there's a dark cloud hanging over our country in America and Clive would rather fight for GCC then a liberal infested American based Union GP being run by a tyrant with zero concept of innocent until proven guilty or a fair trial!
How do you feel you match up against Christian Ibanez and considering he beat the man who beat you, has that effected your psyche at all?
Clive Hicks
Jacky Boy struggled with his wrestling, yur boy Clive isn't gonna have that problem when it comes to taking Ibanez down at all and once he's on the mat he's in Clive's world! The boys and gals out of HILITE FC are well prepared and if Reggie Martin could kick yur boys ass around the cage for two rounds but then get dominated in the rematch it goes to show you that every fight is different and match ups mean a whole lot. Now Clive ain't the biggest fan of reading and all that but I am sure the scoutin' reports aren't looking great for the commie.
You had a chance to win the GCC middleweight championship once before, what do you think went wrong and how do you plan on avoiding it this time around?
Clive Hicks
It don't take a brain surgeon to see that yur boy Clive just got caught, he got caught in crafty lookin' triangle! Jacky Boy is one of the best submission artists in the world and it was a pleasure to learn from him! As for Christian Ibanez he isn't a submission threat even though he rolls with that Russian Spy Nika Kosov none of her grappling prowess has rubbed off on the big doofus! His only chance to win this fight is to keep it standing at all times but yur boy Clive has one hell of a double leg so he's playing a very dangerous game!
What would a win here mean for you and your teammates at HILITE FC?
Clive Hicks
Things have been tough over at HILITE FC, a lot of new faces to work with! Adding the GCC middleweight championship to the ranks would definitely get Clive on the good side with head coach Misty! Man, she's been grumpy lately! They told Clive that if he wins on Friday Night then they would have held all four GCC championships minus the new bantamweight title daddy Khan added a couple months ago, pretty cool wouldn't ya say?
Indeed. Mr Hicks, is there anything else you would like to say?
Clive Hicks
Christian Ibanez the True American Clive Hicks has arrived in Abu Dhabi to remind you and the rest of the world that COMMIES NEVER WIN!!! How poetic that it is Clive the True American going up against the COMMIE Christian Ibanez on a day the greatest country in the world was attacked by terrorists who hate EVERYTHING America stands for!? I am a PROUD american and tomorrow night, you can chalk yet ANOTHER victory up for the good guys!
USA! USA! USA!
On her signing with GCC:
I'm very excited about the new opportunities it creates. I loved fighting for Supreme MMA, and Dylan Jackson was… sorry is a great promoter. I was having a lot of trouble cutting down to the bantamweight limit. I was so grateful that Dylan granted me a release so I could fight for GCC in their featherweight division. I look forward to my future.
On Paul Rossi's GUF walkout:
There isn't much I could tell you about that. GUF is starting out with a fantastic first season. You should continue to watch the show because some amazing things are happening. Also don't forget to tune in next Saturday only on the Splat! Network. One of my teammates Tanner will be fighting.
On her goals in GCC:
I'm hoping to create a legacy here not only in Abu Dhabi but all over the globe. I will do that by continuing to work hard, and I will continue to better my abilities, gain more experience, and get very comfortable in the cage. I won't be one of those girls to rush into the title picture. I will earn my title shot by fighting my way up the ranks.
On training for her upcoming fight:
Sanoh Ngam-Chit is a great mixed martial artist. She's good at everything from striking to BJJ and in between. I'm a world-class striker and I'm pretty good with the wrestling clinch, so I drilled a lot of scrambling techniques, so I can get back to my feet if she takes me down. She is not called 'The Boa' for nothing (Karla laughs) so I will be very careful of her ground game.
What a win would mean:
Everything. I want to start off on the right foot here in GCC. I hope to win and if I do I would like to fight Katherine O'Campos.
She is an established name, and she has wins over good fighters.
Christian pops up on the screen. He is wearing a hat and what appears to be a sweat suit. He smiles as soon as he realises he is on the screen and compliments it with a wave. "Hey guys, the champ is here" he laughs "I will answer any question you guys have" They all welcome Christian to the chat and begin to ask their questions. *Christian, you've expressed you wanted this fight and you expressed that you wanted it in his backyard. What makes this fight so attractive to you? * "Well I don't see any other middleweight at the moment that is as good as Clive, other than myself of course. Clive comes from a great gym with plenty of great fighters and I feel if I beat him here I've beaten the best contender on offer." *Your last fight you won the belt and that was against Jack Nation, Clive has also fought Jack and he lost. Does this give you confidence going into the fight?* " No, not at all. Jack and Clive are different fighters and just because Jack won against Clive doesn't mean I can. We all possess different skills, I've been blessed with the power to turn your lights off, I can over power and overwhelm people. Jack has the ability to lock in a submission against the very best grapplers in the world. Clive is a master at dominating and smothering opponents. My style worked on Jack but there is no saying that it'll work on Clive. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve but ultimately I'm looking to knock him out." *you seem to be showing a lot of respect here, is this a part of the game plan? Get into his head a little?* " Nope, I'm just speaking facts. If he wasn't skilled facts would come across disrespectful. I'd rather face this challenge with a literal understanding of what I'm up against. Clive is good, I think I'm just slightly better. I don't think he can hold me down and I don't think he can withstand my power." *what have you done this camp to prepare for the fight? * " You know we've had a whole host of new talent come through and the sparring has been great. They are young and hungry, a man who is on the card, Tatenda is a big powerful wrestler and he's been helping me a lot. I've had to use skill rather than power so you are going to see something new from me this fight!" *A win here makes you 5 and 0 and a definite candidate for fighter of the year. What does that mean to you? * " I'm not sure about fighter of the year but we'll see what happens. I think the most important thing is to make sure I remain champion, I can never claim to be the best if I can't defend this belt. My goal is to stop every opponent in front of me, I want the judges to know they can leave for home early when I'm headlining! " *Thank you Christian, that's all* " Thank you and make sure you tune in, follow @KosovKourt on twitter to keep up to date! "