The following events in this thread occur on October 8th, 2020 so no references or statements should be made on social media regarding this event until October 8th, 2020.
On Juanita Sanchez's GFN 13 victory:
''She's always in a fun fight to watch, this marks what her fifth fight of the night award now? That's amazing. I know on paper her style doesn't seem the most exciting but the way it's translated into the actual fights is big money. The girl has the look, the attitude and the drawing power to be the biggest star in GCC and to know that she's going to be stepping into the cage with Misty DeMeans at the end of the year is huge. This is going to be the biggest fight of year and I'd be shocked if it doesn't break all existing records when it finally happens.''
On the Splatterhouse MMA gym closing:
''They had a pretty good run perhaps underwhelming in some respects with injuries some of their top fighters have suffered over the past few months. Ladies like Da Eun Sin, Akane Ito and now Serena De Santo have a promising future in the GCC but right now their focus is on healing and going through the rehab needed to preform at their peak levels again. I don't know if we will ever see them in a GCC cage again but for the fans sake, I hope we do sooner rather than later. As for Jessica House and Tyler Stevens they are taken care of and training at two of the best gyms in the world.''
On Jessica House vs. Krystal Knight:
''I can't wait for this fight. A little over a year ago both of these women met in the second round of the women's featherweight inaugural one night tournament with Krystal Knight winning via unanimous decision at GCC 1. Since then, we have seen many of those faces that night come and go but these two ladies have remained at the top of their games ever since and have become a staple of the featherweight division. I think when both of these women meet again you'll be able to see how much they have grown and learned as fighters during that time and I think this fight is anyone's game.''
On the lead up to the GCC 13 main event:
''Yeah, it's been crazy. Downright odd, even. As we all now know Alejandro Rivera is involved in a relationship with Ariel Shadows who is scheduled to defend his title against against Ariel Shadows son, Ross Hanson. It's not the typical lead up we get heading into big fights and it's certainly the first of it's kind but if it means extra subscribers then we are all for it.''
On Alejandro Rivera vs. Ross Hanson:
''I still remember watching Ross Hanson fight JaySon Francis, even though he lost that fight and I told myself that the kid has what it takes to be a champion if he had found the right team, applied himself in the gym and really put his heart and soul into his career... to my surprise, he did. He has. Ross Hanson has completely turned his career around and now find's himself a fight away from being the GCC heavyweight champion. Alejandro Rivera on the other hand has had high expectations since he started his professional career and had dominated the heavyweight division in America; after a slight hiccup in his first fight against GLOBAL competition, he's been on a roll stringing together several dominate performances before winning the GCC heavyweight championship. As we seen against Aguero, Rivera is going to do WHATEVER it takes to win whether the fans like it or not. This fight really could go either way. If it ends early, I think it's because Rivera knocked Ross's head off with a kick. If it goes into the deep waters, I think it's because Ross forcefully has dragged him into it. Whoever wins this fight will prove once and for all that they are the greatest heavyweight on the planet.''
The zoom press conference for GCC 13 is underway and Alejandro Rivera has been sitting in his hotel room staring at his laptop, allowing his fellow fighters to amuse him.
Several questions were thrown his way, but a lot of them were repetitive. So here is a breakdown of the relevant questions, with his answers.
Whether or not he has ever faced a pure wrestler, and how will he handle Ross Hanson?
"What kind of stupid question is that? I took the heavyweight title off of Erik Malkasian, who is supposed to be one of the best wrestlers in MMA today. I kicked him in the head, and took his title in 72 seconds.
The only difference between Ross Hanson and Erik Malkasian, he had great striking too. Ross Hanson cannot defend himself on the feet. He will hold his hands low like he always does, and I will send him to the ground twitching.
I told hijo. I'll take his hopes and dreams, and his papi would never lie to him."
Smug bastard.
His attitude over social media, and is there genuine dislike for members of Tundra MMA.
The first time he heard this question Alejandro laughed before answering.
I hate his laugh.
"I don't have any problems with those people. Alexander Baranov, he always makes me laugh, the way he thinks he earned a title shot. He's a joke and a loser, but I don't have a problem with him.
Ken Felder has a big mouth, but what do you expect out of a little man like him. He won his fight in gcc's last event. He feels special, but he isn't. I don't care about him at all.
'Son of Madness' he is a good wrestler, he has a little trouble becoming motivated, so if I had to 'follar' a su mamá to motivate him then so be it."
When the direct topic of Ariel Shadows and his relationship came up, he refused to answer any questions, but that smug smirk never left his face.
If there isn't any personal animosity, why the fight this morning?
Alejandro smirks.
"I have a right to defend myself."
Further questions were asked about the incidents specifics, but Alejandro evaded those questions.
Does Alejandro feel he has affected the mental state of Ross Hanson?
Another sarcastic laugh.
"Hijo says he's too smart to fall into a mind game. I'm just here to fight and to defend my heavyweight championship of the world. Gente mala say that I only loved Ariel to hurt Ross, but that is not true."
A momentary smirk appears but is gone almost immediately.
"If his mind state is altered I'm sorry. Mi hijo I only do what's best for you."
This guy is sick.
On his new six fight contract worth 3.6 million dollars.
"It is a lot of money to fight, but I'm more than worth it, and I made Fazan Khan see that."
After his six fight contract extension is up, does he plan on retiring or continuing his career.
Alejandro lets out a big bellied laugh.
"I plan on fighting until I am 40 years old. I can continue to beat people up, and destroy their hopes and dreams."
Nina Anopov <Reporter> Krystal the last time we saw you was at GCC 9 where you decimated Nika Kosov early in the second round with a vicious KO. Is there any reason for the long lay off?
Krystal Knight: Wow. Was it really that long ago? It sure doesn't feel like it! I guess that's how it goes when you get older times just flies by super quick! I have been in great shape, healthy and feeling amazing. I think in contrast Nika Kosov has been out there two times since our fight and with a high profile victory over Atara Themis, I think it really highlights thing even more. It just goes to show you how tough Nika Kosov is and that she's lucky she has youth on her side, I don't think I'd be able to do what she had done coming off a string of losses like that. She bounces right back up and is always ready to go, there is no one tougher than her in this division.
Daniel Berglund <MMA blogger> You're in yet another co main event, Ms. Knight. How do you do it?
Krystal Knight: Haha, I guess taking on the toughest competition the division has to offer does the trick! I don't make any special demands or requests, I just think Mr. Khan know's I am game for the biggest fights and doesn't bother offering me a lot of these gimme fights you see certain fighters in the division sign on too. I think a lot of girls might point to my record but I think if you dig deeper, you really look into who I have fought in this division there isn't an easy fight you could point too. I have fought the divisions best each time out and I look forward to fighting women like Gaia Galanos, Rupika Khan and Trixie Redd someday before I hang it up.
Shawn Cotton <Social Media Analyst> Alejandro Rivera is one of the biggest names to train out of Lone Wolf MMA - with him being as antagonistic as he's been in the lead up to his title defense against Ross Hanson do you feel that it gives your gym a bad look and poor reputation?
Krystal Knight: I think it does in the eyes of some fans, yes. However, we are an MMA gym not a think tank. I don't need to agree with how Alejandro Rivera sells his fights or how he carries himself in the eyes of the fans or media - he shows up to work everyday, puts in the time, energy and effort on a daily basis and is respectful to everyone at Lone Wolf MMA including myself which makes him an okay guy in my books. It does hurt when some fans choose to take out their anger on us and myself but I understand where they are coming from when they do. At the end of the day, I will always do what feels right and that's all I can ask of anyone else.
Jack Braxton <Radio Host> Krystal we've all known you've had title aspirations for awhile now - where do you think a win over Jessica House puts you in relation to completing that goal?
Krystal Knight: I think a win over Jessica House puts me in direct contention for a title shot. I know that a rematch vs. Misty DeMeans would be a pretty hard sell right about now but if Juanita Sanchez were to win then based on our first fight, a rematch would be super appealing to the GCC and the fans. I really felt like I was pouring things on in the third round of that fight and had it been a five round fight the outcome would've been very different then it stands today. Still, I can't focus on the what ifs. Jessica House is here to bring the fight to me and I can't be looking past her, she's a very dangerous fighter with great striking abilities and a well rounded game.
Jack Braxton <Radio Host> Krystal seeing as you've already beaten Jessica House once before, how much weight do you put on that victory and how confident are you that you can replicate that success yet again?
Krystal Knight: I am approaching this fight like I have any other; I don't put any stock in my previous victory over Jessica House because neither of us are the same fighter we were a year ago. Not to mention both of us were preparing to fight potentially 7 other women that night and the experience was one of the most chaotic experiences of my life, one I intend not to embark on again. This time, we know exactly what to expect heading into the arena. We are both able to dedicate an entire training camp preparing to exploit each-others weaknesses and develop a game plan for success. While I am proud to hold a victory over someone as talented as Jessica House, I can't hold onto it.
John Bergandy <Sports Writer> Earlier this week you issued a statement to Joycelyn Edwards stating that you felt that you and Jessica House were in the same spots in both of your careers, could you please elaborate on that thought further for us Krystal?
Krystal Knight: Absolutely! For starters, we both have been with the GCC since day one and fought on the first GCC card together. We both have won fights we were projected to lose and have probably lost fights we should have won. We both have made mistakes and we both have come back from them. Our last losses are against a mutual competitor in Misty DeMeans. We are both the same age and are two of the more seasoned veterans on the GCC roster. It almost feels like the comparisons are endless when I really get into it. What makes Jessica House so dangerous is that she is in the exact same spot as me; which means she wants to win just as much as I do and that she will do anything in her power to make sure she doesn't lose this fight, as will I. Tomorrow night, we are going to war and something has got to give.
John Bergandy <Sports Writer> If there was anything that you could say to Jessica House before your fight tomorrow night, what would it be?
Krystal Knight: Win, lose or draw... I've heard the third time's a charm.
Anastasia Ivanovich loves to promote herself and her fights, unfortunately her english is poor, so her translator Svetlana Oblonsky is always by her side during media obligations.
Reporter:
Anastasia Ivanovich, your arrival in GCC was very hyped, but you ultimately suffered a TKO loss to Kijara. What has that done to your confidence?
Svetlana:
It was a disappointing loss for Anastasia, but you learn more from losing than you do winning. Anastasia took this as a learning experience. In this past training camp Anastasia worked on her stand up defense, and that will be something she continues to do in future camps.
Reporter:
On September 20th you competed in a submission grappling tournament. Is that your last tournament or are you planning to compete in further tournaments?
Svetlana:
That was Anastasia's last grappling tournament. It was unique because men and women alike were eligible to compete. That was very hard for her to stay away from.
Reporter:
I heard that Anastasia took home the bronze trophy at submission madness, but there is nothing online confirming that.
Svetlana:
In this particular tournament there wasn't an opportunity for a bronze medal, but yes If there were she would have competed for the bronze honors.
Reporter:
Do you feel that your career in mixed martial arts may be over if you suffer another devastating loss this Friday?
Svetlana:
Anastasia does not plan on losing this Friday night. However if she does lose, she will be back again to give it one more try.
Reporter:
Do you feel a win would propel you into the top 10 of GCC?
Svetlana:
Anastasia has a lot of work ahead of her. As we said previously she's not going to fast track her career. We will climb the ladder one step at a time.
No more questions come from the reporters. Anastasia smiles into the camera.
Anastasia:
Менин бардык колдоочуларыма рахмат!
Svetlana:
She says thank you.
With a final smile from both Svetlana and Anastasia they disconnect from the press conference.