The following events in this thread occur on December 25th, 2020 so no references or statements should be made on social media regarding this event until December 25th, 2020.
On the prelim undercard
''I am confident in saying that this is the best undercard we have ever put together - a lot of new faces with tons of projected potential. We start things off and immediately Mark Addison is a name jumping off the pages in terms of his social media and how he's handled the press in the lead up to this fight, he carries himself like somebody who is eager to make a name for himself. Then we got a pro wrestling standout in Geri Vayden who's taken the wrestling industry by storm looking to prove herself as a MMA cross over star. Tyler Stevens has shown some promise as of late and is going up against a Themis family member in Ambrus. To cap it all off, two of the best heavyweight prospects in AJ Jenkynx and Mitchell Kirkwood are slated to throw down which could turn out to be the best fight of the entire night when it's all said and done, I believe the winner of this fight in particular is going to take the division by storm in 2021! I personally can't wait to see how these fights play out and I expect them to set the tone of the rest of the night regardless of the strength of the main card.''
On returning fans in Japan
''This has been an extremely huge undertaking for us but being able to get fans back into the arenas safely has been at the top of our agenda since the initial COVID-19 outbreak. We understand that while the threat isn't over, we do feel that we can begin to host crowds in a safe manner. Fans will be required to wear masks at all times and we will be operating in the arena at around 50% capacity. Our fighters will continue to be tested and will not be at any risk of potentially contracting the virus from any fans in attendance. We will be evaluating the situation as we go and adapt where necessary as we have always done.''
On the Main Card
''What a crazy night of fights this will be. My granddaughter Sunni will be making her GCC debut after having a spectacular championship run in Supreme MMA against fellow competitor Desdemona Themis. As the employer of the Themis family, I take any insinuation of a family feud of sorts in good spirits and wish Des the best of luck in her showing. Then we have Tommy Ward vs. Aleksandr Baranov at heavyweight. With a string of high profiled injuries in the heavyweight division; this match up has become that much more important for the winner here. Although, I cannot outright say that the winner is guaranteed to fight Ross Hanson for the title - it will certainly be something we seriously consider moving forward. And then at the top of all that we'll have Gaia Galanos going up against her former training partner and my granddaughter, Rupika Khan. Although Rupi is my granddaughter, I also see Gaia Galanos as one too. I am very fond of her and what she has done for the GCC and so making this match up happen was a top priority for us. I know both of these women are going to steal the show and I hope both of them leave the cage healthy and free of injury. As an MMA fan, I have never been so excited to see how all of these fights play out.''
On Rob Jones vs. Sanit Klahan
''The decision to grant the GUF lightweight winner an immediate title shot has drawn some criticism from some fans and a few GCC lightweights themselves but I can't say I regret the decision. The division is certainly better off now then it was a few months ago but Sanit Klahan busted his ass to earn this title shot. Still, there are many questions that he will need to answer when he steps into the cage with the champion Rob Jones. Rob Jones is clearly the favorite in this match up and on paper should have the best odds of retaining his title tomorrow night but Lone Wolf MMA has been pouring their heart and soul into prepping Sanit or this fight knowing full well what's at stake here. Before I stepped out here, Sanit pulled be aside and told me with a complete sense of certainty that he's going to beat Rob Jones. Those Lone Wolf guys are confident that they can replicate the success Awut Somaskul had against Jones in the past. And yet, I look at Rob Jones and I see a machine. A killer. He isn't the same fighter he was when he lost to Awut and I think it's important for Lone Wolf MMA to take that into consideration. Rob Jones is the real deal.''
On Clive Hicks vs. Tim McCarthy
''We're really going to see what the champion is made of in this fight. Clive Hicks has looked amazing in his fights up until this point but Tim McCarthy has demonstrated that he has the skill set to give Clive Hicks fits. It's no secret that Clive Hicks has struggled in the clinch early into his career and if there is anyone who can drag him into those waters, it's Tim McCarthy. The champion has the benefit of training at one of the best camps in the world at HILITE FC and is getting paid enough to ensure he has the best training and preparation for this fight where as Tim McCarthy is just a dog, he's really earned his nick name cold blooded over the string of his last few performances. After what he did to a guy like Manuel Gamboa, the champion is going to have a steep hill to climb tomorrow night.''
On Misty DeMeans vs. Juanita Sanchez
''On the biggest card of the year, it's only fitting that it's headlined by the biggest fight of the year! When we talk about the champion Misty DeMeans your talking about a bonafide superstar, the girl is box office. It doesn't matter if your a fan of the GCC, a casual fan or even a fight fan at all - your tuning in on the off chance you get the chance to watch her lose. Love her or hate her, that means a lot. This is all without saying that she has proven to be one of the best fighters on the globe pound for pound. However as the saying famously goes, styles make fights. Insert Juanita Sanchez. She has the style to dethrone Misty DeMeans in spectacular fashion. Juanita is going to make Misty wrestle and at some point, the fight will end up in her world and we have yet to see how a fighter like Misty DeMeans handles that across her nine
professional fights. To top it off, this is going down in front of a live Japanese crowd who has been starving for high quality live MMA fights for nearly a year now. My prediction? My prediction is that this fight along with the rest of the card shatters all previous GCC records. This is going to be a night to remember my friends.''
On Tommy Ward’s team bringing their families out to see him fight:
On him viewing Tommy Ward as a “stepping stone”:
On Alejandro Rivera constantly being brought up to him, but Baranov refusing to talk about him:
On how he plans to handle Tommy Ward’s clearly superior grappling game:
On GCC 15 potentially smashing record numbers:
On whether or not this fight will actually settle anything between Gaia and Rupika:
On being the surprising underdog headed into the fight based on Twitter polls:
On Rupika looking to submit her:
On Rupika’s words and claims:
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
Sorry I'm late ya'll.
Zach Berry | 7am MMA
Misty! Misty!? Yes, Misty. Zach Berry here with 7am MMA! I was hoping to get your immediate thoughts on what Juanita Sanchez had to say before you arrived. Did you hear her comments and if so, how do you respond to them?
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
You're one hell of an early bird ain't ya? I guess that's why they call you guys 7am MMA - is that it? Ya'll motherfuckers are the first to get the scoop on everything? I see you. I mean I heard her say something, how about ya'll? I don't know about ya'll but it sounded like she was whispering on her mic to me like she was nervous or scared to talk about the fight on some grown woman shit. She says that she finds me cute and funny and was up in here giggling and shit like a school girl, that's cool. She's in the for the fight of her life tomorrow night and trust me when I say she ain't going to be smiling and giggling when the cage door closes. This is the fight game ain't nothing cute or funny about it.
Jack Ross | MMA CORE
Hey Misty. I was wondering if you have sat down with Mila Sauvage and picked her brain at all in prepration for your title defense against Juanita Sanchez seeing as she holds a victory over her in the past?
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
Nah, not really. That was a long fucking time ago. Plus, me and Mila's styles are so different that there is nothing I could really take from her game plan that would work for me in this fight. I haven't watched a whole lotta tape on her either. I feel Juanita Sanchez's game is very one dimensional in that she's going to charge forward with her eyes closed shooting double and single leg takedowns like her life depends on it. So real talk, pretty much the entire camp has been spent trying to deal with that and becoming more comfortable fighting off my back whenever she manages to take the fight there.
Jack Ross | MMA CORE
I have a follow up for you, Misty. It seems as if you are accepting the fact that you will be taken down by Juanita Sanchez. Why is that? In Union you boasted amazing takedown defensive skills and you were never taken down during your five fight stint with the promotion.
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
I ain't accepting shit it's just real talk. We got some real ass ground and pound wrestling bitches over here who have been shooting takedowns for years on some serious life or death type shit. I am just making sure that I got all my basis covered just incase the fight goes there and I ain't caught out looking stupid as fuck. So yeah, the competition over here is different and I need to make sure I continue to evolve as a mixed martial artist. Facts is, a lot of these girls aren't sleeping on me anymore. These chicks who know how to wrestle real good now know that I got some real tools off my back after I submitted Jessica House who tried to get slick after she realized she couldn't strike with me a minute into the fight. Some of these girls have some real fight IQ and I need to make sure I am on the up n' up each time out.
Garret Haag | FIGHT GOSSIP
Hi there. You have aggressively criticized Juanita Sanchez fighting style in the past calling her style boring. This has led many of your critics to imply that you are not as a well rounded fighter as you intend to portray. How do you respond?
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
Fuck ya'll, that's my response. I was speaking facts. Her style is boring. Ya'll quick to point her as having the most fight of the night bonuses or whatever but that almost always comes down to her opponnet's style making the fight entertaining by how they gotta deal with her wrestlefuck shit. Don't get me wrong though, at the end of the night winning is what matters the most so I ain't even hating her for it. I just have the mindset that I am trying to get this bitch up outta my cage before the judges get involved with their 2cents and deep down she doesn't have the same spirit with the way that she fights. To keep it one hundred with ya'll that makes shit a bit easier for me cause I don't even have to fuck with the possibility of getting knocked the fuck out and put on a poster.
Tyler Durdan | SHERDOG
You stated earlier this week that Juanita Sanchez is your biggest challenge to date but yet continue to call her juwannabe sanchez. In fact, many of your pre-fight statements seem to imply that you are looking past Juanita Sanchez. So please, set the record straight. Do you truly feel that Juanita Sanchez is your biggest challenge yet?
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
Yeah, I am standing by that shit. Juanita Sanchez is a tougher fight than any other nigga I have fought be it male or female, period. That's not even to say that she's the best fighter I have ever fought either. She's just that great at one fuckin' thing and does it better than anyone else in the world and has been able to ride the fuck outta that wave to yet another title fight. This chick is literally what all my haters have been wanting me to go up against since I started beating the fuck out of all their favorite fighters - a chick who excels at an aspect of the game that ain't involve striking cause the facts have already been settled that I am the best striker in MMA along time ago and fuck you for not believing it.
Tyler Durdan | SHERDOG
Head coach Jay Wiillams has made several public statements calling your previous wins flukes and stating that they were unjustified stoppages due to cuts. Are you out to prove him wrong by finishing Juanita Sanchez VIA KO?
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
Nah, if the referee calls off the fight due to cuts so be it. I have made that shit apart of my game since I fought Rupika Khan. I am going to elbow this bitch in her face every chance I get. If she takes me down, I'll try to elbow in her skull from my guard. Bruh, I am trying to taste this bitches blood inside the cage. I am gonna cut a bitch. If the referee ain't gonna stop it, cool. She'll bleed the fuck out. Ya'll really don't get what's on the line with these fights. If she dies, she's fucking dead. Nothing more too it. It ain't my job to worry about what happens to any of these bitches. Rupika, Krystal and Gaia all out here whining about them doctor stoppages... fuck man, let the fight go on then doc. I don't give a fuck! If one of these bitches bleed to death we ain't trying to hear shit about it the next day. RIP. Onto the next one. It's what ya'll want out here, ain't it? Shit, got me fucked all the way up!
Ashlyn Bright | MMAcamp
After a tough year at HILITE FC, it seems the gym is heading towards an upwards trend. What do you credit your most recent success too?
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
Man, we have always been that gym don't get shit twisted. Facts is, with success sometimes you get motherfuckers who want to leech without having to put that time and effort in the game long term. That's what we got with the Sophie Anderson. Erik and Sergiy brought us championships but folded the second things didn't go their way. That weak shit mentality isn't welcome in HILITE FC but at the end of the day, it has it's way of rooting itself out. At the end of the day though, I am fully committed to the team and the vision James Raven had for HILITE FC so we going to keep shit moving. Clive's doing his thing and I think recently we have hit the jackpot with Fabiano Bonucci and this young lion Mark Addison stepping into the fold. They fit right in with us and what we got going in at HILITE FC so things have really been a vibe the last couple of months. I think if we end this year off strong at GCC 15 we're going to solidify ourselves as the top gym this year despite the ups & downs and drama bullshit we went through this year.
Ashlyn Bright | MMAcamp
As the year winds down, HILITE FC is notably in the running for some kind of gym of the year award. With you on this card along with Middleweight Champion Clive Hicks and newcomer Mark Addison how do you like your chances heading into the New Year?
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
Real talk, I feel pretty good. I know Clive in particular has a tough fight on his hands against Tim McCarthy but we have been working to patch the holes in his game on the daily. Mark Addison, the kids a fucking beast so I don't have many worries about him and I think he'll cut right through Ivan Reddy. At the end of the day though I only control my own fate. There ain't nobody in the world I have more faith in then myself. I just gotta go out there and do my thing and wish the best for my boys in hoping that they come out with me on the other side.
Peter B. Schiff | ESPN
Hi, Misty. It seems that you have settled down on social media a bit and haven't been involved in any widespread controversies lately. Was this approach intentional and do you feel like you have matured over the past year?
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
Man at the end of the day if beef ain't making me money on the direct than it ain't worth it. The fuck I look like going back and forth with folk who ain't ever going to sign a fight contract with the GCC? At some point I gotta say, you do you boo. And yeah, I guess you can say I matured. I am growing as a person and mixed martial artist every single day hold GOD as my witness. Still, I'mma talk my shit whenever I feel like and I still got some bitches over here that I want to slap the fuck out of before I move on from this GCC shit so we all good cause I am still going to give ya'll some shit to talk about at the end of the day.
Peter B. Schiff | ESPN
You have mentioned on social media that you want to fight men at 155 or move down to bantamweight for a title fight there. If you beat Juanita Sanchez at GCC 15 realistically what do you see for yourself next?
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
I talk my shit man, I don't even know what's next after Juwannabe. I mean, I am down for a super fight at bantamweight if it's offered but those 135 chicks haven't even defended the title once so I can't see that happening. I look at 145 and all I see is a bunch of rematches. Gaia Galanos and Jessica House type shit. And fuck, we can run it back if that's the call from granddaddy khan but I am hoping to see someone new in there to be honest... neither of those broads are beating me in a rematch. At the end of the day, I just want to fight the best comp available and Juanita fits the bill this time so trust that I've been really motivated for this fight.
MMA hour | Xavier Bellamy
Rumor has it that TW combat sports in prepping Juanita Sanchez for this fight took a particular interest in your ability to submit opponents fearing that you may submit her off your back. What are your thoughts on this?
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
They ain't as dumb as they look over there at TW Combat. I mean her own teammate Jessica House tried to play slick shit after I blasted her shit within the first minute of the fight by relying on her wrestling only to get her ass subbed in the third round. That shit woke a lot of people up real quick. I ain't heard that she's one dimensional shit ever since. Juanita probably rolls with her everyday and knows that Jessica House ain't a slouch on the ground either. Facts is niggas out here are being given choice - ya'll either deal with the hands or risk being submitted by trying to grapple with me. I am solid everywhere fuck the scouting reports cause that's what being a mixed martial artist is all about.
Sports CENTER | Jenny Hue
You've been in a long heated high profile feud with TW Combat Sports and several members of their gym. What would a win over Juanita Sanchez mean to you that in that sense?
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
Nothing. I mean it should mean a lot more. It should mean those motherfuckers shut the fuck up and pay me my due respect but we already know their MO it's the same as those other bitchass motherfuckers who talk shit outside the company. No matter what I accomplish, it'll never be enough. TW combat is gonna come out and just start hyping their next project in line, we'll be hearing about how Karla Alvarez is the greatest women's featherweight prospect as Juanita Sanchez fades into obscurity or how Jessica House won't let a fluke win happen a second time. The shit is all playbook cause none of it is real and none of it comes from the heart. Real talk, if you staying listening to these dumbass niggas long enough, you'll deadass start thinking my record is 0-9 cause according to them I should've already lost every fucking fight I've ever won.
Sports CENTER | Jenny Hue
TW Combat has confidently declared that Juanita Sanchez will put an end to your career undefeated streak which currently stands at 9-0 over the span of two years with a successful defense tomorrow night. What would it mean for you and your career should you lose this fight?
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
I don't deal the realm of what ifs, I don't fuck with negative vibes like that. I'll deal with that shit if that day ever comes. I know folks have been praying to see that day for a long time now but I plan to keep them waiting & hating. At the end of the day though, I gotta lead by example. I tell my guys all the time that you don't give up and quit after a loss, that you gotta get back in the gym and on that grind all over again. I tell them to use my story as motivation - not an example cause the reality is this fighting shit ain't all rainbows and sunshine. You got motherfuckers like me, Fabio Bonucci, Tim McCarthy and Ariel Shadows out here but for every one of us, there's another 15 fighters in that same division who already know what it's like to lose. You look outside the GCC and how many fighters out there are undefeated champions? One guy? Maybe two? The reality is ain't none of us is gonna escape this shit unless you get out the game early. Ain't none of us is going to escape this life without spilling blood and wearing scars. In the meantime though, I'm making the most out of my prime to make the most amount of money as efficiently as possible to set me and my own up for decades to come.
Sports CENTER | Jenny Hue
Any last words for Juanita Sanchez?
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
...
<Q> Tyler, Thank you for joining us today. You have a big fight on the prelims with Ambrus Themis. What is your strategy going in?
<A> I'm going to do what I do best ma'am. I love to wrestle, and that's what I'm going to do. I've been working a lot on my punches and kicks, but I will always try to wrestle with you.
<Q> There have been rumors about your departure from Tundra MMA. Is there a reason you're willing to share?
<A> My friend those rumors are true. I'm going to start training at the House of Khan in Abu Dhabi starting with my next fight. I know I've trained at three different gyms since I've been in GCC, but I visited their gym, and I visited with several other fighters, and I have a strong feeling this is going to work out. This move will be very good for my career.
<Q> What is your reasoning behind training at the House of Khan?
<A> Friend, at Tundra MMA there are a lot of fighters, but I haven't been able to find a sparring partner my size who specializes in wrestling. I don't think they like hiring people to come in and train with me.
At the House of Khan I know for a fact I have a former champion in Jack Nation, who's willing to work with me, plus they have one of the best coaching staffs in all of MMA. I truly believe that.
<Q> How successful do you feel your training camp was, knowing you would be leaving for Abu Dhabi and the House of Khan?
<A> Man it turned out pretty good. I didn't get too much sparring practice in, but I did a lot of strength training, and I worked a lot on my cardio. I'm pretty good with wrestling, but I always practice. Practice makes perfect. That's what my high school coach always told me.
<Q> Ambrus Themis is coming into GCC 15 with a 1-3 record, does this help boost your confidence?
<A> No ma'am a record is just a number. He's a pretty good fighter, and I'm going to take him seriously, just like I would take a Clive Hicks or any of the other top ranked fighters. You can't be overconfident, cuz then you're going to get knocked out ma'am, and that ain't no fun. [Heh heh]
<Q> We heard that Ambrus Themis did not attend the closed workouts. Do you believe he's taking you lightly?
<A> I heard that too but I don't think it's anything related to me. His sisters and cousins, hell his whole family had been in the fight business for a long time. I don't think they're underestimating anybody.
Tyler waits a few moments, but when it's obvious there are no more questions for him…
<A> Well I want to thank you all this was very fun. I'll see you on Saturday.
Jack Braxton <Radio Host> Tim, how does it feel? A year ago you were an unsigned prospect now you're here on the cusp of fighting Clive Hicks for the GCC middleweight championship. Has it set in for you yet?
<Tim McCarthy> It's a lot to take in! When I first signed with the GCC earlier in the year, I couldn't imagine in a million years that I would be fighting for a GCC championship on the biggest card of the year! Don't get me wrong, I had big expectations but it is was centered around growing as a mixed martial artist and gaining experience which includes learning from losses. After training with Krystal Knight as long as I have and seeing what she has went through, I couldn't imagine getting through it without my fair share of lumps. To my surprise though, I've gotten through it pretty lump free! As much as I would love to sit here and act like I knew I'd be here all along would be entertaining sure, it would probably score me some cool points but at the same time - not very honest.
Jack Braxton <Radio Host> Did you hear about what Jocelyn Edwards had to say about you in her predictions earlier published this week? She and many others have noted that you seem to lack confidence. Why do you think that is?
<Tim McCarthy> I mean, I can totally see why I can be taken as being someone who lacks confidence. I think fans have become accustomed to listening to the loudest voice in the room and it seems the more outlandish declarations get the most amount of traction. I mean, the press conference in of itself is a good example of that. I have all the respect in the world for people like Misty DeMeans but her success along with her talent and popularity come with a double edged sword where her behavior has become somewhat of a norm in hopes of replicating a similar outcome. I guess all I can do is stay true to myself and the rest of the team and hope that we win out in the long run. I am very confident in my skill and abilities inside the cage and if you aren't persuaded by my words then please just watch the fight.
John Bergandy <Sports Writer> You've had an amazing run in the GCC so far, Tim. With a win over Clive Hicks where do you think you sit in the GOAT conversation?
<Tim McCarthy> Ha! There seems to be too many GOATS and not enough farm land. I know me and Krystal have been at this MMA thing over a decade but the sport hasn't been main stream for that long. I don't think anyone has been around long enough or fighting consistently enough on a professional scale to declare anyone as the greatest of all time. The sport is still in it's infancy and any declarations at this point should probably be laughed off. Though, I'll admit there are a few guys and girls in the GCC that I can see making the claim one day if they put the work in and stay consistent over the next five to ten years. Whether or not, I'll ever fit the bill really isn't a concern of mine in this moment in time. If I can be the best version of myself and capture the GCC middleweight championship then that would mean the world to me and my team.
John Bergandy <Sports Writer> What are your thoughts on Clive Hicks 1 million dollar per fight contract he signed on too before your fight? Do you feel slighted that you aren't being paid even half of that and do you think that Clive Hicks was deserving of such a big contract?
<Tim McCarthy> Yeah sure, why not? I think you're worth whatever your boss is willing to pay. I also believe in standing up for yourself in times that a talent is being undervauled. I know a little bit of Clive Hick's background and I am happy to see that he's been blessed to come up on wealth previous generations of his family did not have. I just hope that he does not squander his blessing and remembers to pay it forward. I don't think that if Clive Hicks loses his title to me that it makes it a bad investment on the behalf of GCC. The Khan's obviously see a value in Clive Hicks to offer him such a valauble contract and I respect their decision. I am proud of Clive Hicks of reaching a milestone in his career one that everyone else is capable of reaching with the same hardwork and dedication to his craft he's shown.
Brett Bethel <Throwdown MMA> Tim - you mentioned earlier in an interview this week that you thought Clive Hicks wasn't a bad guy despite the controversial persona he's known for putting on, why do you think he isn't the asshole he portrays himself to be?
<Tim McCarthy> I believe Clive Hicks is nothing more than a product of his environment. HILITE FC was once led by respectable guys like Takeshi Kato and Brock Quarry but ever since they left the reigns to Misty they seem to have lost the plot over there. I know there are some great people over at HILITE FC but on a professional level, they seem to following her lead on how to market themselves and bring attention to their fights. While I am not a fan of it, it clearly draws but I think in the long run it's going to be detrimental for everyone else who is not built like she is to deal with the shit and aftermath of their actions. If I go in there tomorrow night and do what I think I am capable of doing to Clive Hick's after all the unkind things he's had to say about me it's very possible he will never walk back into a GCC cage the same ever again.
Brett Bethel <Throwdown MMA> Has any of Clive Hicks statements he made about you got under your skin at all?
<Tim McCarthy> I think the reporter who reminded Clive Hick's he's an American training in Canada and fights for a company in the Middle East sums up how ridiculous it all is, eh? Again, he would still be fighting in America if not for the poor choices made by his head coach.
Kathy Santos <MMA analyst> Hi, Tim. As it's been heavily reported, Clive Hicks has demonstrated a severe weakness in the clinch in his past fights and with the clinch being your bred and butter how confident are you heading into the fight tomorrow night?
<Tim McCarthy> Yeah, we have watched both of his fight with Reggie Martin quite a bit. There was plenty to learn from it. I know Clive has been working on his clinch and has shown some good improvements but there are levels to this and we are built very differently. I don't think Clive can survive being caught in my clinch which is why it's imperative for him to use his wrestling early on before I find my rhythm. We know what Clive is about, he's the best wrestler in this division and boasts one of the higher takedown percentages in the GCC but I think he's underestimating my wrestling if he thinks he's just going to take me down. I am going to make him work for the takedown and I believe that by the time he gets it he won't have nothing left in his gas tank. Clive Hicks is going to have to work hard for this, harder than he's ever worked in his life. I am not going to let him off the hook with anything less than one hundred percent.
Kathy Santos <MMA analyst> Well said. I don't mean to pry but I wanted to ask you about Krystal Knight...?
<Tim McCarthy> Heh. Yeah, no problem. Um, well our date went, well. I think she's holding out on me though, HA! She knows how important this fight is for me and the rest of the guys at the gym and didn't want to be a distraction before the big fight. So, we'll see what happens at GCC 15 and pick things up from there. All I can say is that I am excited to see what the future holds for the both of us.
Thanks guys!
Q: Hello Tommy. I would like to first thank you for joining us today. You have ,potentially, a big opportunity coming up Saturday night against Aleksandr Baranov. The winner may possibly challenge Ross Hanson in the future. What do you think about that?
A: I don't think that has been confirmed. I've heard rumors though. If they are true that would be cool. Ross Hanson is a great wrestler, and grappler. A lot of people say our styles would match well together.
Q: Going back to the Baranov fight. He seems pretty confident in his ability to win. How do you feel going into this fight?
A: I have never liked it when somebody saw me as a stepping stone. It's a little weird that he sees me like that after I've been on a three fight win streak, but it's whatever. He's entitled to his opinion.
Q: Does this give you more motivation? He seeing you as a stepping stone?
A: It really does. I don't know why it burns me up, the guy he gets on social media and talks a big game. As everybody knows I personally don't use Twitter or any other social media for public purposes, but I do see what he says and I would like to shut him up.
Q: What will your game plan consist of Saturday night?
A: I'm going with what brought me to the game. I love Jiu-Jitsu. It's my preferred fighting technique, and I'm going to do what I do best, make people tap, or break their bones.
Tommy laughs.
Q: It seems as though your entire team is here in Japan. Is there a reason why?
A: We're like a family. As you know, for those who celebrate the Christmas holiday, it's Christmas day today, so we decided to celebrate together. We decided to bring our families along, if they wanted to come.
Q: Having your wife, mother, and kids, along with other members of your team present, how special is that for you?
A: It's very special, especially since my Mom is able to attend. She hasn't really seen me fight live since I competed in the regional circuit.
Q: Speaking of your Mother. Is there a reason Misty DeMeans keeps bringing up your mother's basement as the T.W Combat gym?
Tommy grins and laughs.
A: When our gym became known internationally, some people fried to put it down by claiming we train out of my mother's basement.
It's just some stupid inside joke now.
Q: Well Tommy I would like to wish you good luck on Saturday night!
A: Thank you!
[The end]
An immediate buzzing begins amongst the reporters as the lightweight champion Rob Jones appears on the zoom conference call. He's wearing a black tank top, and a confident grin.
Rob: You guys act like you didn't expect me. I know I'm not the main event as I should be, but that's only cuz I'm giving an opportunity to this newcomer Sanit Klahan. The only reason he's not fighting on the prelims is because his name is next to mine.
Rob takes a drink of water.
Rob: To anybody who's giving any hope to this kid - you're delusional. The only reason he's here is because of who he trains with. He trains with Krystal Knight, Alejandro Rivera, and those other guys at Lone Wolf MMA, including that piece of garbage Awut Somaskul who has been running from me for the last year. He owes me a fucking rematch.
Rob stops to let that sink in.
Rob: So here's how I'm going to send a message. I'm going to use this guy who's only claimed the fame is being able to speak different languages. I'm going to let him come and try to kickbox with me, he thinks he's real savvy when it comes to that, but I'll show him what savvy is.
He thinks he's going to get in there and it will be just like his fights on the Global Ultimate Fighter, but it won't be. I won't have any mercy on this guy. I'll push forward and I'll break his glass jaw with a kick.
I don't hate the guy though, nor do I dislike most of his team, so after the fight I hope he goes on to have a nice career, but Saturday night will be the worst day of his life.
Rob stops his monologue.
Reporter: Rob, is it okay if I ask you a few questions…
Rob: What is it man?
Reporter: On Saturday you are trying to make history by defending your title for a second time, which nobody else has done. How does that make you feel?
Rob laughs.
Rob: If the defense wasn't against somebody who won a tournament and their prize was fighting me, then I'd be a little more pumped up about it.
When I beat Fabiano Bonucci for my third defense, then that'll be a little bit special, but fighting this punk is nothing but charity.
Reporter: So you do plan on fighting Fabiano, if you can beat Sanit?
Rob: Hey bud. There's no if I beat dude, there's a when I beat dude.
Look I got other stuff to do right now, so I'll talk to you guys later.
[disconnect]
There has been a long buildup to this fight. Is it at all personal for you?
"No. Not really. Misty will be the first to admit she loves to talk trash. She has this way of getting into her opponent's heads, and beating them before the bell even sounds. It's a weapon that has suited her well."
Juanita laughs lightly.
"There are a lot of worse things she could call me than Juwannabe. I think it's cute, and funny. I know it makes Jay, and some of my teammates mad, but I thought it was cute."
Knowing that a feud between HILITE FC and T.W Combat Sports has been a blaze since the days of Rob Jones, Misty, and Takeshi Kato in another MMA organization, do you feel more pressure to win than usual?
"I'm feeling a lot of pressure to win, but that's because I want so badly to be the champion. The rivalry between are camps doesn't add any extra pressure, but it doesn't take away any either.
What does that pressure is all of the fans being in attendance. I know they root for me and I really appreciate it, so I don't want to let any of them down."
How satisfying would it be to end Misty's nine fight winning streak?
"I don't have any personal issues with Misty. So it wouldn't be very satisfying, but winning the championship would be satisfying. It will be more special in front of all our fans.
Did you guys see how many are outside our hotel? I estimate there's going to be about 10,000 in attendance. It's going to be so cool!"
Misty has stated you are her toughest challenge. Do you believe that Misty is your toughest challenge to date?
"Misty is a rough night for anybody. She's got amazing striking, and her confidence is off the charts. I mean just look at her record, she has finished eight people via strikes, most of those are male lightweights.
Juanita lets out a nervous laugh.
"This is the biggest fight of my life, and I'm treating her like she is my toughest fight."
Misty told Jocelyn Edwards that you will simply try to earn a decision. What do you have to say in response?
"That's just another way for Misty to talk trash. I don't pay attention.
...I hope that doesn't make me sound rude, but I think she's trying to get into my head. I don't want to sound overconfident, but if she looks at all my post fight awards, she'll know I don't lay and pray on anybody.
...I'm sorry if this makes me sound mean.
Gaia Galanos and Rupika Khan are fighting on the undercard. do you believe the winner should be considered the #1 contender?
"Those women are amazing fighters. I've had the pleasure of sharing a cage with both, and I one so badly to get a rematch with Gaia Galanos, but it's not up to me who I fight."
Juanita looks downward.
"Sorry." Juanita apologizes to the media, but there is no need to. No other questions came in for the featherweight challenger, so Juanita excused herself.
Q) This is your first ever public appearance since defending your bantamweight title against Leah Wilkins at Supreme MMA 6. Now that you've signed with the GCC, how do you feel about your new media obligations?
Sunni Khan: I've always just preferred to put my time, energy and focus on the fight and I don't think you can argue about the end result. I accept the fact that my grandfather has chosen a more entertainment esque approach with his company and I intend to fufill my contractual obligations but beyond that I wouldn't expect much else if I were you guys.
Q) So we won't be seeing you on twitter anytime soon?
Sunni Khan: Not twitter, not facebook, nor instagram. Sorry but that scene just isn't me. If that means I make less money in the long run then so be it. I am here for mixed martial arts. That's it.
Q) Sunni you have recently reunited with your family gym at The House of Khan after initally being kicked out of the gym prior to your supreme MMA debut. How did it feel to return to the fold?
Sunni Khan: I don't know - have you ever been to a family reunion? If so, just imagine that I felt as akward as you did at first. In the end though, it's still family. The awkwardness is long gone now and it's allowed us to get back to work.
Q) How do you feel you've progressed while training away from The House of Khan?
Sunni Khan: That's a hard call. My training camps with Supreme MMA were less than ideal, I never had any training partners that were quite on my skill level in terms of grappling but at the same time I have no way to gauge on whether or not my skill set has suffered because of that. In the same breath, I feel that I have learned plenty of life and career lessons I wouldn't have learned if I had never left my families gym. In other words, I think being away helped me more than it hurt me in the long run.
Q) Rupika Khan has been your biggest advocate on social media during your time with Supreme MMA. How much does she mean to you?
Sunni Khan: Rupi means the world to me. She has always had my back and I appreciate that. When I was outcast from the gym she was the only person who stuck her neck out for me when I needed it the most. She's the reason I have been able to reconnect with the rest of my family and played a big role in having me signed to the GCC. I owe her a lot.
Q) Sunni it's so weird hearing you speak. Do you get compared to your cousin a lot and do the comparisons ever bother you?
Sunni Khan: No, not at all. We are two very different people but I think we share common goals and that's always kept us close. I don't mind her being my hype man so to speak, she loves pre fight stuff and getting into it with her opponents but I just can't be bothered with it. I think a lot of people just end up looking silly when the fight is over and they have nothing to show for it.
Q) Desdemona Themis has had a few good things to say about you ahead of your fight, have you heard any of her public statements?
Sunni Khan: I haven't but if that's true then I appreciate it, I guess? We have fought before and I won so I don't know if she's being humble or if she's just being a realist. It's hard to talk down to someone who's already beaten you, you know what I mean? That said, the respect is mutual. Fighting her was a great experience and had shed some light on areas of improvement and things I had to go back and work on to become an even better fighter.
Q) Sunni you had made some controversial statements to Jocelyn Edwards about how you felt about being matched up with Desdemona Themis again - this time in your GCC debut. Can you please elaborate on your statement?
Sunni Khan: I think I was pretty clear. I resent the fact this fight is being called a supreme showcase. I know my grandfather deep down had always had a disdain for Supreme MMA and the fact that I had signed with them to jump start my MMA career instead of fighting in GCC when they determined I was ready. The supreme showcase is just another way to undermine when I had accomplished outside of the GCC by reinforcing that I, along with Desdemona Themis are outsiders looking in. I signed with the GCC hoping for a clean slate, not to be referred to or looked upon as a former - anything. Supreme MMA was great and they had a solid run but that's over and done with now and I want to take on new challenges without the baggage of the past being held over my head at every turn.
Q) So your not at all upset that your debut in the GCC is essentially a rematch against Desdemona Themis?
Sunni Khan: That's just a part of it. I believe that Desdemona Themis is a better challenger for me then some other fighters I'd be likely to fight against off the under card. I am grateful to have an opponent as skilled as Desdemona Themis on my debut and to have our fight featured on the main card of a PPV show of this magnitude. I just wish that the fight stood on it's own merits, that's all. Still - to anyone not convinced that I am a legitimate fighter I intend to give you something else to think about tomorrow night.
Q) Win lose or draw - where do you feel you stand in the bantamweight division?
Sunni Khan: I am nobody in the division until I string a couple of wins together. As I said before, I do not intend to rest on my laurels and past achievements. That said, I intend to make the most out of a victory over a talent like Desdemona Themis and I think a win here should make me a top five prospect in the bantamweight division.
Q) Thank you, Sunni.
Sunni Khan: Yeah, don't mention it.
<Q> Mark, you are headed toward your first professional fight, any pre-fight jitters?
Mark Addison
First off, I'd like to thank Mr. Kahn for his kind words earlier, the fact that he noticed my talent and signed me, is really life-changing for me, and I'll make sure he doesn't regret it. But to answer your question, not really, I'm confident in my abilities going into the fight, I have far more jitters about being on this Zoom call with you guys than I do about the fight. I've never fought at an event that would garner this much media attention, and it's a little daunting.
<Q> You've been very vocal on social media in the run-up to this fight that you feel you can finish this fight, is that maybe a little overconfidence on your part?
Mark Addison
I don't think so, I think if you don't go into a fight with a belief that you can win it, your probably going to lose it. I'm not looking past Ivan Reddy, and I've been working very hard to prepare for him. He is going to be a tough opponent to start off with, he has a lot of skill, and has the ability to win this fight, he wouldn't be here fighting in the GCC if he didn't. I believe that my hard work, and the gameplan that me and my camp have put together gives me the edge in this fight.
<Q> Speaking of camp, who was your first camp at HILITE FC?
Mark Addison
I really have to thank the coaching team at HILITE FC, I didn't know what to expect going into my first pro training camp, but they run a real world class gym. The fighters there were all willing to give their time to help me out, and if the best person to help with something wasn't in the gym, they went out and found them and brought them in to help me, and I did my best to reciprocate. I hope to train there again for my next fight, and going forward.
<Q> Speaking of your teammates, Misty DeMeans, and Clive Hicks will both defend GCC Titles at GCC 15, how do you see those fights going?
Mark Addison
Well that's an easy question. Misty is one of the best fighters on the planet, and Clive Hicks is a beast with his wrestling. I don't see either of them losing tonight.
<Q> Speaking of Clive Hicks, he's had some disparaging things to say about Canadians in the run-up to his fight with your fellow Canadian Tim McCarthy, have you had any run-ins with him?
Mark Addison
We all know that Clive has a big personality, but at the end of the day he's a professional fighter, and when he's at the gym he's there to improve himself and his teammates. If he wasn't he wouldn't be where he is right now, a GCC champion.
<Q> Pivotting back to the fight, Ivan Reddy has been pretty quiet in the build-up to the fight, does his refusal to engage with you pre-fight say anything about him?
Mark Addison
Of course not. He prefers to let his skill speak for itself in the cage, I can respect that.
<Q> Any last words for your opponent before the fight?
Mark Addison
Only what I've been saying all along, this is my first pro fight, and I'm looking to make an impact, if that means I have to smash in your face, then that's what's going to happen.
Clive, congratulations on becoming the first GCC fighter to sign a million dollar per fight contract. This is an historic moment for you and the company as whole and something that I am sure you and your family are proud of.
Clive Hicks
That's right baby! Yurr boy Clive is now the highest paid and the most often laid GCC superstar the world has ever seen! Wild! That goes to show all our fine young American's out there that anything is possible in the USA even when all the action is going down in the Middle East! Yur boy Clive is out here ducking overhands and headkicks just to inspire his great nation! Clive made a promise to each and every American out worldwide that he would make the Middleweight Championship GREAT again and Clive has just about done that!
Hey there, Clive. You're an American training in a Canadian gym facing a Canadian training out of a Thailand gym, fighting in Japan. Isn't it time you just move on from all this pro-american mantra?
Clive Hicks
Psh! Clive don't know what you trying to get at or insinuate here but Clive is American as grandmama's apple pie boy so you better watch your mouth! Yur boy used to fight IN America but the corp was run by a bunch of libs & commies so much so that Clive was better off taking his talents to the Middle east! We may not have the best MMA company made in America but by god are the best fighters built in the great US of A and your reminded of that every time you look up and see who's carrying the big gold! Misty - American! Ariel - American! Rob - American! Ross - American! Clive Hicks!? American as hell baby, oh yeah! That's what you call a clean sweep! American fighters are the best fighters and we leave the cooking, cleaning to the Themises and the being nice to the canucks like that puckhead Timmy McCarthy!
Clive, Tim McCarthy has shown vast improvements each time he steps into the cage and his momentum is at an all time high - how do you feel about your first title defense against such a seasoned contender?
Clive Hicks
Timmy is going to have his first real fight against Clive Hicks! His most impressive win was against that Joe Biden supporter Manuel and his horrible fight against Tristan McPeak who yur boy Clive tossed around the cage still sticks out like a sore thumb and can't be overlooked! Timmy has had a nice little story book run this far but all he's going to get out of it is a date with Krystal McKnight. Yur boy Clive loves him some Krystal McKnight but unfortunately for Timmy boy he phucked up his relationship with her once and he'll probably do it again! Yur boy Clive thinks all this hype surrounding Timmy puck head is all for nothing at the end of the day.
So it appears that you aren't threatened by Tim McCarthy at all? Not even a little bit?
Clive Hicks
Yur boy Clive is going to put a beating on that canuck so bad that all you'll be hearing is him apologizing for it over the next weeks. Yur boy Clive is living his best life! Heck, Clive may open his checkbook to put another new tractor on his farm. Mama Jo' is on a whole new diet, no more squirrel casseroles and her house has got a new set of wheels baby! Man, yur boy has been hootin' and hollering ever seen Misty Dee hooked us up on that sweet ass contract. Good ol' Clive knew that she was his kinda people even when they tried to insinuate he was a racist redneck! Pft! If you're a red blooded American, you're already better than everyone else!
Clive what do you think of the landscape of the middleweight division? As it's champion, are there any fighters in the division that intrigue you in terms of any future match ups?
Clive Hicks
Yur boy Clive has made the Middleweight division great again! Jacky boi is now starving himself on a third world diet to cut down to 155 to fight men smaller than him and the title is no longer being held hostage by that commie Ibanez! With the two greatest evils the Middleweight division has ever seen now defeated once and for all, a sense of peace can now be achieved. Timmy, he's such a nice guy. He works hard for a Canadian and is practically the second best thing we got right now. Outside of Timmy, we got fur ball and not much else. That's okay though because Clive is going to inspire a whole new generation of American Middleweights to rise up the ranks to challenge the final boss Clive Hicks and the great Americans fans streaming the event legally at home will be the true winners!
Hey Clive - wanting to switch gears here for a moment. Your head coach at HILITE FC Misty DeMeans is defending her championship against Juanita Sanchez and the new kid Mark Addison is making his professional debut. How do you think they'll fare tomorrow night?
Clive Hicks
Clive thinks Misty has that fight in the bag, she is the greatest fighter the world has ever seen. The Mark Addision kid isn't so bad for a Canadian, he isn't as nice as Timmy puckhead but that's okay - it's a welcome change of pace. Heck, with a good head on that kids shoulders no reason he can't apply to become an American citzen when he grows up to be big and strong like the rest of us one day.
Clive you have been very dismissive of Tim McCarthy and his skill set here tonight but on paper he has a fighting style that has proven to give you fits in the past and Tim McCarthy is undoubtedly the best Muay Thai artist in the Middlewieght division. How do you respond to those who say you're underestimating the challenge that Tim McCarthy presents?
Clive Hicks
Reggie Martin kicked Clive's ass in the first fight but yur boy came back in the second fight and gave him a wedgie! Where is the Englishmen now? Out of work and out of a real job unless you count holding kick pads for Slammie Ward and Dirty Sanchez as a job! Timmy can tie me up in that Muay Thai clinch all he wants cause at the end of the day it ain't American! Wrestling? That's very American and he'll be put onto his back early and often! Clive has heard all about how great Timmy is at Mcstuffing them takedowns but he's never faced a wrestler like me! The game plan is to punch him in the face hard enough to open him up for the take down. See Clive isn't the best at reading but he knows there's no bonuses in the contract for a finish. The main goal is to retain the middleweight strap so there's no need to get fancy!
Mr. Hicks you've had a fair share of controversial statements made here tonight, how do you anticipate your opponent will respond to them?
Clive Hicks
If Timmy puckhead doesn't like what Clive has got to say than too damn bad! God bless the first amendment and double hockey sticks to you goal keepers and anyone who doesn't love our constitution! Hey... did you guys know that the Canadians don't even have presidents? They call them PRIME minsters! How phucking stupid!
Uh... thank you for your time, Clive.
Clive Hicks
DONALD TRUMP IS STILL MY PRESIDENT DAMNNIT!
Q) Rupika, why do you personally believe Gaia Galanos ultimately decided to part ways with The House of Khan in favor of Tundra MMA?
Rupika Khan: After Gaia lost her title to Misty and then dropped the split against Alexia she really began to unravel. The rest of the team got together and tried to get something across the table to my grandpapa that would help her out. We drafted up a short list of potential opponents we thought that Gaia Galanos could stylistically match up with and Mia Stevens was on the top of that list. If not for our intervention and using our resources to get into my grandpapa's ear, Gaia Galanos would have likely bitten off more than she could chew and dropped a third loss straight which is pretty much the stamp on her release papers. In other words, I had a DIRECT role in SAVING her career here and she should be far more appreciative of me because of it!
Q) Are you claiming that her decision was based on the fact she was jealous of you and your place at The House of Khan?
Rupika Khan: Gaia Galanos always wanted to be a leader but that was never going to happen without her last name being Khan and that was a hard pill for her to swallow. I think her voice is louder at Tundra MMA but even then I can imagine she is very envious of Ariel Shadows who has since proven herself to be the best female fighter out of Tundra MMA. That's why when you scroll her twitter TL there is no mention about Ariel Shadows, no congratulatory posts, it's almost like they have never trained together. It goes back to what I have been saying, Gaia is all smiles and hugs until she feels threatened by you then she's like a whole different person. That's why we are having this fight.
Q) Ms. Khan at GCC 15 your cousin Sunni Khan will be making her GCC debut. What are your thoughts about her match up against Desdemonia Themis?
Rupika Khan: Sunni has been there, done that. Tapped her out. Desi has been working her ass off to get better though so I think this fight will probably be a bit more competitive then the last but Sunni Khan is the best grappler I have ever seen in my life. She soaks up knowledge like a sponge and is crafty with her submission game and it all just flows really well. I think Supreme MMA was a joke but that doesn't mean she wasn't a legitimate world champion, she's going to shock the hell out of GCC fans. You're all in for a treat!
Q) Rupika you have mocked Gaia Galanos by claiming she has fallen off and isn't the same fighter she once was as the GCC featherweight champion - do you see any path she can take to reclaim what was once hers or do you truly believe she's done?
Rupika Khan: I think a lot of things have to fall in her favor for that to ever happen again. For one, she needs to beat me which is already highly unlikely. Then, she needs to count on Juanita Sanchez dethroning Misty DeMeans in like the biggest upset, ever. If those two things happen, then I am sure she has a chance seeing as she's already beaten Juanita Sanchez before but even then there's some concerns. I fought Juanita Sanchez and she wasn't the same fighter Gaia beat. Gaia Galanos brags about how she's going to take me down and beat me up but watch the fight, I put Juanita Sanchez on her back multiple times where as Gaia didn't even take her down ONCE in their fight! This whole narrative that Gaia Galanos can out grapple me is an absolute joke. She doesn't want ANY part of my guard!
Q) Is the any chance that you two put your feelings aside after the fight is done win or lose and finally burry the hatchet or do you consider your relationship with Gaia Galanons unrepairable?
Rupika Khan: I doubt it. She thought that she could come into the House of Khan and be the star at the gym and when that didn't happen she fell apart. She couldn't join HILITE FC because of Misty DeMeans and Juanita Sanchez is a staple at TW combat sports now. Krystal Knight literally OWNS Lone Wolf MMA so really The House of Khan was a default pick by Gaia. That's just the type she is. She will hop onto something new at the snap of your fingers if you let her. I know my grandpapa has to seriously be considering what might happen to Gaia Galanos after she loses this fight to me be it retirement or fighting elsewhere. If there are any new MMA promotions on the rise, I wouldn't count her out on jumping ship and trying to be the top star there once she finally realizes she can't cut it anymore in the GCC. SAD! She will hold onto this grudge with me forever when I beat her!
Q) Rupika, don't you feel that you've went overboard with your pre-fight trash talk considering how humble Gaia Galanos has proven to be both in victory and defeat?
Rupika Khan: WHAT!? No, no you got it all wrong. I am the HUMBLE one, not Gaia! When Gaia Galanos came to The House of Khan to train SHE was the star. She was the one on the road to stardom preparing to win a global championship, not me. I put aside any negative vibes and welcomed her into MY family even if it came at MY own expense! Gaia Galanos had the best training camps, she had one on ones with the best coaches, she got ALL the time and attention in the world while I put my nose to the mat, absorbed all the knowledge and learned from everyone else's mistakes. I made the MOST of what I was given and THAT is what you call humble! Gaia Galanos has sacrificed absolutely NOTHING up until the point she walked out the door and showed us her true colors. HUMBLE MY ASS!
Q) What can we expect from you... what is going to be Rupika Khan's next move?
Rupika Khan: With a win over Gaia Galanos, I would like to fight Jessica House next to solidify myself as the number one contender. Although I would LOVE to fight for the title next, I know a win over Gaia Galanos isn't that big of a deal and isn't going to be what I need to propel myself into the title conversation. It sucks but those are the breaks!
Q) Anything else?
Rupika Khan: Yeah, tune into my post-fight victory stream on Dec. 27th as I will be breaking down how I beat Gaia Galanos step by step in an in depth fight breakdown! It'll be super fun and your all invited!