The following events in this thread occur on February 25th, 2021 so no references or statements should be made on social media regarding this event until February 25th, 2021.
On missing the GFN 17 press conference earlier this month
''I am doing just fine and I thank you for your concern. I wasn't able to attend the zoom press conference due to some health related issues. While I won't get into any details, I was advised by doctors to rest in bed. The press conference otherwise went off without a hitch and I appreciate the attending fighters professionalism in my absence. I love doing these things and intend to as long as god is willing.''
On GFN 17 breaking all previous new subscriber records
''I wasn't surprised. When you get two guys like Alejandro Rivera and Aleksandr Baranov in the cage together MMA fans are going to want to see it. Then you factor in all the hype, all the back and forth and the backstory leading up to the fight and you have all the ingredients you need for record breaking. I don't want to take anything away from either of these guys but an article was released earlier this week detailing our numbers worldwide, our expanding reach and the amount of new networks and satellite providers that have begun to work with us allowing us to reach brand new viewers using more traditional forms of media. We anticipate that the record that currently stands will continue to be broken throughout 2021 and beyond.''
On the Misty DeMeans featherweight title situation
''I don't think it's fair to compare the Ross Hanson title situation to the Misty DeMeans women's featherweight title situation at all. I was informed by Ross Hanson's team that he would be unable to defend the title for an indefinite time and to this day, I haven't spoken to him personally. Misty on the other hand; despite her claims of retirement, I have been able to speak with her on a weekly basis as we continue to work on terms that we can both agree with. If at any point it is made clear by her that she will not defend the title under any circumstance, then we will move forward with vacating the title. In the meantime, Misty DeMeans has expressed interest in seeing how GFN 18 plays out with Jessica House vs. Gaia Galanos before coming to an official decision she can't turn back from.''
On Alexia Amauri vs. Trixie Redd
''Both of these women are on the cusp of breaking through into the main event picture and a win here will be the step they need to take to get to the next level. There's a lot of uncertainty right on the women's featherweight division and in the event anything drastic happens the winner of this fight will be first one to get a call. Alexia Amauri has a great track record in the GCC and while her cardio's always been a question she is one of the most naturally gifted women in the division. On the other hand, Trixe Redd's aggression inside the cage has yet to be matched by anyone with the exception of maybe Sophie Anderson who turned out to be an absolute basket case. Trixie is far more talented and career driven and she's been able to channel that aggression in a much more effective way. I think this fight steals the show as the fight of the night.''
On the main event
''I personally feel that this is the best lightweight title fight the division has ever seen. Sanit Klahan is coming off the heels of the biggest upset in GCC history to defend his title against the undefeated Fabiano Bonucci who has shown he is a star ready to breakout into the main stream. Sanit Klahan has won a GCC championship in just his second fight - a record that will unlikely ever be beaten again due to the special circumstances that made it possible in the first place. Meanwhile, Fabiano Bonucci has fought his way to the title taking the traditional route and made it look as easy as possible a long the way. The lightweight division as a whole has turned around quickly and is now one of the divisions with the most depth. We have a long list of killers waiting to get their shot against whoever wins this fight. I believe Sanit will once again embrace being the underdog against Fabiano Bonucci who has proven to be the heaviest hitter in the division. Tomorrow night will prove whether or not Klahan's chin held up long enough to pass his greatest test.''
Sanit Klahan is streaming the zoom call while walking down the street in Milan, Italy enjoying the sights with the rest of his team. Notably, Krystal Knight, Tim McCarthy, Awut Somaskul and Alejandro Rivera are present pacing behind him in the background engaging in some random chit chatter.
Sanit Klahan: Hello my friends! I wanted to get on this zoom call with you all - with my victory over Rob Jones coming so fast and so sudden life has really chased it's pace on me and I am finding it harder and harder to keep up with it everyday. The GCC fans know about me, many of them have seen me on GUF but with 15 other fighters sharing airtime over an hour once a week - how well do they really know me?
Several passerby spot Klahan, he respectfully nods his head and continues on.
Sanit Klahan: So, I'll get to all the questions the media has for me I promise but I want to first have the floor to share my story. I was born in Thailand but unlike most of my brethren, I did not grow up in Thailand for all of my life. I've lived in many different countries in my lifetime, the United States, Brazil, Columbia, Germany, France - in fact, it's not my first time visiting beautiful Italy either. The United States was the first country I had moved too from Thailand, I moved when I was eight years old. At that time, I did not speak a word of English beyond hello. I spent the next several years being bullied by the other kids, outcast, never able to fit in. Desperate to fix this, I tried my hardest to learn English. At some point it became a reality.
Sanit Klahan pauses to recollect his thoughts before relinquishing an disappointing sigh.
Sanit Klahan: ... but when I learned English, it only made things worse. I was still bullied by the other kids, outcast and unable to fit in only now I understood the insults and abuse that were directed to me on the daily. And being able to speak the language? Well, one should already know that idiots cannot be reasoned with. Beaten, confused and dejected I know I had to take matters into my own hands.
For a moment, Klahan is interrupted. Krystal Knight dips into the frame wrapping her arm around Klahan offering some Italian candy she had just bought off the street.
Sanit Klahan: Much like I had to learn English, I realized I had to learn the language of Mixed Martial Arts in order to defend myself at the age of 14. I still remember the long days and nights I spent at the gym ever since then I have never stopped learning. In between training sessions, I would study. It was at this time, I was learning Spanish - plotting the ultimate escape from the United States and all the discrimination I have faced. Admittedly, I became no better that my abusers. I hated the Americans.''
Krystal Knight: Mā lxng dū khuṇ yạng ca thảh̄ı̂ n̂ảh̄nạk!
He obliges and pops some candy into his mouth and continues on.
Sanit Klahan: Many years later, I would return to my homeland of Thailand and continue my MMA training there. In these formative years, there were not nearly as many opportunities to make a career in MMA like the opportunities to provided to us by the GCC. So in order to support myself, I began to do some tutoring on the side. Can you guess who my first student was?
Sanit points at Krystal Knight.
Sanit Klahan: Although, I was her teacher she had taught me more than I ever thought I could learn. It was through seeing her struggle everyday for years in Thailand that I realized it was never the Americans I hated.
Sanit Klahan and the rest of the team are stopped at a light.
Sanit Klahan: And here I was - spending hours per day learning as many languages as I possibly could learn hoping that one day, I'd finally find someone - somewhere, who truly understood me. Someone who listens. Someone who cared. And well, I found it. Right here in Thailand - with Krystal, with Lone Wolf MMA and all these guys who I love to death. My team. My friends. My family.
The light turns green and Klahan and the rest of his team begin to walk across the street.
Sanit Klahan: So when you hear me speak these other languages, don't be confused. Don't mistake it as me being kind or respectful nor disrespect. Just take my words for what they are, what they mean, for what they say.
Fabiano Bonucci, al GCC 17 sarò un eroe per il popolo italiano dopo averti picchiato come un cane rabbioso.
(Fabiano Bonucci, at GCC 17 I will be a hero to the people of Italy after I beat you like a rabid dog.)
He laughs and then nods along.
Sanit Klahan: Okay, so the introductions over. You've met your lightweight champ. I'll take some questions....
Reporter: Hi, Sanit. I was wondering about your thoughts on....
Dispite questions being asked across to other people across this zoom conference, Raven doesn't say anything. She is physically on-screen but her face genuinely look glazed over, as if something else has snapped her attention away from what was going to be her first GCC press conference.
Dame Raven Williams: Her heart really isn't into fighting...
Mumbled out from the blank faced Englishwoman's lips as she begins to visibly tremble.
Dame Raven Williams: Sorry...
Barely squeaked out before The Empress' feed suddenly snaps off to static.
Totally sorry for not much, been feeling ill for a while and couldn't think of anything to write.
But I didn't want to no-show at all.
Sorry for not posting much guys. :/
Hopefully it is decent enough though.
I did not expect to be back in Italy so soon.
Indeed, neither did she.
"Che cazzo !?"
When Fabiano walks through the door, his girlfriend rolls over and pulls the sheets over herself and a stranger in horror. In a rage, Fabiano sprints across the bedroom and dives onto the bed and begins to wail on the poor soul.
Luckily any potential charges I could have been struck down with were quickly dropped. This was nothing new here in Italy - at least not for the well connected, wealthy or even worse of all.
A Bonucci.
''Are you fucking kidding me kid?''
My Uncle, AKA Lefty was the first one in my ear when he picked me up from the station that night.
''You've been back in Italy less than a day and your already tearing up the streets for fuck sakes. You know you're just like your father.''
I chuckled.
''I think this one is on you, Zio. He taught me how to shoot but you taught me how to throw a mean left hook - remember?''
''Fuck, I think I oughta give you a good solid reminder for the stunt you pulled off tonight.''
Lefty slapped me upside the head.
''You got a great opportunity kid, don't let it all be for nothing. They say there is only two ways out of the life we are living and well you've found a third.''
I nodded my head, he was right. Me and my brother and sisters are all Gen-Z Bonucci's who have grown up in a much different world than Lefty and our father, at least on the surface level that is. They also train MMA when they're not out doing ''odd jobs'' but I was the first one to really standout out as a top prospect and my family saw me as the way into the MMA business, I couldn't let them down.
The next morning, I met up with my head coach Misty DeMeans.
''What the fuck is this?''
Misty asked, throwing down a newspaper in front of me. With an raised eyebrow, I glanced it over and handed it back to her.
''Since when do you read Italian?''
She tossed the newspaper aside and grilled me.
''Are you really a part of the MAFIA my nigga!?''
''Shhhhh! No, no. Well, not really. Look, it's complicated alright?''
Misty cursed under her breath as I did my best to explain my problems away.
''Alright, I'll bite. Why do you think I was drawn to HILITE FC to begin with? I mean, I know you all aren't a bunch of criminals but you know how to get down... you know?''
''Fuck you, Fab.''
I suck at this.
''Look, I'm not an active part of the family but I am still a Bonucci at the end of the day. I know my families past caught up to me but it's only because we're here in Italy and this fight is such a big deal to the people. By the time we are back in Canada, I promise all this crazy shit and hype will be over with.''
''You better win the GCC lightweight championship after all this...'' Misty responded.
''I promise, I got this covered. You have my word.''
Misty nodded her head as her focus trailed for a moment before she raised an eyebrow and pressed on. ''...Fabio, come on man... what kind of shit are you really mixed up in?''
Fanculo!
The night before my fight, I got back to my hotel ready to get a good night of sleep before my big fight the next day. As I pulled up the lot, a black corvette pulled up beside me and the occupant in the vehicle quickly stepped out.
''Hey Fabio!''
A familiar voice called. It was my older brother Francisco.
''Hey brother. Hope you are well.''
He hugged me and smiled. ''Yes, as always. I just wanted to meet with you about your fight tomorrow night.''
''What about it?'' I asked.
''That guy, Sanit Klahan. I heard he's a great fighter.''
''What do you want, Francisco?''
My brothers tone changed. He was not so friendly anymore.
''The family needs a favor from you and I hate to be the one to ask. I know this wasn't in the plans.''
''Are you serious?'' I quizzed in a panic.
''Little brother, I am sorry but that guy Sanit Klahan is one of the biggest underdogs in sport betting history after his win over that other guy...''
''Rob Jones?'''
''Yeah, him.'' He shrugged. ''Now I personally would love to see how this fight of yours plays out clean as a big fan of the sport but that's just not what the family needs from you right now.''
''This is fucking bullshit, Francisco. You're asking me to throw the fight - that's not how this is supposed to work. That wasn't the deal.''
Francisco wrapped his arm around the back of my neck and squeezed tightly.
''I said no such thing, brother. Please, don't be silly.'' He says while looking around the empty parking lot. ''What I am saying is it's going to be a great fight and you're going to be a world champion one day but I am sure you've realized in the sport of MMA that you can't win them all. On the bright side, I am sure the re-match between you two will even more competitive than the first fight and the book keepers will see to it that the betting lines are a bit more favorable to all parties involved.''
I sighed, I've never felt more defeated.
''How much $$$ are we talking about here?''
''Enough to be on the phone with your boss to begin talks of purchasing a significant portion of the company when the slips clear.'' Francisco taps me on the shoulder. ''Look, I don't want to hold you any longer here, I know you have a fight to prepare for. Just do me a favor and don't prepare too hard.''
Francisco winked at me before he walked back to his car with a confident stride and hopped in. Before he leaves, he leaves me with one parting message as he rolls up his tinted window.
''Remember little brother.'' He paused. ''There is only two ways out of this life, dead or in jail.''
He drove off and as the smoke from the exhaust cleared, I reminded myself.
''I found the third.''
Fazan Khan - Missed Calls 1
Carlos Machado | Blogger
Hi, Trixie. It's great to see you back at one of these. You haven't done any major press since GFN 10 some time ago, why?
Trixie Redd | Drippy
''Who ta' fuck even cares? Ta' Media is too busy asking stupid redundant questions to the same goddamn in the division on repeat. Misty. Gaia. Juanita. Rinse, wash, and repeat. I'm not exactly interested in hearing all that shit. I am out here today because JaySon said he thought it would be a good idea ta' get out and vocalize ta' cause. So, I vocalizing ta' cause.
Kevin Wilson | MMAWORLD.COM
You've been on an absolute tear recently, Trixie. What do you attribute to your recent stretch of success too?
Trixie Redd | Drippy
Uh, not getting my ass kicked I guess? Ta' reality is, I just hit a hell of a lot harder than most of these other chicks and they go down. Other than that, I have just been in ta' gym working hard everyday, eating right making sure ta' cut out the wrong food and shit like that nothing ground breaking.
Michelle Balmer | MMACORE.COM
How do you see this fight going?
Trixie Redd | Drippy
''I am going ta' break the pretty dolls face in multiple places. I don't have any beefs with Alexia Amauri she seems like a cool enough chick but she's standing in the way of me getting something that I want dearly. I'm sick and tired of Misty and her shit and I want ta' be the one to finally give her ta' mitts upside her dense head. Juanita was able to grapple and stall her way ta' a couple of victories only ta' get exposed in 0:51 seconds when it was time for truth. I think I'm the only girl in ta' division who can get in the cage with her and really stand toe ta' toe - not House and definitely not Gaia Galanos.''
Michelle Balmer | MMACORE.COM
Are you coming into this fight with any game plan in mind and is there anything about Alexia's game that may give you pause?
Trixie Redd | Drippy
We both love ta' strike. I think doll face is very predictable in her style she pretty much charges forward and throws as many punches as she can get off but she never seems ta' hurt anyone with them so I am not concerned. If Alexia wants ta' stand and bang, I will be more than happy ta' oblige because I know my chin will hold up a lot better than hers.
Nancy Holton | CageRage.com
Trixie, JaySon Francis had made some demands of his own that he expects a title shot with a win over Erik Malkasian - do you feel that you deserve a title shot also with a win over Alexia Amauri?
Trixie Redd | Drippy
JaySon is justified in his demands there isn't anyone else in ta' division that deserves a shot more than he does. Ta' women's featherweight division is a different situation, its got some depth to it that most of the mens divisions don't have but after I beat ta' pretty face off barbie doll, I should be ta' next in line for a number one contenders fight. Come on guys you gotah' stop playing with me!
Nancy Holton | CageRage.com
One last question, do you have any predictions on the main event tonight as a non-biased viewer?
Trixie Redd | Drippy
Ta' be honest, not really. I fucks with both of those guys styles though. In a twenty minute fight with ta' way those two throw down, I'd be willing ta' bet my balls if I had a pair that the fight is going to end in a KO.
Trixie Redd has disconnected from the meeting.
Kevin Wilson | MMAWORLD.COM
With Ross Hanson recently being stripped of the Heavyweight Championship and Alejandro Rivera beating Aleksandr Baranov to win it back - what are your thoughts of the current landscape of the division?
JaySon Francis | Praying Mantis
I think these heavyweights be on some bullshit to tell you the truth. I was the only one to beat Ross Hanson and he knew is reign was going to come to an end sooner rather than later. I don't give a fuck about this division, it's mine for the taking. I'm not going to sleep on my setbacks but unlike most of these bitch ass motherfuckers, I'm still here. I am on my daily grind and not taking a damn thing for granted. Respect to Aleksandr for beating me but he lost to Alejandro Rivera when shit matters the most so if he really wants to run that back we are only going to do it after I get my title fight with Alejandro Rivera. And on my Momma's Momma there is no way in hell I am going out like a bitch within the first five minutes of the fight.
Tyson Johnson | Blogger
Yo, JaySon my brother. I hope all is well. We haven't heard from Gunplay MMA lately, none of you. What's up with that?
JaySon Francis | Praying Mantis
We have been moving in silence. We shut down the Twitter account as a media blackout. The GCC thinks they are just fine without us, they didn't even give Gunplay MMA a fight on the biggest card of the year at GCC 15 on some bullshit. So, we move in silence. We aren't going to hype your shit. We aren't going to retweet your shit to our fans. Go have your biggest shows without Gunplay MMA and watch them fall below expectations. We aren't going to just sit around and play nice with you folks anymore, I am here to get my respect and make demands.
Nathan Zafir | Allthebestfights.com
There have been rumors of you potentially fighting Shazir Khan regardless of how your fight with Erik Malkasian ends, is this a fight your interested in?
JaySon Francis | Praying Mantis
Nah, that was before we got the new about Ross Hanson though. Fuck that. Shazir Khan has been nothing more than GCC's errand boy taking out the trash so to speak. He is 4-0 but hasn't beat anyone with a positive record, ever. His whole empire is built out of tin cans that boy has got an ingredient list off the label and everything. I know it's up to grandfather Khan to make the final decision but we are going to have to exercise that MMA free market if we don't get what we are fucking owed around here. Gunplay MMA has been disrespected and overlooked long enough. I want my motherfucking title shot after I come up off this win over Erik Malkasian or we walk that walk.
Nathan Zafir | Allthebestfights.com
So you believe that a win over Erik Malkasian is enough to put your next in line?
JaySon Francis | Praying Mantis
Yeah, it shouldn't be but this division is like those shallow bitches out in LA. It is what it is. I get paid to show the fuck up and fight not to build the division up and hire talent. It's not my problem if Erik Malkasian show's up out of shape and out of gas, that is YOUR former heavyweight champion you all wanted to take your chances with. That's not my problem. You should have be looking at JaySon Fucking Francis and figuring out how you're going to set me up with the biggest fights. Nope, instead you motherfuckers leave us out. GCC 15 was your biggest show headlined by that raggedy bitch Misty and you left the whole fucking squad off the card. You couldn't find a spot for none of us on your so called biggest show of the year. Fuck you. You didn't break no records. Fuck Misty. Fuck Rob Jones and fuck Alejandro Rivera. we sick of the bullshit.
Nancy Holton | CageRage.com
Mr. Francis with Osira Themis winning the Women's Bantamweight Championship - Gunplay MMA remains one of the only gyms to never have won a GCC title. How does that make you feel?
JaySon Francis | Praying Mantis
I am the leader of this shit, I need to be the one to lead by example. That's why I want this fight with Alejandro Rivera. Erik Malkasian fuck that guy, I am already seeing right past him. I want a title fight with Rivera. I need to be the one to bring a title back to Gunplay MMA because with all the setbacks we been through as a team, I know that shit is eating away at the whole squad. I know I can put this one on for the whole squad and turn this shit around and when I do, this year is ours for the taking. Period.
Nancy Holton | CageRage.com
I know you stated earlier that you are looking passed Erik Malkasian but after coming off a late third round finish over Charlie Leonardo have you considered the possibility that Erik Malkasian provides you the toughest fight of your career?
JaySon Francis | Praying Mantis
No, Nancy I know you seen what I did to Charlie Leonardo and this time, I'm not trying to play with my food. Erik Malkasian is a challenge to me because I don't need to just beat Erik Malkasian, I need to dominate this bitch. I need to show Khan that I have the best chance to beat Alejandro Rivera. We need some REAL representation around here in the GCC, not these flukes, fakes and flakes that were running shit back when GCC was still holding shows in single digits. Khan, stop playing with me. Stop playing with my money and my legacy.
I GOT NEXT!
JaySon Francis has disconnected from the meeting.
Q) Sunni! It's great to see you back in action, how did your training camp ahead of your fight tomorrow night?
Sunni Khan: It was a great camp - everything you can expect from a top tier gym like the House of Khan. It's no secret that as team we haven't had the greatest start to open up the New Year but everyone has still be super supportive of each-other and great to be around.
Q) In the lead up to this fight Rupika Khan has had several exchanges with your opponent Dame Raven Williams on your behalf. Do you have any insight in regards to the back and forth?
Sunni Khan: Yeah some of it got back to me in the gym. I told Rupi to knock it off but you know how she is, right? She's stubborn as hell. I don't think she said anything too crazy I hope and whether or not Dame was offended by any of it, I guess I'll find out tomorrow night when the cage door closes but I don't have any ill will towards her on my end.
Q) You expressed that you weren't exactly pleased by your debut booking against Desdemona Themis, how do you feel about Dame Raven Williams as an opponent?
Sunni Khan: Des was a very worthy opponent and has given me my toughest fights of my career, it was rather the branding of the match up that rubbed me the wrong way and I addressed that at the press conference then. As far as my match up with Dame is concerned, I think she also is a great opponent for me and should present me with some interesting looks. I am always looking to be challenged and if the rumors are true and I am going up against the best Dame Raven Williams we have had yet to see then I think this fight is a pretty big deal.
Q) You issued a statement to Jocelyn Edwards earlier this week stating that you were bothered by the notion that your grandfather had booked this fight to motivate Dame, can you please elaborate?
Sunni Khan: I mean, it's just one of those things. I don't think it should take me to motivate another fighter. Am I supposed to find that flattering or whatever? I don't find it flattering, I find it more disappointing to hear than anything else. You should want this every time you step into the cage, the fact that it's been implied that isn't the case for her feels like she's just disrespecting the sport of MMA. I don't know her, I don't know but I just get this weird feeling that she isn't serious about this - that her heart really isn't into fighting and I don't understand that. I just hope she's ready and I hope she hasn't put herself in a situation that she isn't built to handle.
Q) Where do you feel you stand in the Women's Bantamweight Division with a win over Dame Raven Williams?
Sunni Khan: I think this fight has huge implications for me. I know my grandfather has been trigger shy with the type of opportunities he's ready to give me or Rupika but I really think the fans are going to demand more out of him this time around. Osira Themis is the champ, Sammie is right up there but beyond that the field is ready for some new players. Leah Wilkins is coming off a loss and I have a win over her in Supreme MMA already, Cinzi is extremely inconsistent and a win over Dame would mean I beat the girl who already beat Anastasia. So maybe I am missing something here but I feel that I am one more fight away at MAX.
Q) For the first time in your career you were unable to submit your opponent in victory, how do you feel about your odds in submitting Ms. Williams tomorrow night?
Sunni Khan: I always feel like a finish is within reach especially anytime it hits the mat so I'll definitely be looking to grab something. Dame is a great wrestler and despite her cardio issues she presents some real problems. I'm not going to do anything stupid trying to go out of my way to finish the fight and I'll take whatever she gives me when we are in here and leave it at that. A finish would be nice but a GCC championship is much better.
Q) Is there anything that you would like to say to Dame Raven Williams directly?
Sunni Khan: No, not really. Let's just get this fight over with.