The following events in this thread occur on Thursday, October 17th so no references or statements should be made on social media regarding the event until October 17th.
The scene opens up to Mr. Khan being escorted into the presser by security to his seat. Next to him is number one contender, Jake Rogers. In the seat to his left, is all but empty but the nameplate that reads: Cayden Redfield. Noticeably, the GCC lightweight championship also is not present at the event.
Mr. Khan: Thank you to all my friends who have joined us for the press conference in Seoul, South Korea and for all our fighters who are with us today. Unfortunately and unsurprisingly I was informed earlier this morning that Cayden Redfield is absent and will not be attending our event. While we have heard from the media and fans alike repeated calls for us to strip Cayden Redfield, we feel that champions are made in the octagon and we believe the right man will win on Saturday Night.
Fazan Khan glances over at Jake Rogers and gives him a nod of affirmation.
Translated from Korean:
Mr. Khan, can we expect to see Awut Somaskul back into the GCC lightweight title picture vs the winner of Redfield vs. Rogers?
Mr. Khan: At this time, I am not ready to commit to any guarantees at this juncture but it will most likely be the move we make next.
Translated from Korean:
Recently we learned that the number one contender for the Women's featherweight Championship Gaia Galanos has been training at the House of Khan with your family and granddaughter Rupika in preparation for her title fight, do you think this creates a conflict of interest?
Mr. Khan: In some peoples eyes that maybe the case but I am a fair and just president and Ms. Galanos earned her title shot before she ever stepped foot in our family gym. I support all my fighters be it Gaia Galanos or our champion, Mila Sauvage and wish them the best of luck when they fight in London England in November.
Translated from Korean:
London!? That's huge.
Mr. Khan: We are still working out the details and the full card but I can tell you right now, it'll be one of the best cards we have held to date and I am excited for all my friends and fighters involved.
Translated from Korean:
Recent numbers on social media indicates that GCC after a hot start is cooling off quite a bit, how do you respond to this Mr. Khan?
Mr. Khan: The GCC will become the unquestioned number one MMA promotion in the world in due time but for now, there is still lots of work to do. Ups and downs are to be expected but the events that we have planned will surely take our promotion to the next level and I'd like to thank all our fans, supporters and friends who have stuck with us since day one your efforts and love have not gone unnoticed! Anymore questions, friends?
A reporter in the crowd raises their hand, but the question is directed to another fighter sitting at the podium...
Reporter (translated from Korean):
Tommy Ward, you're generally active on social media in the weeks leading up to your fights. However we have not seen you on any social media platforms in the past week, why is that?
Tommy Ward looks up from the table to look at the reporter.
Tommy:
I'm sorry to all of my fans who feel neglected by my absence. I can assure you it wasn't or isn't personal. I'm just very focused on my upcoming opponent a former world Heavyweight champion and HILITE FC heavyweight Brock The Rock Quarry.
Some of the audience chuckles at the very blatant promotion of Brock Quarry.
Reporter (translated from Korean):
What steps have you taken in your training for your fight with Brock Quarry?
Tommy contemplates the question tapping his fingertips on the table.
Tommy:
A lot of studying, a lot of hard work, and a little bit of luck October 19th.
Tommy smiles at the reporters, looking entertained.
Reporter (translated from Korean):
What is your plan for fighting Brock Quarry? He is a former world champion, as you yourself pointed out.
Tommy:
Brock is an amazing wrestler. His team owner is legendary. So I do have a plan and you'll get to see it Saturday night.
A finality falls over the reporters.
Reporter (translated from Korean):
Will you consider it a 'feather in your cap' if you beat Brock and advance to the finals?
Tommy: Yes. When I entered MMA Brock Quarry was the heavyweight champion. At the time Xpress Fighting Systems Bobbi London was #2 and I beat her decisively.
I felt I earned my shot in the shallow division, but was told I'd have to wait. I never got my opportunity, but on Saturday night if I beat Brock Quarry I'll have not only cemented my spot in the finals, but will have known I could have been the Heavyweight champion, way back then.
The sound of shuffling paperwork echo through the auditorium as Tommy lowers his microphone.
Reporter (translated from Korean):
Tommy, just one more
question. I know you aren’t overlooking Brock Quarry, but do you have any future opponents in mind, barring the other semi-finals match between Dawit and Erik?
Tommy lifts his mic up to his mouth and matter of factly says...
Tommy:
Alejandro Rivera.
Reporter {translated from Korean):
Why, Alejandro Rivera?
Tommy:
He was the next in line for the heavyweight title in our past organization.
Realizing they weren’t going to get much more out of Tommy Ward. They began to focus their attention elsewhere.