The following events in this thread occur on Thursday, November 28th so no references or statements should be made on social media regarding this event until November 28th.
The press conference opens with GCC President Fazan Khan seated at the table. He's dressed up a fair bit more then usual specifically fitting to a pair of Gucci Shades. It wasn't his style at all which suggests it may have been a gift or perhaps something more sinister, like the idea the success of his company was starting to get to him...
Mr. Khan, it's recently been discovered that several GCC fighters will not be returning for the foreseeable future. Anya Bobov was not surprised but more notably former GCC champion Mila Sauvage, former Union GP champions Brock Quarry and Takeshi Kato... is this a mass exodus of top stars exiting Global?
Mr. Khan nods his head along, it wasn't in agreement and most likely solely out of respect.
Fazan Khan: No, not at all. In the case of Brock Quarry and Takeshi Kato both of those gentlemen decided that they were better off focusing on coaching a new generation of HILITE athletes as opposed to trying to compete for glory themselves. Mila is one hell of a fighter and hasn't reached her prime yet but she's a cross over star from the LFL and has ever reason to focus on her football career, I think we'll see her back in a GCC cage in the future. As for Anya...
Mr. Khan clears his throat.
Fazan Khan: Anya's release represents how far we've come as an MMA promotion in just a few months. GCC isn't the landing place for journeymen, old timers or even part timers. It is fighters who have dedicated their lives to this art form day in and day out who will find themselves having the most success. Anya was not the first to be release due to her poor performances nor will she bet the last but I do wish my old friend well in her retirement.
His focus trails along, as he points out to a reporter in the sea of many.
President Khan, the numbers are officially in... GFN 3: Sauvage vs. Galanos was the biggest event GCC has held to date and your broadcasts have brought a total of 350k+ new subscribers to the OWA network in just a couple of months, how do you think your events will fair moving forward?
Fazan Khan: This is only the beginning my friend. Gaia Galanos smashed previous records and is a huge star for us but she will not be the last. Now that Gaia has set the bar, there are dozens of hungry fighters on the roster who will want exactly what she has. Still, I am not one to dwell on the past for better OR for worse... we are sitting on the eve of Erik Malkasian and Tommy Ward squaring up for the GCC heavyweight championship!
The press room begins to stir in approval and Mr. Khan smiles with pleasure.
Fazan Khan: ... and Krystal Knight vs. Juanita Sanchez to determine the number #1 contender to Gaia Galanos newly obtained throne!
The attendees in the crowd pop even louder this time. It seems that plenty of fans of the two women had been attending the press conference.
Fazan Khan: Friends, what more can I say? With every card, I intend to raise the bar and put on the fights YOU want to see while making sure opportunities are given to those who have earned it. Erik vs. Ward will determine who is the baddest man on the planet and Knight vs. Sanchez has the potential to be the fight of the night.
With the crowd still abuzz, Mr. Khan definitely seems to be soaking in the positive energy but all it took was one particular question to throw him off his game...
''But Mr. Khan''' the voice called out. ''Recently your granddaughter Rupika Khan asked for a private meeting with your regarding the claims Misty DeMeans has made that you have been protecting her from real competition within the GCC. Can you elaborate any...
Khan immediately interjects.
Fazan Khan: Sorry, I have no comment about that at this time... friend.
Reporter:
Tommy Ward. Rumors are circulating on Wednesday you were look for Brock Quarry at open workouts. Why?
Tommy simply shrugs.
Tommy:
Brock's a great fighter. I simply wanted to shake his hand, thank him for the fight and wish him a happy retirement.
Reporter:
Rumors are you ran into Misty DeMeans instead. Is it true that you and her had an altercation.
Juanita's usual pleasant smile turns to an angry frown.
Tommy:
Um...she taunted us as she does everybody and we exchanged words.
As the reporter begins to push for details Tommy cuts her off.
Tommy:
I'm not here to talk about her though.
The reporter reluctantly sits down as another question comes in.
Reporter:
Tommy you've been dominant throughout this tournament. How do you see your fight with Erik Malkasian going?
Tommy thinks for a moment.
Tommy:
Traditionally, when you get two high caliber grapplers it turns into a striking match. Erik's got great boxing as do I. So Saturday night you'll get a show.
Tommy scans the room for more questions, and nods toward a man in a grey three piece.
Reporter:
Tommy, the clinch has been very beneficial to you against JaySon Francis and Brock Quarry. Is that going to be part of your gameplan?
Tommy:
I won't give details of my strategy, but I'm sure with Brock being a coach in Toronto now they've formulated a gameplan to avoid it.
Tommy looks around the room for further questions. Once sure there are no more questions the T.W Combat Sports trio excuse themselves to the chagrin of several executives.
'Oh dear' Juanita mutters as she watches a reporter stand up and stare at her.
Reporter:
Juanita, Welcome back! We haven't seen you in a while. How are you feeling going into Saturday night?
The sweats immediately begin. Her hands are trembling. A few seconds go by.
JS:
Um...I'm feeling ready.
You're feeling ready? What an answer. She feels her face flush. 'Calm down' Tommy whispers patting her hand.
Juanita steadies her hands and smiles. It looks rather sheepish.
Reporter:
Juanita, your move to Staten island was a surprise, but seems successful. How do you feel training at T.W Combat Sports?
JS:
I..I'm…(nervous laughter)
Tommy:
Public speaking isn't her strong suit. Give her a moment.
Juanita glares at her "helpful" friend.
JS:
Um... it's a great gym to train at. We're like family…
A moment of silence
Reporter:
Juanita you very publically asked Krystal Knight to join her gym and…
Tommy:
You've already addressed that question to Krystal….
.
Another awkward silence
JS:
For the record I have no hard feelings. Krystal is a wonderful woman and fighter.
I've got to get better at this. She thinks to herself as the same media member asks another question.
Same Reporter:
Are you okay with fighting a "killer" like Krystal Knight?
Ugh. She thinks looking towards the woman.
JS:
...Krystal is an amazing fighter, but I am ready.
Please don't ask me anymore questions she begs under her breath. Her wish comes true as question is directed elsewhere.
Rob:
You did good, Kid.
Rob whispers to her.
JS:
No I didn't.
She hastily whispers back.
The press conference has become a staple for T.W Combat Sports fighters. Some of them relish in the media attention. Some avoid it. Rob usually enjoys it, but not this time.
Here are a few questions and answers from his presser.
Q: Rob, some people say that you are just a one-trick pony. What do you say to those people?
A: I say they're a bunch of dumbasses.
Q: Earlier Krystal Knight singled you out from the other members of T.W Combat Sports saying 'you aren't so nice' why the heat?
A: Actually she called me a dick (laughs). We've never directly interacted, but some people just don't like me and that's okay.
Q: You have one loss to Cayden Redfield. How do you feel going into Saturday night?
A: Good. That win was a fluke and I'll prove it.
Q: How do you classify his win as a fluke? He is a former lightweight champion.
A: That he is, but if I didn't gift him that win. He would have been a nobody.
Q: A lot of people are saying that your bark is greater than your bite. After your last two outings it's getting harder not to agree.
A: That's your opinion and you're entitled to it, but the fact is on Saturday night I'm going to remind the world who I am when I beat up Cayden Redfield.
The anger inside the war machine will make for fireworks Saturday.
The questions begin to get directed to the new comer, Trixie Redd who rocks out with a pair of middle fingers and a hearty grin.
Michelle Balmer | MMACORE.COM
Trixie you are making your debut this Saturday against the heavy handed Sophie Anderson on the main card, why do you think they chose you?
Trixie Redd | Drippy
Hmm? Is this where I am supposed to act all humble bee humbug and tell you what an honor it is to get an opportunity to fight the wicked bitch from the North? Nah. They are throwing me right into the fire ta' see if I melt. Sophie has been the only women capable of knocking anyone out with a single punch and that's exciting to the fancy suits so they are going to trot me out to in pro wrestling terms ta' ''put her over''| well, they chose the wrong bitch. I am ending her hype train before it's even leaves the station. Choo fuckin' choo.
Kevin Wilson | MMAWORLD.COM
Redd, what motivates you?
Trixie Redd | Drippy
I am out for glory. Every time I am out in the cage, I got two opponents and the biggest one always staring me down is myself. So, in the gym I am always pushing myself ta' my limits, always trying to go harder in training on Monday then I did Sunday. No days off.
Jasmine Vivica | Blogger
Trixie you will be the first fighter in the GCC considered to be a world class specialist in Karate, how do you think this will help you moving forward?
Trixie Redd | Drippy
It's going to help me not ta' be such a predictable milk toast bitch. All these fighters walking through the doors look like they came from the same make-a-fighter factory in middle of Hoboken Jerz' or some shit. I have a unique style to my fighting and Sophie is going to be the first bitch ta' feel it.
Nathan Zafir | Allthebestfights.com
In Sophie Anderson's debut fight she notoriously added a few extra shots after the bell onto an unconscious Kali Black. How do you feel about the incident?
Trixie Redd | Drippy
Real talk, I think it's Kali fault for getting her ass knocked out cold in ta' first place. And yeah, I still don't think its the right thing ta' do. I dare her to try that shit on me! Nope, not in this life. First off, she's going to have to knock me out. Second of all, she needs to leave the parking lot without security. So me personally, I'm not worried about it.
Nathan Zafir | Allthebestfights.com
How do you feel you match up with Sophie? You have similar skills....
Trixie Redd | Drippy
Yeah, for sure. Sophie Anderson has got some power no denying that but she's an already proven bully. Kali was weaker than her. While I am no angel myself with the tats to prove it, I don't like bullies because they are pussies who are quick to dish it but they have a hard time taking it. On Saturday night, she's taking it... and she's taking this ass whooping back to the 6ix.
Vincent Mazzetti | Blogger
Do have a specific gameplan developed for Sophie?
Trixie Redd | Drippy
Me and my guns have put together a little something different for Sophie but it isn't anything too wild. We scouted her and word from the streets says she isn't scared to stand and bang or afraid of getting knocked out. Perfect. I am bred same way so we will see who's really about it, about it.
Justina Mina | Manila fight club
If you defeat Sophie on Saturday Night, what's next for you?
Trixie Redd | Drippy
Shit, I wish I could answer that with a straight face. Truth, I haven't thought too much about it. Bad habits. Where I am from, the people who I know and love we just get through this shit day by day, fight to fight. Ask me again on Sunday and maybe I'll have a better answer for ya.
Justina Mina | Manila fight club
Anything else?
Trixie Redd|Drippy
Yeah, 69nine a bitch.
Arune Cruz <Local Sports Writer> Hi, Krystal. We haven't seen you and Juanita Sanchez since you fought at GCC 1 in the sweet sixteen women's featherweight tournament, why the long turn around time?
Krystal Knight: Well, I can't speak for Juanita but personally I felt I needed the time to rest and re calibrate. As tempting as it was to rush back in here immediately, the division is still young and I have been looking forward to receiving a big fight against a top contender that would put my name back into the title conversation. I think that this was the best fight Mr. Khan could have made for both of us, if not the only fight.
Minnie Santos <Blogger> Ms. Knight, what do you think of Juanita Sanchez and her skill set as a fighter in this division?
Krystal Knight: I believe that Juanita Sanchez will be a future GCC featherweight champion and at this point the discussion is not about if but when and timing is everything. Me? I am running out of time. You won't see me here 5 years from now. I will not become your next Anya Bobrov. I want to move on from the sport leaving it in a better shape then when I found it, I want to have kids and start and family and ride off to the sunset. Just... not yet. I want to claim the GCC featherweight championship. I want to go down as a MMA legend. I want to be better than pretty good.
Tyler McKesson <MMAkings.com> Knight, is there any bad blood between you and Juanita Sanchez at all? I mean, Juanita Sanchez publicly asked to join your camp at Lone Wolf MMA in Thailand a request you very publicly declined...
Krystal Knight: It isn't like that. I mean, I can't say for sure how she took it. Maybe she took it as a slight and brought negative feelings with her to New York and let it stew with the likes of Rob Jones and his ill will towards Awut. Perhaps she took it the way that it was intended and realized I declined her offer because I knew she'd be better off without me. I saw Juanita Sanchez fight her heart out and knew that I'd have to fighter her at least once before I'd have to retire. Unlike fighters like Sophie Anderson, I want to fight the best fighters in my division not opt to join their gyms or exchange bff bracelets with them.
Tyler McKesson <MMAkings.com> So are you saying that Juanita Sanchez was trying to join Lone Wolf MMA to avoid fighting you?
Krystal Knight: Absolutely not. I think for her maybe she seen me as an older role model. I don't know you'd have to ask her but please do not put words in my mouth. On Saturday, we will fight and it's very clear that she is not scared of me or anyone else in this division. We will sell tickets, we will earn the company subscribers without the extra dramatics or made up story lines. At the end of the day, me and Juanita are at different points of our career and see things much differently and I don't think our views would have aligned. And yet, Juanita still can reach out to me for advice at anytime be it today, tomorrow or even after we fight be it win, lose or draw.
Kathy Santos <MMA analyst> So, is it safe to say that your a fan of T.W combat sports as a whole?
Krystal Knight: If I was a fan of anyone, I'd be sitting in the stands with everybody else. I don't have any beef with T.W combat sports. The gym is filled with several personalities with different opinions, thoughts and approaches to their crafts and I'd never paint a whole group of professionals with a single wide stroke. That said, I think specifically Rob Jones is a dick. He's always been a dick and will continue to be a dick from this day forward but to the rest of T.W Combat? Cheers.
Kathy Santos <MMA analyst> One more question, Ms. Knight. In your last fight, Mila Sauvage was able to take you down relatively early in the fight and finish you off VIA strikes with Juanita Sanchez having a similar skill set, how do you plan on avoiding this on Saturday?
Krystal Knight: Mila's power is something else, something that I have never felt before in all my years of fighting. While I need to be very careful, I don't think Juanita Sanchez poses the exact same threat. That said, I will look to defend off my back and minimize any damage. Of course, I've worked with my coaches on avoiding the fight being taken there entirely but I am prepared for anything and everything she can throw my way within a three round fight.
Alice Turner <splat! sports intern> Over here, Krystal. In the event the referee raises your hand on Saturday, is there anything that you would like to say to the champ, Gaia Galanos?
Krystal Knight: No, I don't. Juanita Sanchez has my complete and undivided attention on Saturday Night. I will prove once and for all that pretty good is good enough.