The following events in this thread occur on Thursday, March 5th 2020 so no references or statements should be made on social media regarding this event until March 5th, 2020.
At the opening of the press conference, Misty DeMeans is in the face of Krystal Knight as soon as the proceedings begin. Misty DeMeans is berating Krystal Knight, who looks her dead in the eyes and remains stoic and unfazed by her antics. Security immediately scurries in between the two fighters and separate them. After a stern talking to, DeMeans agrees to take a seat. Minutes later, Fazan Khan walks into the press conference and has a few words with Krystal Knight and pats her on the shoulder before embracing his granddaughter Rupika Khan who is sitting at the table seemingly discontent as Mr. Khan takes his seat. Misty exchanges a few words with Khan out of anger and he diplomatically appeals for calmness before he addresses the media that have gathered at the press conference in large numbers.
Mr. Khan: Well... here you have it folks, GCC 6 Knight vs. DeMeans. This might not be the fight we initially booked or planned for but it's definitely going to be a fight people all of the world tune into watch. I know both of these amazing women and I know they both will have a lot to say here tonight, so please in respect to them keep your questions for me short. Thank you. Khan! Misty DeMeans was announced as a replacement for Nika Kosov after she was injured a few days after the initial fight was scheduled, what were your reasons behind choosing Misty DeMeans as her replacement? Mr. Khan: Realistically, Misty was one big win away from a contenders fight. While there were other fighters who were worthy of the spot in their own right, they were either already training for fights or recovering from fights. Misty found herself in the right place at the right time and made the most of her opportunity to get the fight. Regardless of how you feel about her as a person or even as a fighter fans want to see her fight and they really want to see her lose. How do you feel Krystal Knight matches up with Misty DeMeans, who do you give the edge to in a fight like this? Mr. Khan: I am not in the business of making fight predictions and I don't think I want to make either of these women upset. That said, I feel like on paper both of these women are relative in their skills and abilities. Krystal Knight has the fighting experience, is more comfortable in a GCC cage and is dangerous in the clinch. As for Misty, she may be the best striker we have yet to see in this division if not the sport of MMA based on her track record alone and is capable of knocking anyone out within the division with her lethal striking combinations. I think both of these women are going to want to keep this fight standing and the fans love these kinds of fights, I am beyond excited. Mr. Khan, when can we expect to see the winner of this fight face off against Gaia Galanos and do you have a venue in mind? Mr. Khan: We have a few destinations in mind but we won't announce it until a later date. We are hoping to get the winner of this fight back in the cage to challenge Gaia Galanos sometime in April but we'll need to see how this fight goes and how much damage these two women inflict on each-other. After the fight, we'll get together and hash out the specifics. This will be Rupika Khan's first fight since her controversial loss against Misty DeMeans. Mr. Khan, you publicly expressed that your granddaughter exceeded your expectations and we're wondering how do you think she stacks up against Anaquin Adams? Mr. Khan: I believe that Anaquin Adams is just as dangerous of an opponent as Misty was. Rupika Khan is a student of the art and with the The House of Khan behind her she has all the tools necessary for success. I would expect Anaquin to be the favorite heading into the fight and deservingly so but I also think my granddaughter excels as an underdog so it's going to be very interesting to see who comes out on top. This Friday night eight women will make their GCC debuts at 135 for the very first time, what are your expectations for this new division and how do you think it'll stack up in comparison to the Women's featherweight division?
Mr. Khan: The women's featherweight division has been the GCC's most exciting and deepest division yet and we expect the women's bantamweight division and the fighters we bring into it to follow in their footsteps. I can't begin to describe how proud I am of these women who have taken female MMA on their shoulders in the way that they have and finally are being represented in a fair, equal and competitive way. To this day, some women are still required to fight against men in unregulated MMA fights and despite their success in doing so, they are doing so at a significant disadvantage every time they step into the cage.
At the conclusion of Mr. Khan's answer, he looks at you. What do you have to say?
Press Conference Soundbytes
Kiiara
'''Just like every other time, I just knock em out, and that's that. Nothing new. You should do better at understanding the fight, maybe that'll give you a better idea of what to ask about. You're talking to the next biggest star in the Bantamweight division, treat me with goddamn respect.''
Cinzia Rossi
''My opponent is a very good fighter...but that belt will be mine in the end and she is only the first step''
Anaquin Adams
"Rupika Khan is no joke. I realize that there are some who feel she is, but her record speaks for itself. I have taken her as seriously, if not more seriously than any opponent I've faced. I need this win more than anything, because a loss would put me at such a disadvantage for my future in MMA.''
Xiuhua Zhou
''When it comes to my fight, I know I have to play it smart as I have quite the aggressive opponent standing across from me. While she has incredible striking and power, I too have tremendous strength and am looking forward to showcasing that. This is a serious clash of opposing styles and while I definitely have respect, I’m excited to show just why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an elite style. I’ve taken a lot of risks recently in my career and just know it’ll all pay off when I take the first step to becoming the first ever Bantamweight Champion of Global Combat Championships.''
Kyle Young
''All I can say about this "El Presidente" is while he's off smoking cigars and chasing women, I'm hitting the gym and studying how he fights in the octagon. While he thinks his Iron Chin will last him, I've punched guys tougher than him to the floor. If he wants to secure a win here in GCC? *he points to his fist* Well he's going to have to go through hell to get it. I'll see him when we land in Sweden.''
Rachel Spruce
"Well, I know I'm at a disadvantage due to the fact that I never fought at Bantamweight before. With that said, I'm coming into this fight and this tournament confident in my skills as a fighter, and I'm confident that GCC6 will be a great night for Lone Wolf all throughout the card, from my fight against Akane, to the main event when Krystal defeats Misty!''
JaySon Francis
''I feel like I've finally come into my own. I haven't been satisfied with my performances in GCC so I am going into the cage with Robby Nitro looking to show this motherfucker that he doesn't belong. I feel disrespected as hell to be thrown on the under card under a bunch of women as some afterthought. I don't fucks with it, cap. Friday Night, I become part of that talk at Heavyweight.''
Vishis Vourture
''Rumor has it, the Khan's feel the lightweight division has been lacking and that they're looking for new talent to lead the division going forward. The search is over, here I am. Give me the green light and watch what happens.''
Feloni DeMeans was doing a great job making herself small during the press conference but it was only a matter of time before they would seek answers from her. When the first question is directed to her, she looks like a dear caught in a pair of headlights.
Feloni DeMeans
''Oh shit, sup?''
SHORT GUY IN THE THIRD ROW
'''I said... how do you feel making your professional debut in the GCC?
Feloni DeMeans
''Right, right... it's cool.''
SOMEGUY IN A GOOFY LOOKIN' HAT
''''Do you feel like you've been catching some extra flak due to being Misty's sister since she's like, you know... hated and everything?
Feloni DeMeans
''Flak? Really, Nigga. Nah. I'm good. I'm doing my thing, barely even notice. Where the ''flak'' at? What neighborhood can I find that shit at? Never heard it.''
A UNION GP FAN, HATE TO SEE IT
'''What do you say to the people who feel you don't deserve to be here? I mean, you haven't had a mixed martial art fight in years after being incarcerated. If you can get a fight in GCC, can't just about anyone?
Feloni DeMeans
''Oh shit.... you gotta point, bruv. So, I'mma have to answer that by saying if anyone can get it, just come on in and get it then. GCC is payin' me real well.'''
SUPER SERIOUS GUY, SRS
''Feloni, we can't help but feel you're not taking any of this serious. Even Misty has called into question your worth ethic.''
Feloni DeMeans
''Nah, I'm super serious. Sammie Ward is a legit fighter, if you don't already know you gotta' check out her Wikipedia page.''
SEXY ASS LOOKING SWEDE
''Hi, Feloni.''
Feloni DeMeans
''Hey boo.''
SEXY ASS LOOKING SWEDE
''Um... right, uh.... with your worth ethic being called into question, how much would a win mean to you on Friday Night?
Feloni DeMeans
''Great question... shit, that's a whole extra 50k! See, me and homeboy Khan over there worke out this slick ass deal that says they paying me 50k just for showing up and he'll double my money if I can beat rainstorm, it's more like a light drizzle' Ward ova' there.''
Feloni DeMeans points in the opposite direction of her opponent, Sammie Ward.
FUN GUY
''How high are you right now, exactly?''
Feloni DeMeans
''Depends on who's asking.''
FUN GUY
''Favorite post blunt snack?''
'Feloni DeMeans
''Doritos.''
KRYSTAL KNIGHT FAN, VIRGIN
''Feloni, as we ALL know now you are the reason why the fight was cancelled initially between Krystal Knight and Misty DeMeans. What do you say to all the fans you disappointed a few weeks ago?
Feloni DeMeans
''Oh shit, I did do that right? Bet. My bad, yall. If you really think about it though, I hooked up all you Swedish folk with a real one. I like to think about the entire thing as redistribution of wealth, ya feel me? Take from the crying third world Thai Babies, give to the much more deservin' first world Swedes. So like really... your welcome.
EX FIGHTER LOOKIN' CHICK
''Feloni, I can't help but feel your making a mockery out of all of this!''
Feloni DeMeans
''Huh? I'm just answering the questions the people want to know.''
EX FIGHTER LOOKIN' CHICK
''Then who's the biggest threat to you in this bantamweight tournament?''
Feloni DeMeans
''Ummm...''
Feloni DeMeans scans the field of competitors sitting at the press conference table. She spots Anaquin Adams big ol' looking ass and points at her.
'Feloni DeMeans
''Her. She looking swole as hell. Ya'll drug test over here, right?''
Feloni raises her eyebrows as Misty DeMeans rolls her eyes into the back of her head. And now she's got the entire press conference buzzing.
MMA NERD,
''Feloni, she's a featherweight.''
Feloni DeMeans
''Oh, so that' what ya'll calling those these days. Bet. I'll fight her featherweight lookin' ass then, anyone can get it.''
PERSISTENT BLONDE BITCH
''Wait... are you insinuating your sister was on steroids?''
Feloni DeMeans
''No, but I'm insinuating I might be high as fuck right now and I'm probably failing the post fight drug test. You feel me?''
PERSISTENT BLONDE BITCH
''You showed up to the press conference high on drugs?''
Feloni DeMeans
''I keep tellin' ya'll that weed ain't a drug. It's a plant. Aren't we near Amsterdam or some shit, I thought ya'll were some progressives!
PERSISTENT BLONDE BITCH
''Isn't that a violation of your parole?''
Feloni DeMeans
''Who's snitching?''
Feloni DeMeans scoots her butt back and knocks over her chair as she tries too clear the press conference table, Misty DeMeans is forced to act quickly and restrains her. The events security approaches and decide to cut her time short allowing her to answer one more question.
GUY WITH HIS OWN COOL MIC
''Any predictions for the fight?''
Feloni DeMeans
''Strikes are going to be thrown.' It'll be a fight.''
A young Korean woman steps up to the podium with Akane Ito stepping up with her.
Woman: My name is Seo-hyeon Kwon and I represent "Slaughterhouse" Akane Ito. She does not speak English, so I will act as a translator for this press conference. We will take questions.
Q) Akane Ito has an extensive martial arts background. What caused her to choose Global Combat to compete in?
Kwon turns and relays the question to Akane who nods and answers.
Kwon: Akane has been going martial arts since she was 6 years old. She has been doing MMA since she was allowed to compete. Most of her competitions have been amateur and she realizes that Global Combat is where you go if you want to test yourself.
Q) Her first opponent in this tournament is Rachel Spruce. How has she prepared?
Kwon: Akane has prepared as she always does. Train. Train. Train. She has dedicated her life to this sport and training is all she knows and all she wants to know. Rachel Spruce will be in for a rude awakening tomorrow night.
Q) Akane has exchanged words with Misty DeMeans on Twitter as of late. They aren't in the same division, so what's the point?
Kwon: Akane feels that Misty is threatened and that's the only reason she would even respond to someone not in her own division. Akane feels if she needs to, she would be happy to move up a weight class and show Misty what she's all about. But until then.. in Akane's words, Misty can go have intercourse with herself. That's all we have for tonight.
Anaquin Adams steps up to the podium.
Anaquin: First, I'd like to address the criticism brought about here tonight about my 'inconsistencies' in my critique of past judges. I have been very outspoken when I felt the judges could not have possibly been watching the same fight that I was watching, however, I believe in all fights, the referee's discretion in regards to the safety of fights is paramount. I also feel that in watching that fight with Misty and Rupika that even had the referee not stopped the fight, the winner would have been the same. I'm no fan of Misty's attitude, but that fight was definitely in her favor.
Q) Did you request this fight because you thought it would be an easy win?
Anaquin: When asked who I would like to fight next, Rupika was the first on my short list. Regardless of the outcome of the fight with Misty, Rupika displayed a tremendous amount of heart in her fight. That's the type of fighter I want to face. I'm not here looking for easy wins. I'm here to fight the best that GCC has to offer. I don't consider myself a world class fighter just yet, but I'm hoping that one day I will be.
Q) Your last fight with Krystal Knight didn't go your way.
Anaquin: It most certainly didn't.
Q) How to you recover from that caliber of a loss? It had to be your most high profile loss to date.
Anaquin: I'd say that's true. Obviously with Krystal facing Misty tomorrow, one of them is getting the next title shot. It could have been myself in that fight with Misty had I tried harder, trained harder, something. But she was the better fighter and I said that to her face and I was grateful for the opportunity to step in the cage with her. As for how I recover, I start tomorrow. I know that the fight tomorrow with Rupika is going to be catch a lot of attention. If I fail, I may never get a title shot. It's that simple. I have put everything into this career as a fighter and without that incentive, then I guess we see where things land.
Q) Are you entertaining a return to wrestling?
Anaquin: No. Thank you for your time.
Looking around the room full of reporters and then at the rest of the seated personnel, Xiuhua ‘Dizzie’ Zhou decides to take this chance and grabs a hold of her microphone, opting to stand up, which garners the attention of several media outlets who start to take pictures. She quickly poses for a couple in a somewhat silly fashion before her expression changes to a more serious one. She smirks and speaks out for the first time.
Xiuhua Zhou: Guess I’ll take this as my turn since nobody else steppin’ up. Alright sharks, let’s do this. You over there, whatchu got?
Pointing out to a random reporter to get things started, the clamoring turns to silence as the first reporter asks his question.
MMA Reporter: Question from MMA Junkie, Ms. Zhou, looking into your history we found that you’ve been training for four years, and competing in amateur fights over the last two. What is your mindset going into what is not only your professional debut but a tournament to crown the first GCC Bantamweight Champion?
Xiuhua Zhou: I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t having a mix of excitement and butterflies. The way I see it though, if you ain’t got that sense within you, you’ve already lost because it’s that emotion that drives a person to want to do their best. What the GCC is offering is an incredible opportunity, much like my fellow tourney participant said and while I got respect for everyone involved, my mindset is that I’m already the champ, I just ain’t been crowned yet.
MMA Reporter: Edward with Sherdog here. Going off of what was just stated, in these four amateur fights you had, which had you win by submission twice and decision twice, you were actually competing in the 145 pound Featherweight division and have been open about your struggles to get down to 135 pounds for this fight. Has that had any impact on your training and conditioning going into this?
Xiuhua Zhou: Getting down to 135 was tough, I was kinda cocky going into it thinking it’s just ten more pounds but it really does make a difference. However, I got the best people behind me and they made everything go as smooth as possible. I feel great about myself at this weight class and can’t wait to showcase that when I step up to Kiiara. You’re going to see a lighter but stronger Dizzie, best believe that.
Xiuhua chuckled a little bit following her statement, the brief pause allowing the room to become noisy again until she picked out the next reporter to ask her a question.
MMA Reporter: MMA News here. Now Xiuhua, your fighting background is primarily in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with you being a black belt in the discipline as well as some wrestling. With Kiiara being known as a vicious striker, what is your game plan to come out victorious?
Xiuhua Zhou: Now I don’t think it’s smart to go too into details with my plan but I’ve absolutely prepared myself to face off with Kiiara and know she’s an absolute beast. I refuse to disrespect anyone’s game but having dedicated myself for years to the art of fighting, I have faith in what I practice. When it comes to Kiiara, I’m confident things will go my way and I’ll have my arm raised in the end. This one ain’t going the distance.
MMA Reporter: Jesse from MMA Mania with a quick question regarding your current and split career. Now while your fellow competitors have yet to perform on a big stage, you have done so, albeit in the professional wrestling circuit. Do you feel that having that constant schedule has hurt or helped your chances when it comes to your fight with Kiiara?
Xiuhua Zhou: I think it’s absolutely given me an advantage. Now of course I treat my careers all as separate entities and have strict training regimens for each but working for CCW and SF have certainly made me feel comfortable with all the bright lights, all the fanfare, and definitely all the attention both good and bad that comes with being exposed to the media. That’s something that these other competitors don’t have and best believe I’ll use that, along with anything else I can, to my advantage.
MMA Reporter: MMA Fighting’s Steven looking to continue off of Jesse’s question. Now along with your other career as a professional wrestler, you’ve also taken the plunge into acting and have been modeling for some time now. You don’t think that going into several different mediums has taken away from time spent with your camp and just training in general?
Xiuhua Zhou: Nah. See I grew up in a very strict home, everything was laid out down to the second of each day and while it drove me nuts, it also gave me the discipline I need in order to take on so many different paths. If I didn’t know I could do it, or believe in myself, I wouldn’t have bothered because time is precious. I’m up and starting my day at 4:00 in the morning putting in the work and always make time for everything in my life. Don’t believe me? Just ask my boyfriend over there, he’ll tell you that I’m a freaking machine at this point.
MMA Reporter: Speaking of your affair, it was highly publicized that due to your involvement with said boyfriend, that it caused a rift with your family and a very recent relocation. Did this have any effect on your fight camp and mental preparation for your fight? Do you have any statements for MMA-ESPN on this matter?
Xiuhua’s eyes widened after hearing that question but she was quick to shake that off, her pleasant expression returning not even a second later. She laughed a little before tackling the question.
Xiuhua Zhou: My affair? Damn you make it sound like I was married and cheated or something. Phrasing matters here man, I’m simply in a relationship, there’s no affair about it. While I’m saddened that it caused a strain with my folks, that’s honestly been brewing for years and has nothing to do with him. They got a certain image they want me to be and that’s never been me. While I did appreciate them showing support in the statement they sent in for this fight, I refuse to focus on that because the second I’m distracted, I’m done and I’ve worked way too hard to let something like that trip me up. So to answer your question, no, aside from having to work out of a different gym which my boyfriend was kind enough to find for me, nothing changed going into me preparing for this fight. Now I’m sorry to cut this short but I gotta be out of here after this next question, I sorta got plans now.
While quick, cameras were able to catch Xiuhua looking over to her right and giving a wink. Reporters were once again clamoring until Zhou pointed one out who started to speak immediately.
MMA Reporter: Final blanket question from MMA Weekly. Since you stated your time is running short, are there any other statements you’d like to make before the fight? Towards your opponent and potential future ones in this tournament?
Xiuhua Zhou: Well since the show I’m on with Splat ain’t airing until August, I can’t hype it up like Rupika did but I do want people to watch out for me. I’m not just talking about who I’ll be facing next in the tournament either, this goes out to everybody out there, fan, hater, and all in between. Some of you have seen me but that’s only a fraction of what I’m capable of. I been saying it since day one, I’m looking to build a dynasty and that foundation being laid out, continues when I take care of Kiiara in our fight. Now if you’ll excuse me, I got me a date so I’m out.
Xiuhua Zhou placed her microphone down right after that final statement, posing for a quick photo op before making her way away from the stage and out of the press conference.
We're live here in Sweden at the press conference promoting GCC 6. A hush falls over the reporters and the spectators as Bantamweight Sammie 'The Wonder' Ward steps up to the dais for the first time.
Reporter:
Sammie, you've had a great run in the amateurs, so how does it feel to finally make your professional debut, especially in a tournament where the first bantamweight champion will be crowned.
Sammie shrugs her shoulders. She hasn't thought of the tournament outcome. She's only been focused on Feloni DeMeans. She has to admit though winning a championship in her third fight would be cool.
Sammie:
I'm glad for the opportunity. It's very rare that one can be 3-0 and hold a title, especially in a high caliber promotion like global combat championships. The thought of this motivates me greatly.
Reporter:
You're going to be up against several veteran martial artists such as Rachel Spruce and former Union GP competitor Kelsi Morrow. Are you up to the challenge?
Sammie:
Without a doubt. The other seven women in this tournament are all great. I may be making my pro debut, but I know that I can hang with any of those ladies.
Reporter:
Your first fight in the opening round comes against Feloni DeMeans. Her twitter activity shows a lack of interest in the fight itself. Are you taking her lightly due to her antics?
Sammie:
I wouldn't be stupid enough to make that mistake. She just doesn't care for promotion. All she wants to do is fight. It doesn't mean she's not taking our fight seriously.
Quickly, Sammie looks at the time on her cell phone before acknowledging the crowd one last time.
Sammie:
I'm sorry I have a very busy evening planned. I have time for one more question.
Reporter:
Sammie, how important is it for you to live up to your brother's name?
Sammie:
I'm very proud of my brother for all that he's done, but I'm here to forge my own path and make my own name in this industry.
With that being said Sammie lays her microphone down, reminiscent of her brother, and exits the press conference while reporters continue to shout questions.
Q) How do you think your controversial loss has effected you in the long term?
Rupika Khan: I guess I'm supposed to sit just sit here and say that it's made me stronger and I've learned so much more from it, blah, blah, blah but we all know that that would be a load of bullshit. I'd say it's probably made me more eager to try to finish fights even though that's obviously easier said that done.
Q) If the referee didn't call off the fight late in the fifth round, do you feel that you would have won on the scorecards?
Rupika Khan: Obviously! I was clearly winning the fight before the doctor called it off. I get the whole we gotta product grandpa's little girl but come on people! There was like 17 seconds left, 17 seconds! There is no excuse for the fight to be called off with so little time especially as I was not in any immediate danger at the time. If this was any other round it would be easier to accept but in the fifth with seconds left on the clock? I still feel that a complete and thorough investigation into that fight is necessary to uphold the integrity of the sport!
Q) Your opponent Anaquin Adams has criticized you when you've publicly expressed your feelings about the decision, how does that make you feel?
Rupika Khan: I know right!? Anaquin just doesn't understand because she's never been in that place before. Not to mention, she is the same girl who's questioned several judges decisions LIVE on twitter feed in the past during the fights but somehow cannot see how I was screwed over in the Misty fight! Honestly, I think my grandfather may have paid her to keep it quiet about it behind the scenes! It's the most plausible explanation for her blatant inconsistencies!
Q) Despite your loss, you seem to only raise your profile in the world of MMA. After preforming the way you did against Misty, your seen as a legitimate force in the division. Would you agree?
Rupika Khan: Of course they do! Everyone seen with their OWN eyes that I had Misty DeMeans beat for the first time in her career before she got an Obama sized bailout like it was 2008 or something! That's why I was able to gain so much respect coming off a so called loss because everyone knows I really didn't lose! If my grandfather did not own this company everyone knows that I've been biased against!
Q) Did you get offended when your grandfather revealed to you that Anaquin Adams wanted this fight with you?
Rupika Khan: Offended more than flattered, that's for sure. I still feel like I am over looked by most of the women in the division and it isn't until they get into the cage with me or Misty before they realize how good I actually am. After coming off the big main event fight in December, I think Anaquin Adams wanted to fight me because she see's this has a low risk/high reward dream scenario despite how respectful she's been about it all.
Q) And yet no hard feelings?
Rupika Khan: Hey, it's just business. It also helps that she put in a good word for me behind the scenes which got me featured a super cool episode of Kan Tai Panda that aired yesterday (March 4th) for those who didn't already know! Plus I am sure she's going to hook me up with some bigger A-list Hollywood roles in the future too so she's a pretty great ally to have in your corner. Love ya always, Anaquin! <3
Q) Your approach to this fight has been different as notably, you disliked all your previous opponents but seem to have a level of respect for Anaquin Adams. Do you think it will effect how you approach the fight in anyway?
Rupika Khan: Absolutely not! I mean during the fight, all bets are off but in the build up to it, I've been given the chance to chill out and just enjoy the ride! I think it's safe to say that neither of us are going to ''Sophie Anderson'' the other one out of anger. And me, being the professional and good sport I am will remain humble in victory or defeat and respect the outcome be it the way of a technical stoppage or knockout and or judges decision as has ALWAYS been the case provided they make the fair and just calls as they've been paid and trusted by my grandfather to do.
Q) What is your game plan against Anaquin Adams?
Rupika Khan: I have the advantage with Gaia Galanos being my main training partner, Gaia has fought Anaquin and has won. We know that Anaquin can't help herself and will ultimately try to take the fight down to the ground and test her wrestling against my ground game. The chick hits like a truck and can finish the fight with her ground and pound but I'll probably catch her in something cool before she can land anything significant on the ground. It'll be a great fight and I'm looking forward to it.
Q) If you defeat Anaquin Adams on Friday Night, what's next for you?
Rupika Khan: I think that puts me right back into the mix. I have a lot of momentum behind me right now and depending how the Kyrstal Knight and Misty DeMeans shindig goes down, I think that they are both viable and winnable fights for me. I also want to make it known that the gap between me and Gaia Galanos is closing every time I roll with her and eventually I will beat her in a real fight.
Q) Anything you want to add?
Rupika Khan: Yeah! Check out the most recent episode of Kan Tai Panda that dropped yesterday! It was a super dope episode featuring yours truly and after my stellar performance you can expect to see me as the next children's icon and role model as I continue to cultivate my own K pop type fandom that will back me to the moon and beyond!
BOOM.
Mic drop.
Alvin Dalin <Swedish Sports Reporter> How do you feel about Misty DeMeans alleged steriod abuse, do you think you will be fighting a clean fighter on March 6th? Are you at all concerned that Misty DeMeans has an unfair advantage?
Krystal Knight: Absolutely not. I am not like any of the fighters she has beaten before in that I don't have a dog IN the fight, I am the fight. After all the shit Misty has made a habit of talking prior to her fights, I know it can be pretty humiliating to lose a fight in the manor many of her opponents have in the past and falling back on the whole steroid cheat thing is an easy way to cope with their loss and retain credibility within their brand but I personally refuse to enter the business of excuse making. At the end of the day, Misty is an amazing fighter but she's also very young, lacks experience, maturity and the foresight to see the long game through and that's where I have the true advantage.
Daniel Berglund <MMA blogger> Do you think Misty DeMeans deserves a chance to fight for the title this early in her GCC career or do you think she's just resting on her reputation in America?
Krystal Knight: I mean, Misty is a profiteer of circumstance and is smarter than most would give her credit for. The girl knows how to market herself and make the most of an opportunity so who can fault her for it? I really am not in a position to play judge as my GCC record is far from spectacular, I've been given chances and failed to capitalize on them myself and even then GCC is so young that anyone can make a case for themselves after a big win or big finish in the division. So yeah, Misty deserves this fight.
Rick Laflare <Social Media Analyst>
Krystal, this is the second time this fight is being booked and there was tons of controversy surrounding the cancellation of the first bout and you've stayed quiet on the subject... today, can you elaborate on what exactly went on behind the scenes between you and Misty during the press tour?
Krystal Knight: I don't want to get anyone in trouble. All I am going to say on the matter is that Misty showed a lack of professionalism by bringing her sister into the mix as this was never part of the agreement and changed the entire dynamic of the press tour and ultimately led to it's cancellation and was a contributing factor to the minor injuries we all sustained as a result of the accident.
Millie Ulf <Sports Writer> Krystal over here! How do you respond to her claims that your the one who wanted the first fight to be cancelled?
Krystal Knight: Well, I am not going to call Misty a liar but I think she lacks the insight and understanding of the matter and why the bout was called off. It is public knowledge that Misty DeMeans sustained a minor concussion and despite how she feels about it she was not in the condition to fight nor would I accept a victory over her in a compromised state. My own injuries never even played apart in my decision to reschedule the fight and I have zero regrets about it.
Millie Ulf <Sports Writer> Yeah but do you feel that you lost out on anything? A chance to prove yourself in-front of your adoptive country of Thailand?
Krystal Knight: Yeah sure, it stings a bit but I also know that no matter where I fight, I have their support no matter what and that's enough for me. Besides, I feel like I'd be robbing them at a chance to see either of us at our best and for that reason, I'd make the same decision not to fight a thousand times over.
Katja Eklund <Superfan>
Many other women featherweight fighters have expressed that they respect you a lot and you are on the top of almost everyone's list on who they'd love to fight before you retire, how does that make you feel?
Krystal Knight: It's an honor and I am absolutely flattered by it. I really think that sort of respect I receive from my peers irks the hell out of Misty DeMeans. For Misty, it's like... you're 6 and 0. You finish all your fights. You promote, you hype and do massive numbers but nobody holds you in high regards. I think that bothers her, I think she looks at me and wonders why it isn't her that is on everyone's dream fight list.
Krystal leans over the press conference table and looks over at Misty.
Krystal Knight: I'll tell you why, Misty in plain English... you're a bitch. You're a trash person. Nobody will EVER show you the respect you think you deserve because in order to give it to you, they'd have to do it in the face of your disrespect towards them. You sit there with this stupid smug look on your face like you have everything figured out, it just shows us all how very little you truly understand any of it. Lucky for you, Misty you are still so young. You have plenty of time to grow up, change you ways and do the right thing. I wish the best of luck to you.
Krystal gives her opponent a respectful nod as she rests the mic in-front of her momentarily.
Jens Sundberg <Swedish Sports freelancer> If you were to defeat Misty DeMeans for the first time in her career, where do you think that ranks in terms of your career accomplishments?
Krystal Knight: That's a great question. I'd say that it would be a great accomplishment on paper but it means nothing to me if it doesn't translate into a GCC featherweight championship win against the global champ, Gaia Galanos.
Jack Braxton <Radio Host> At GCC 1 you were defeated by one of Misty DeMeans training partners, Mila Sauvage for the GCC championship when she dominated you VIA TKO within the second frame of the fight. Do you think this gives Misty DeMeans any sort of strategic advantage?
Krystal Knight: No, not really. If Misty DeMeans shoots in on my legs at any point during this fight, you can take that as a very horrible sign for her. This fight will look different that anything you've seen before from me and likely for Misty too. Unless I stumble into the cage looking like a dear in a pair of Misty sized headlights and absolutely eat shit off the canvas within a single round or something, god knows Misty has done exactly that to her opponents before. Though, I don't expect that to happen at all. Misty DeMeans is in for a war, perhaps one waged over 25 minutes that will make Rupika Khan's fight with her resemble a pre-fight training exercise.
Jack Braxton <Radio Host> So that's your prediction, a five rounder?
Krystal Knight: No, my prediction is that you're all going to see the fight of the year on Friday Night win, lose or draw.
Krystal Knight smiles and bows her head humbly while the press repays her with an applause.
Misty DeMeans snarls when Mr. Khan looks her way and immediately is swarmed by media questions from all directions. This allows her to single out the media personale she deems worthy of an answer. For Misty, it was the people who would push her buttons the most that she loved to engage with.
MMA WORLD | Alex Perdue
''As we all saw back in December, your victory over Rupika Khan was overshadowed by the controversy that proceeded it as a result of the doctor calling off the fight with less than 20 seconds left on the clock. How do you feel about how that fight was called?''
Misty smirks and approvingly claps her hands together.
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
''Nah, I ain't really trying to hear all that. Rupika was out on her feet in round two and the referee showed hella restraint for not calling it wraps right then and there so you don't get to turn around and cry foul later on in the fight. The referee and doctor made the right call in the end, so I ain't mad at it. You mad. You mad cause you and everyone else thought the judges were going to fuck me over on the scorecards when the reality is, anyone watching the FIGHT, knew I won that fight. I walked away from that fight without a single scratch and Rupika Khan left busted up, hurt and crying.''
MMACORE | Jack Ross
''Hey Misty. Watching the fight back after the fact, do you have any insights on why you weren't able to finish her by knockout like all of your previous opponents?''
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
''Yeah, I'mma keep it a hunna with ya'll... it wasn't my best performance. After she got me with that first takedown, I was overthinking everything. My mind was racing. I got thrown off my game a bit, I was too hesitant and I paid her chin too much respect. Eventually, she just started diving in on my legs as often as she could and did a great job on slowing down the fight and making me fight at her pace but movin' forward Imma react much better if the fight goes to the mat and be better prepared to deal with it in the future.''
SHERDOG | Tyler Durdan
''What do you say to the critics who have attributed your less than dominate performance against Rupika Khan as a direct result of you no longer being on steroids?''
Misty DeMeans rolls her eyes in disgust. Offended, her eyes narrow as she directs her wrath to the Sherdog personale who's shes had multiple encounters with in the past.
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
''Are we talkin' about critics or are you asking me about what you think?''
SHERDOG | Tyler Durdan
''Uh, Misty, it's a....''
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
''Shut your dumbass up, man. I ain't playing with you shertard cats. Ya'll stay steady trying to discredit me like them union GP twitter niggas who still mad I owned they shit. The Misty who Rupika took five rounds in December was the same Misty who dusted your favorite fighters throughout the calendar year within a round or two. The quicker ya'll accept that the quicker you will also come to terms with the fact Global has got the superior fighters, fightin. I'd take Rupika over 90% of the lightweight hacks over there any day.''
A swedish reporter raises his index finger politely while Misty throws a careless nod his way.
MMA SWEDEN | Noah Olsson
''To follow up on that, Kelsi Morrow is making her bantamweight debut on the undercard. How do you think she will fair at 135?''
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
''I don't think she's going to fare very well. I don't think she is the same fighter since I beat the breaks off her and I think she will go the way of Rob Jones and Tommy Ward when they tried to take a step up against superior competition in GCC and was exposed in doing so.''
MMA SWEDEN | Calle Lindgren
''Where do you think Krystal Knight ranks in terms of your previous opponents throughout your career?''
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
''Oh, don't get this shit twisted... Krystal Knight is legit and is easily the best fighter I'll be facing in my career to date. I think she's better than her record shows. A loss to Mila Sauvage is nothing to be ashamed about and Juanita legitimized herself after her performances against Gaia and Sophie Anderson so I can't even knock her on that. Look, I ain't about to trash the chick on her abilities but I think she fake as fuck and she annoys me as a person and I feel like I'd be doing everyone a favor by knocking her out on Friday Night. SIMPLE.''
MMA Underground | Jett Weekly
''We had a chance to sit in on your open workout and noticed you've been steadily working on your BJJ game. How do you feel about possibly fighting from your back now that you're up against fighters who know how to wrestle?''
Misty giggles to herself finding the question from Jett humorous for different reasons.
Misty DeMeans | GOAT
''Aw man, that's the challenge I have been looking for. If I wanted to just stand-up and box, there's places I could sign and do just that. I always wanted to challenge myself with this MMA shit so learning and expanding the craft is just part of the game and what keeps me motivated to stay in the gym and off the streets on some bull. I've rolled with Takeshi Kato for a better part of the year, put some work in with Jack Nation back when he was riding with us, we got Arturo Montana who's around my size and now my sister. Ya'll tripping if you think I ain't soaking in all this knowledge on the daily man. My BJJ game is legit so don't sleep on it.''
MMA GOSSIP | Kip lessbey
''How is it now that you've been reunited with your sister Feloni? And how do you think she's going to fair against Sammie Ward?''
Misty DeMeans turns to her side in admiration of her older sister and wraps her arm around her. Her sister Feloni just looks at her while chewing a piece of bubblegum slightly annoyed by the closeness of it all.
Misty DeMean | GOAT
''I happy as hell for her, just because she's out. I get on her because she's always slacking off in the gym but she's legit man. Sammie Ward is in big trouble. I feel sorry for those dumb ass niggas spending their rent money trying to bet against us Friday Night and ya'll who tuning in to watch and hate, ya'll going to be real mad when we sweep up on the comp. I know I got a bad wrap for being a bitch and shit but I think my sister has even a better shot against Sammie than I do in my fight. That's how you know I am big on her, ya'll just watch...''
Feloni DeMeans gives an awkward smile at her little sister who unwraps her arm from around her and frees her from a suffocating grip.
MMA-ESPN | Kip Lessbey
''And how do you respond to the critics who say that you and her and are a bad mix? Especially in light of the first fight between you and Krystal Knight being cancelled?
Feloni sticks up her finger at the interviewer while Misty laughs hysterically.
Misty DeMean | GOAT
''They right, we a real bad fuckin' mix. So what? Me and this bitch is going to run the fight game together. You gonna look up and see us both holding straps in our respective divisions and these other women ain't gonna do shit about it other than whine and complain on twitter later. As for the fight being cancelled? Man Thailand didn't deserve me. In fact, I think they make it a habit to cheer on losers. Shit... didn't Krystal's gym go oh for two that night? Krystal Knight ain't that special, I don't know why she'd think she'd fair any better than her teammates that night. So, if you really think about it; Fel' did her ass a favor that night. I'm just blessed I am still alive and in good health, so we movin' on Kip.''
MMA WEEKLY | Max Harper
''What is your prediction for the fight on Saturday Night?''
Misty ponders the thought, a quizzical look worn on her face as she entertains the question verbally.
Misty DeMean | GOAT
''I don't know. She ain't built to break like them Union bitches so this may take me a bit more time. Shit. I think I'll melt through her Iron Chin by the championship rounds... I predict that the referee saves her goddamn life in the third round.''