The following events in this thread occur on June 4th, 2020 so no references or statements should be made on social media regarding this event until June 4th, 2020 . Due to COVID-19 the press conference will be held via ZOOM.
On the GCC women's bantamweight division
''It's an amazing division. With it being so new there were initial concerns of the division lacking depth after it's launch but it's quickly becoming one of the deepest divisions in GCC. After the conclusion of Ito vs. Ward, it won't take us long to find us our first contender. We expect the women's bantamweight division to expand even further in the near future. I think it's no longer up for debate that we have the best women's division in MMA.''
On a new weight class
''We have no immediate plans to introduce another weight class at this time but we hope to introduce a new weight class to open up 2021. We will be looking at a light heavyweight division or super heavyweight division. It really depends on whether or not the talent pool is deep enough out there because I am sure the fans would love to see it. That said, we have no plans or desire to add an open weight division as we feel that all fighters should have a relatively equal playing field and we hold the upmost respect for the state and host countries athletic commissions guidelines and do not intend to exploit or find loopholes in these guidelines even in regions where there are none.''
On GCC 10 being headlined by Rob Jones and Vishis Vourture
''There wasn't much of a discussion here. Not to take away from either men but Misty hasn't left us with much choice. She has publicly made statements that she will not be fighting on July 3rd, implying that she may not show up to the event. We are fully prepared to strip her of her championship should this occur but we hope it does not come to that. In the end her statements all but talked herself out of the main event slot at GCC 10 which is also very unfortunate to Jessica House who has proven herself to be a more than worthy challenger. Rob Jones vs. Vishis Voruture is an amazing fight worthy of standing on it's own.''
On GFN 9 in Japan being cancelled
''We probably could've gotten away with holding an event there with a live crowd but we didn't feel entirely comfortable with that idea just yet. Fighter safety is always our biggest concern along with protecting our fans around the world. While GCC 9 was initially scheduled to occur in Japan, we have made the event free to anyone streaming from within Japan and existing fans with splat memberships will be receiving a free month of content for June. Our Japanese fans are amazing and we know they have a desire to watch and support high level MMA so we will be looking to hold an event in Japan as soon as possible.''
On Knight vs. Kosov
''A great fight and the fans are relieved that they are going to finally be able to watch this one go down seeing as it's a bout that has previously been cancelled. Nika Kosov has looked impressive each time out but Krystal Knight has the experience and has already been in he cage against proven competition each time out. This is going be a very fun fight my friends!''
On the bantamweight title fight
''Both of these women have made it through their respective sides of the brackets in impressive form. Sammie Ward has a high profile win over Misty DeMean's younger sister Feloni and showed a complete MMA game over her win against Cinzia Rossi. On the other hand, you have Akane Ito who pulled off the very first twister submission in GCC and holds a victory over one of the best grapplers the GCC has ever seen in Xiuhua Zhou. I think both of these women represent the sport of MMA at an extremely high level and ultimately will go down as the pioneers of this division. I am extremely proud for both of these women and I cannot wait to see which one of these ladies become the first ever GCC women's bantamweight champion.''
GCC 9 call conference soundbytes
Akira Young
''My family never quits, but Shadows will if I have anything to say about it.''
Kyle Young
''JaySon is a great competitor, but he isn't walking out of that cage as easily as he thinks. Speed isn't everything in that cage, and I'm going to prove it.''
Ambrus Themis
''Thank the heavens he's not a kickboxer!''
Official Statement From The Family Zhou -
“While our estranged daughter did suffer a setback in her previous fight, we know she has the determination to succeed in this sport. We trained her well as far as time management is concerned and keeping up with a strict regimen. We have no doubt that she includes these teachings in her training and will recover in order to become champion. She may not be the first one but will be the best.”
Nika Kosov
''This fight should have happened earlier in the year and because it didn't due to my father's passing and an injury I picked up, a whole lot has changed here in GCC. We have a division champion that refuses to fight so me and Knight don't have anything to aim for here. Who ever wins need reassurances that we can fight for a belt earlier than December. Me and Knight are going to go to war and we deserve that much. I'm confident that I'll pick up the victory though so we will have to talk about that then. My main focus is taking on Knight, she is very dangerous on the feet so I have to stay cautious until it gets to the ground.''
Ariel Shadows
''I don't do hype jobs. I'm just going to go out there and kick somebody. Best of luck to Akira Young, I'll see you on June 5th.''
Tyler: I like my bud light!
Tyler says with a laugh in response to Tim's question.
Reporter: Tyler. I have a few questions for you.
Tyler: Really?
Tyler's clearly taken aback, but Is pleased to be recognized.
Reporter: On Friday night you'll be making your professional MMA debut and Tim McCarthy will be standing across from you. How does that make you feel?
Tyler: Hell I gotta be honest with you buddy. I never expected a name like Tim McCarthy. I was actually told by my management team it would be Tristan McPeak. Shit, when I found out it was going to be McCarthy I was surprised.
Reporter: Did you have any thoughts on not accepting the fight since it was such an experienced fighter?
Tyler: Well no, like I said I was surprised and a little nervous, but I ain't never back down from a fight in my life and I didn't plan on starting a new trend.
Reporter: How do you feel going into the fight?
Tyler: I feel pretty good. I have good sparring partners, and I have some damn good coaches. Tim and I are going to war, and win or lose I'll walk out with my head high.
Reporter: Do you feel a win over McCarthy should get you into the top five?
Tyler laughs a little nervously.
Tyler: Hell I don't know. That ain't up for me to decide, but if the people in charge of the rankings feel I deserve to be top five, after winning, then who am I to complain?
Reporter: That's all the questions I have for you Tyler. Good luck tomorrow night.
Tyler: Thank you.
Tyler awaits further questions from other reporters but when none come he needs his telephone again to continue listening.
Jack Braxton <Radio Host> I have a few questions for Mr. McCarthy...
Tim McCarthy: Oh me? Sure, shoot.
Jack Braxton <Radio Host> You made your debut against Tristan McPeak and many fans were left unsatisfied with your performance after the fact -- do you agree with the public's perception and if so how do you plan to avoid it moving forward?
Tim McCarthy: Yeah, I agree with the fans perception of the fight completely. I felt that Tristan McPeak was gassed out midway through the fight and I should have been able to capitalize on that but I just couldn't get it going against him, I wasn't able t find the right rythym You know despite how tired he was he punches still carried a lot of power and I was forced to rely on my wrestling. I know it wasn't the best showing but I think it was great on showing me that the competition in this organization is next level and I'd be better prepared to deal with it next time.
Tyler McKesson <MMAkings.com> To elaborate on Mr. Braxton's line of questioning further Tim, do you feel your performance led to you being booked against Tyler Stevens who is an unproven prospect?
Tim McCarthy: Well, I don't want to come across like I am putting down and dismissing the gentlemen because I believe the kid is a great fighter but yeah, I definitely think that's one way to look at it. I still think it mainly comes down to the middleweight division being the new guy on the block and not as well established as some of the other divisions in the GCC. Regardless, I am out to change hearts & minds every time I step out into the cage. So if you aren't a fan of me right now, that's OK... you'll come around.
Vannah White <GCC blogger> Hi, Tim! Does it all bother you that Krystal Knight gets all the attention and pre fight hype?
Tim McCarthy: Haha, yeah I get a little bit jealous that she gets all the media attention but you know she's earned every bit of it. She's been fighting the fight to expand women's MMA for decades now and it's a shame that she hasn't been recognized for it until the tail end of her career. With all the fanfare that comes her way on a week to week basis, I am surprised every time she has time to shoot me back a text or grab something to eat. She's the most down to earth girl I have ever met, I really do... I really do think she's an amazing fighter.
Tim clears his throat a bit.
Kathy Santos <MMA analyst> Mr. McCarthy, I'd like to hear your thoughts on how you match up with Tyler Stevens stylistically and how do you see the fight going?
Tim McCarthy: I truly think I am a bad match up for anyone in the middleweight division especially Tyler Stevens. We know his game plan is to bully me with his wrestling and get me down to the ground but I have one heck of a sprawl. He's going to shoot and he's going to shoot often so I'll be looking to use that to my advantage and really look to hurt him in the clinch. I am not bold enough to make any predictions but I believe I will have my hand raised when it's all said and done. I know me and everyone else at Lone Wolf MMA has really worked hard for this.
Kathy Santos <MMA analyst> Do you have anything you would like to say to Tyler Stevens directly?
Tim McCarthy: Tyler, welcome to the big leagues bud. Win, lose or draw kid you have one hell of an opportunity ahead of yourself so keep that up on your shoulders and realize your stepping in the cage with me only because you belong there. I'm willing to look you in your eye, shake your hand and still give you a good old' ass whooping when the bell rings on a count of three because that's what we've both signed up for. What's your favorite beer kid? Coors light? Budweiser? Molson? Whatever it is, drinks on me.
Does Sammie Ward with her relative lack of experience feel like she would make a formidable champion if she comes up victorious at GCC 9?
"I may be inexperienced in professional MMA, but I do have a lot of experience dealing with pressure, and I do not let the bright lights get into my head. Why is that? I was raised to always do my best, cause even if I don't win I can walk out with my head held high because I did my best. Do I'll do my best Friday night, and I'll do my best for the rest of my career. Yes, the answer to your question is yes I will be a formidable champion if I can get past Akane Ito."
Who would be a potential number one contender after the championship has been decided between Sammie Ward and Akane Ito?
"There are a lot of great fighters at 135. I can see Leah Wilkins being a contender, there's Mila Petrov, the winner of Cinzia Rossi and Dizzie. It's a brand new division and it's wide open."
How did Sammie Ward train for a world class ground grappler like Akane Ito?
"I always put 100% into everything. We know that she's great on the ground, so I practiced creating scrambles to get back up to my feet. She's great there too. It will be a good fight, and regardless the outcome I'm glad to say I was in the first women's bantamweight title fight in GCC history with Akane Ito as my dance partner."
How has Sammie Ward felt leading up to GCC 9 and her bantamweight title shot?
"I have felt very good this week. I'm really amped up for the fight, but I'm very nervous too because of the implications. I mean who wouldn't want to be a first GCC champion? You know?"
What does Sammie Ward think of Akane Ito as a fighter, and how does she feel about the fight with Akane Ito?
"She's an incredible fighter. You don't get through to tough women like Rachel Spruce and Dizzie without having some great skills. The fight itself I feel is going to be great. The fans watching at home live on 'We Are Splat!' will be on the edge of their seats, and I'm sure our teams and cornermen will be on the edge of their seats. It's a great fight, and a great card. Don't miss it live Friday night at 9 p.m. Eastern standard Time streaming ll only on 'We Are Splat!'.
If Sammie Ward wins the women's bantamweight championship, what will be the first thing she does?
"(hah hah) the first thing I'll probably do is celebrate by screaming my head off, then I'll head back to New York with my brother and the rest of our team it was able to make it to Abu Dhabi so we can celebrate what's the rest of our gym family."
When there were no more questions Sammy think the media for joining in on the conference call, and reminding everybody about subscribing to 'We Are Splat!'
JaySon Francis has joined the zoom meeting...
Tyson Johnson | Blogger
''Ay yo, JaySon. How's it going brother? Look, I want to know how you feel about facing own man Kyle Young this friday night. I know you about to keep it real!''
JaySon Francis | Praying Mantis
''You know it. Look man, this fight ain't anything special. This fight is about keeping me busy and keeping that money moving through tough times so I can take care on my own, you feel me? Kyle Young ain't shit to this heavyweight division and I am not going to get any respect when I beat him but that's cool. My prediction for the fight is that I make old man Kyle look his age on Friday Night.''
Tyson Johnson | Blogger
''And whatchu saying about Vishis fight against Rob Jones at GCC 10?''
JaySon Francis | Praying Mantis
''I say that strap is coming back black baby! I told everyone it was going to happen. We have been sick of being overlooked by everyone and treated like a gym of second rate fighters. Gunplay MMA is where it's at, where's been at and where it will always be at! At GCC 10 Vishis is going knock that good ol' boy out cold and take what's rightfully is and that's the spoiler.''
Nathan Zafir | Allthebestfights.com
''JaySon last time out you fought and loss to The New Perfection Jay Aguero by unanimous decision. What are you thoughts about the fight?
JaySon Francis | Praying Mantis
''Shit man another one on the heads of those judges. We got a code at Gunplay MMA and it's not to get upset whenever them old heads give the fight away to someone better spoken then us. It's cool. Everything sorts itself out in the end. That chick can't speak for Jay when it's time to fight for the strap and I don't think his point fighting is going to work against the champ. It is what it is.''
Kevin Wilson | MMAWORLD.COM
''As you know your opponent Kyle Young is the father of Leon and Jade Young and is the husband of newly signed bantamweight Akira Young. What do you think of the Young family?''
JaySon Francis | Praying Mantis
''I think his family is looking more like a puppy mill than a family dynasty. I don't care for the man and quite frankly I am not fucking with what people like him and his family are doing to MMA with that pro wrestling bullshit. Real talk if his family spent more time focusing on the art of MMA they wouldn't be so mediocre in their respective divisions but the reality is MMA ain't for everyone and it ain't really for them on the level either.''
Nancy Holton | CageRage.com
''As the world is aware there are protests spreading throughout the world more specifically in your hometown of New York against police brutality. What are your thoughts and feelings regarding those current events?''
JaySon Francis | Praying Mantis
''Look when you fuck with us long enough you leave us with no choice but to rise up against the racist establishment. I stand in solidarity with all my brothers and sisters out in the streets right peacefully protesting and taking a stand against this bullshit! I put it on my momma when I say that if I wasn't obligated to train and prepare for this fight against Kyle Young right now then I'd be on the street marching in unison for justice right with them.''
Nancy Holton | CageRage.com
''Thank you for your time, Mr. Francis.''
Jack Braxton <Radio Host> Krystal after your recent loss to Misty DeMeans you went on social media and claimed that you had no issue with the referee stoppage, can you elaborate on these thoughts and whether or not your feelings on the stoppage has changed?
Krystal Knight: No, not at all. As a fighter, you hate to have a fight stopped due to a cut and I still believe I had another four rounds to go but the doctor made an educated decision to stop the fight and I have to trust in and respect his level of professional expertise. The same way he is not qualified on how to instruct me on how to throw a kick, I am not qualified to do his job as a health professional. As for losing to Misty, well there's been seven other men and women that have done that before me and a knockout would've been much harder to swallow so I can live and accept that end result.
Jack Braxton <Radio Host> So despite your shortcoming against Misty, do you still plan to make a run at the title?
Krystal Knight: Absolutely, the end goal hasn't changed. I've had plenty of set backs, I've had ups and downs but to me it's all part of a much bigger story. As long as my body holds up and I feel like I am performing relative to my prime, I will continue fighting. In this moment, I don't feel like I can walk away without being a GCC world champion.
Daniel Berglund <MMA blogger> In the main event Akane Ito will fight Sammie Ward to crown the first ever GCC bantamweight champion at 135, have you thought of making the weight cut to drop down at compete?
Krystal Knight: No, not really. I enjoy eating too much. Ha! All jokes aside, I feel like my best fights are still at featherweight. I am proud of what the women are doing at bantamweight, it's quickly becoming the division to watch and it's stacked with young promising talent so I won't completely rule it out but it's not something I have spent time thinking about.
Vannah White <GCC blogger> Hi, Krystal! At GCC 9 you will be fighting alongside your ex Tim McCarthy who also fights out of Lone Wolf MMA. what do you think of Tim as a fighter and how do you think he stacks up against his opponent Tyler Stevens?
Krystal Knight: Tim... yeah, he's a great fighter. In fact, he's taught me a lot of what I know about Muay Thai myself. Strictly on a professional level, it's great working with him and we've both done a lot to help each other in our respective fights. It feels lie we are just two Muay Thai practitioners in a world of BJJ specialists, national wrestlers and world class strikers so having him in my corner means a lot to me. I think Tim was very disappointed with how he performed against Tristan McPeak on his debut and won't be making the same mistakes. I don't know much about Tyler Stevens other than he's a sweet guy but I am sure he's one heck of a talent to make his debut on the main card against a guy like Tim.
Tyler McKesson <MMAkings.com> Ms. Knight, your fight with Nika Kosov will mark your fifth consecutive main/co-mainevent fight. What do you say to the critics who question your placement of the card considering you currently hold a .500 subpar record?
Krystal Knight: Ouch. Well, I think that Khan and even the majority of the fans look at my wins and losses in it's true context. I think I have been able to remain in the main and co main event picture for so long because I accept the fights that other fighters are just not willing to take. You look at this fight on paper and I think most are giving the nod to Nika Kosov, I feel like I am the underdog in this fight. I've fought Jessica House, Mila Sauvage, Juanita Sanchez, Anaquin Adams, Misty DeMeans and now Nika Kosov in that order. When you go up against the divisions best they sorta just carry you into those marquee headlining bouts. Though, I've heard I have a bit of a fan base myself. Crazy, huh?
Tyler McKesson <MMAkings.com> So is that why you wanted to fight Nika Kosov because she's a big name and a tough fight?
Krystal Knight: Absolutely. At this point of my career you want to make every fight and every training camp count. It's not about making my record look pretty good or winning easy fights that I am expected by everyone else to win. Nika Kosov has got the talent, she's got the look, she's very marketable and has a bright future in GCC long after I am gone. At the same time, I am looking to really test her. She can consider me her personal gatekeeper even, I don't care. At the end of the day I have been here before and she hasn't, not against top level GCC competition. And that's not a knock against her or to say she won't rise to the occasion like Alexia Amauri just did at GFN9 but I think Nika is in for a real nasty dog fight tomorrow night.
Kathy Santos <MMA analyst> What is your biggest concern against fighting some one like Nika Kosov?
Krystal Knight: Oh, definitely her submissions. There's no secret that I need to keep this fight upright and on the feet for as long as possible. I do think my ground game is being estimated here. While Nika Kosov has the technical skills to submit anyone in this division she's fought to two unanimous decisions in fights that were largely spent on the ground. In other words, I don't think that Nika getting me to the ground means the fight is automatically over by any stretch of the imagination. Everyone who puts all their eggs in their baskets because of the scouting reports are overlooking the dynamics of the fight game. I believe that myself and my coaches have put together a game plan to neutralize Nika's biggest threats.
Kathy Santos <MMA analyst> If you beat Nika Kosov on Friday Night, where do you think you stand among the rest of the featherweight division?
Krystal Knight: I think a win for Nika Kosov will be bigger for her then a win for me over Nika Kosov. I mean no disrespect by this but again, Nika Kosov hasn't beaten proven GCC competition yet and a win over her while it means a lot to me and my team, I think we'll be seen as riding in the middle of the pack. This is an important fight for me in that if I lose, I don't think I'd be considered worthy for another big fight that would justify a main event or co main event fight next time out. Hell with the level of competition coming into GCC, I could be very well regulated to the prelims.
<Operator> Thank you for your time, Krystal.
The call connects and Nika smiles into the screen as she awaits for the questions that are destined to come. Her hair is perfectly kept, her make-up is soft and subtle. You can tell she prides herself on her appearance and wants to uphold a high standard on first impressions. She continues to smile as she waits for the questions to start. "Hey Nika! Glad to see you back. There has been some issues on why you had to cancel the first fight, would you like to explain to the world now why the first fight didn't happen" Nika: I'm sure I've addressed this but if there is still confusion I guess I need to explain a little better. I picked up a minor injury in training, nothing I didn't think I couldn't fight through but then during my camp… My, My father passed away… I didn't tell anyone and I just left for Russia. My team knew I had an injury so that was translated to Mr Khan and was then used as the official reason as to my departure. But the truth is, my whole world had crumbled, anyone who knows me knows that my dad was everything to me. But I'm here now and that isn't changing, win or lose! "Sorry for your loss Nika and we all understand your departure… So now you are back what are your plans? I know Knight is your target for now but do you plan on going for the championship?" Nika: You know, I've been watching twitter and unfortunately I got involved too and it made me readdress my attitude towards the whole situation. I was caught on Misty for a short while, Misty and myself have never exchanged negative conversations until recently and I'm not even sure why I started it. But no, as of right now Misty is a million miles away from me, she doesn't want to fight because of health concerns and who are we to try and down play that? It is wrong for us to do so and I've realised that now. But your correct, Knight is my focus, Knight is my challenge and it's a tough fight to win, she's experienced, she's tough and has skills that I don't possess. This isn't a clear victory and I'm not going to look past her at all. Last question now please. "Hey Nika, Kosov Kourt appears to be doing well, you have your very first champion in Christian Ibanez. What plans do you have going forward with the camp?" Nika: Well, we will never turn anyone away from our gym but we are being selective with who we allow to represent us. Training with us doesn't mean you fight for us and that's a distinction that needs to be made. We are much more than a gym though, we offer schooling programs for free, we offer finance advice, housing advice, I own a housing association that houses vulnerable families and that is forever expanding. The gym has a food bank for disadvantaged families. We are trying to build a community not just an MMA gym. Our goal is bigger than championship belts but it's been a celebration since he won. The whole gym has been lifted and Christian is an inspiration to everyone! Thank you
Kwon: Thank you for allowing us to join. I am here with Akane Ito who will be in the main event of this show. She will be fighting against Sammy Ward for the newly created Women’s Bantamweight Championship. Please pardon the pausing on my end as I must translate in both directions to my client.
Q: Has being a former member of the TW Combat gym given Akane any sort of advantage in this fight?
Kwon: No more of an advantage than Sammy Ward may have due to the same circumstance. As Akane has done, I am sure Sammy Ward has picked up new techniques since Akane has left TW Combat for the Splatterhouse Gym.
Q: Why did Akane leave TW Combat?
Kwon: This may have been addressed earlier, but to put rumors to rest. There was nothing that TW Combat did to cause this. It was a simple move for strategy purposes knowing that the fight could come down to Ito vs. Ward, we felt it best to be in separate gyms. Akane has enjoyed working at the Splatterhouse Gym so will remain with them.
Q: So, you anticipated this fight?
Kwon: We anticipate Akane Ito becoming the first Bantamweight Champion. It was only an educated guess that her opponent based on the bracket could very well be Sammy Ward.
Q: How has Akane trained for this fight.
Kwon: She trains as she always trains. For Dominance. She has proven time and again that she is a force in this sport. Out of two fights, she is a two-time fight of the night winner. We anticipate she will become a third-time winner of this as well after this weekend’s fight when she wins the championship.
Q: What are your feelings on Misty DeMeans practically holding the Featherweight championship hostage and using this pandemic as an excuse not to defend.
Kwon: I am here to discuss the Bantamweight Championship finale. What Misty DeMeans does with her championship does not yet concern me nor does it concern Da Eun Sin. At some point it will, but not just yet.
Q: Akane has been undefeated so far in GCC competition. How will a loss at this point in her career affect her?
Kwon: Akane is a fighter. She is well aware that at some point defeat will come. No one remains undefeated, despite boasting to the contrary. If it comes this Friday, then she will regroup, retrain and prepare for her next fight. Becoming emotionally entangled in a defeat serves her no purpose and she is well aware of this fact. That is all the time I have. Thank you.