GFN 15: McCarthy vs. Gamboa (Call Press Conference)

The following events in this thread occur on November 26th, 2020 so no references or statements should be made on social media regarding this event until November 26th, 2020.

On the current landscape of MMA

''I think we are dealing with very interesting times. In August of 2019 when we held our first event it seemed that MMA was going through a huge boom in terms of new promotions popping up on the scene. Now a year later the landscape looks to be a lot less convoluted and I think we can comfortably say that we're one of only two world class MMA promotions still around. Truth be told, I couldn't do it without my family, you amazing fans and the most important piece of it all... it's the FIGHTERS who leave their blood, sweat and tears in the cage on any given night. This is only the beginning, we still have so much more history to make.''

On the GCC Injury Bug

''Injuries are a part of sport but boy when it rains, it sure does pour. At GCC 14 there were a string of injuries we were hit hard by. Most notably, Jay Aguero and Tatenda Masawui will both be out for an extended period of time which in turn gives a huge opportunity for other heavyweights and future prospects to really make some waves in the division while they are out. Heavyweight has always been a pretty strong division and I expect to see any vacancies filled very quickly. I am sure guys like Tommy Ward and Aleksandr Baranov will be looking to assert themselves as the next challenger to Ross Hanson.''

On GCC 15 in Japan on Dec 26th

''We owe our Japanese fans this one. As you some of you may remember, GCC 9 which was headlined by Akane Ito and Sammie Ward was supposed to happen in Japan before the world was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic causing us to cancel the show. I promised the fans that we would make it up to them one day and I think we're going to make up for it and then some. Three title's on the line with the event being headlined by Misty DeMeans vs. Juanita Sanchez which is easily one of the most anticipated MMA fights all year. The main card on this one is stacked to the roof and we expect to shatter all previous records.''

On the GFN 15 Co Main Event

''Fabiano Bonnuci, man this kid has been on a tear since his debut earlier this year and notably has made a move to Toronto to train with HILITE FC. On the other hand, there has been some concerns about Joe Ravvi's preparation heading into this fight as TW Combat Sports have recently parted ways with him. These factors mean that Fabiano Bonucci is the favorite heading into this match up but a lot is at stake here as we could very well be looking at the next lightweight number one contender.''

On the GFN 15 Main Event

''This is a big fight that didn't really need to happen. Tim McCarthy had already done enough to earn the title shot against Clive Hicks but was intrigued by what Manuel Gamboa had to offer and called me the minute he heard that Gamboa and the rest of Gunplay MMA wanted the fight. Tim McCarthy is just that guy, he loves to fight and will throw down at a moments notice even in a situation where he has little to gain from it. On the other hand, Gamboa is a violent man and if he knocks off Tim McCarthy tomorrow night I think we will all be hearing about it for a long time.''

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FAB

Nov 27, 2020

She told me that there was no glory without sacrifice and so now I must part with everything I love the most.

Fabiano holds his last piece of Gucci apparel in his hands before dropping into his suitcase on his bed and zipping it shut.

''Arrivederci, amore mio.''

On the other end his girlfriend is crying hysterically pleading with Fabiano Bonucci to stay with her but for her, its already too late.

Famiglia is everything so with the blessing of my father, he has allowed me to depart Italia to join the Canadian's at HILITE FC for a long term training camp led by a women by the name of Misty DeMeans. My mission here is simple, learn, apply and then grow. For I know one day, I will be called upon by the family to return to Italia to share my knowledge and experiences with my own brothers and sisters who will soon follow my path. Until then though, it is up to me to lead the way.

When I arrived in Canada, I was soon met by the women they call Misty DeMeans. I have heard of her long before I started my journey, it is true that many American MMA talents have a big following in Italia and she was no exception. Though the ''il giornale'' in Italia told different tales about her then the ones I would later read about her when I arrived, I felt the honorable thing to do was to reserve my judgement until a more accurate portrayal of her image could be painted.

The team she has assembled at HILITE FC is not like the famiglia in my homeland, I must admit it had initially concerned me. The members moved freely and in some cases were interchangeable. When I would later confront her about it she had explained to me that they had an open door policy, I do not understand how such a policy can exist but I have no choice but to respect the laws of their land. And yet, I had sensed that she shared many of the same apprehensions I did. You see not everyone in the gym belonged, there was much deadweight that needed to be cut at the strings but the scissors had long grown dull.

After my first few training sessions with HILITE FC, I was met with much controversy, this Misty DeMeans had turned out to be much of what I had read in the il giornale and she insisted that she sparr with me. Though unlike what you have read in the papers in the Americas, she was quickly met with power she was not familiar with - perhaps for the first time in her life. While it was very true there were many men she could stand the test of time with, I was not one of them.

Despite this, I had much to learn and there was much she could teach me. What I had in power, she shows me what I lack in technique. In addition to her working with me inside the gym, it was outside of it where I was lacking the most.

I had the style you see, expensive clothing - everything I wear is Gucci but she tells me that I lack a real image. I resented such claims at first until they were proven just. She enlightens me to the fact that they had chosen a man off a reality TV show to compete for the title because my story simply was not compelling enough. You beat Joe Ravvi and then what? You won another fight? And? One out of every two people get to do that in MMA. So what. Do you think you special? I asked you, THEN WHAT!? She mocks me but I do not have an answer to the question. This upsets me.

Then what!? I beat Joe Ravvi and then I stand with the same record as hers but niente to show for! Niente! It is after this realization that I needed to make a change and she was the only person that could help me do it.

For the past few weeks after training, I have been taking a class about something they call media training. How to answer questions, how to conduct yourself in public eye and how to act like a champion. The Misty DeMeans brags about how she did not ever need such classes but that I was a special case. Ridicolo!

I must confess, I am nervoso! I have never done such a thing like this before. All this time fighting only to realize I have been doing the easiest part of the job all along! This is the real fight. The fight to stand out from the crowd, the fight to captivate millions of fans watching at home...

Are you ready? She asks.

Fabiano Bonucci has joined the meeting.

Themis Palaestra

Nov 27, 2020

Nathan Zafir | Allthebestfights.com

Aristophanes, following his fight with Gamboa, we didn't hear much from your brother. Did Ambrus feel the shots were excessive or would care to comment?