The events in this thread occurs on September 19th, 2019. No mentions of what occurs at this event should be mentioned directly through social media before the press conference is revealed to the public.
When the bright flashes and audio camera clicks sets the scene, GCC President Fazan Khan ushered out by two man security team is escorted to his table. He is joined by both Awut Somaskul and Rob Jones who arrived to the press conference a few minutes early. Other fighters are shuffling in but Fazan Khan seems a little more eager to start the proceedings then he normally is... perhaps he has a hot date?
Fazan Khan: Thank you all for attending tonight press conference here in Singapore! It is a great pleasure to usher in a new era of heavyweights under the GCC umbrella. Heavyweights have been the staple of professional fighting competitions as they best embody size, strength and sheer power. From Muhammed Ali to Mike Tyson, these larger than life personalities have inspired the entire world from sporting fans to historians alike.
''Mr Khan!'' A media media called out. ''Let's talk heavyweights. How important was it to sign former Union GP heavyweight champion Brock Quarry for the GCC brand?''
Fazan Khan: Our signing of Brock Quarry was very important, I hate to add any extra pressure onto his shoulders but if there's anyone who can handle it, it's probably that guy. He is a great fighter known for overcoming adversity and the odds and he has the heart of a lion. That said, there are seven other world class tier competitors in this bracket in what promises to be the most competitive tournament we've seen in GCC thus far.
''Mr. Khan!'' Another media member cries out. ''Why has GCC moved away from the one night tournament and can we expect to see it return sometime in the near future?''
Fazan Khan: We felt that the One Night Tournament was a fun and interesting experiment but determined that it caused unnecessary wear and tear on our competitors. Due to the damage any particular fighter may have or had not experienced in a previous fight it undermined the final outcome. In any sporting competition, we want to know who is the absolute best without any lingering questions and the one night tournament just isn't what we are looking for to achieve this goal.
Other members of the press shout out questions but Fazan Khan adjusts the cuff to his neatly pressed suite and leans into the microphone.
Fazan Khan: Ladies and gentlemen in our headlining fight, we have Awut Somaskul going head to head with Rob Jones. Now let it be known, Rob Jones is the reason this fight is happening. He approached GCC management with the match request so we pitched it to Awut who accepted the fight with no hesitation. Like him or hate him, Rob Jones knows how to sell a fight, trains hard and is hungry to fight for GCC and earn himself a title shot. He isn't passive or scared to step on a few toes to make his own opportunities and I appreciate that and I hope to see more of it.
Rob Jones smiles and pats Fazan Khan on his shoulder while Awut Somaskul stares emotionless into the crowd. Mr. Khan scans the field for media inquiries and points at one.
''Thank you, Mr. Khan.'' A timid female journalist began. ''Do you think the winner of Awut and Rob is going to be next in line for a title shot after the conclusion of Redfield-Rogers?''
Fazan Khan: The main-event will not necessarily determine the number one contender. Cayden Redfield will defend his title against Jake Rogers in October for the GCC lightweight championship and once the dust settles, I'll have a better idea on what's next but this is a very important fight for both men in such a new company and division. One big win can see to it that you are in a title discussion. Granted, it won't be like this for long but for now... the field is virtually wide open for everyone.
Go out and get it my friends.
Mr. Khan bows his head respectfully and turns the microphone aside allowing the larger than life fighters to say their piece.
Almost immediately another hand rises in the air. Upon acknowledgement from Mr. Khan the reporter begins their question.
Q: This question is for Alejandro Rivera.
Rivera nods towards the reporter with acknowledgement.
Q:. I think it came as a surprise to many last night at the open workouts to see you training with Lone Wolf MMA. Last time you fought you fought under the umbrella of HILITE FC. WHY THE CHANGE OF CAMPS?
Alejandro laughs.
Q: You emphasized that question. It's okay I'm glad you asked. It's not for the normal reasons. The team at HILITE and I are still close.
I've trained in Thailand for a while before going to Toronto. I had a few issues so I went back to Thailand where privacy could be easily obtained.
I enjoy training with Krystal Knight and other Lone Wolf team members and we learn a lot from one another.
So please if anybody has or had any ideas for my departure other than my explanation today. Please know they aren't true.
A silence falls over the room untill the silence is mercifully broken.
Q: Alejandro you are 34 years old. You've competed in kickboxing, muay thai, pro wrestling, and MMA. You have been successful at all these sports. What more do you have left to prove?
Alejandro contemplates the question.
A: Nothing. I have nothing left to prove. I love competition, my body is still healthy, and I would miss it.
Q: You're in a heavyweight tournament against seven hungry athletes including Brock Quarry. At your age are you ready for such a tournament?
A: You better believe I'm ready. I've never felt better. I've watched tape on all these guys and I know that I can compete and win. So don't worry about that.
Q: Alejandro do you have any thing to say regarding any other tournament entrant?
Alejandro shakes his head 'no'.
A: I'm not here to run anybody down that's not my job. I will do my talking in the cage. I just came to address the elephant in the room.
So if there are no more questions for me?
Alejandro trails off in the middle of his thought. He looks around the room and with no more questions. He smiles cordially and lays down his mic.