The following events in this thread occur on Wednesday, March 18th, 2020 so no references or statements should be made on social media regarding this event until March 18th, 2020.
The press conference in Ireland took on a rather sad and somber mood. It was quiet with an isolated undertone before Mr. Khan walked to his seat at the press conference without security personale escorting him. In the audience sat on a few selected and pre-screened interviewers who sat further away from the fighters in attendance.
Mr. Khan: Thank you to everyone for attending our media session today and for your co-operation with our sanitary protocols. The health and well being of our fans, friends and fighters are to the upmost importance to me and the GCC organization.
Mr. Khan, you've decided to go ahead with the initial plans for the Ireland card... why?
Mr. Khan: It was important me to take the advice and guidance of the health professionals who suggested that at this stage in the spread of the virus, we and our fans are reasonably safe in holding the event on Friday. We have adjusted plans for our shows moving beyond March 20th, per their advice.
Many organizations and promotions are still going to be holding their events in front of live crowds, how do you feel about that?
Mr. Khan: I cannot speak for anyone else but I feel that as global citizens we have a duty to protect each other. As devastating as these changes are to our financial bottom lines, this is much bigger than quarterly revenue or even MMA itself. I believe that holding our shows without audiences is the only responsible thing to do in my position. I do hope that as a result of these other promoters decisions, people aren't hurt by these decisions in the long run. In the end, I do believe in personal responsibility and thus I would desperately urge fans to not attend shows in public settings and instead stay home and watch it from the comfort of their sofas until this thing blows over.
Was cancelling the event ever on the table?
Mr. Khan: Absolutely not. In times like these, entertainment is important and provides an escape no matter how short it maybe and I think that's valuable. Our fighters will all be screened before and after the event as well as the normal drug testing procedures, so I am confident in our ability to keep our fighters reasonably safe.
What do you think about the lead up to the fight? We've heard virtually nothing from either of the fight camps.
Mr. Khan: I think at this point we know what to expect from Erik and Alejandro. They are two hardworking, humble fighters who just put their noise to the dirt and embrace the grind day in and night out. I know their approach is old school and doesn't exactly stand out on social media or bring brand new eyes to the sport but there's a time for place for everything and one thing we do have on our hands is an AMAZING fight with two of the best heavyweight fighters in the world.
Who do you think has the edge in the fight between Erik Malkasian and Alejandro Rivera?
Mr. Khan: In my experience when you have a grappler vs. striker match up history shows that it tends to favor the grappler more often than not. That said, Alejandro turned a lot of heads in his last bout against Tommy when he showed that he was no slouch on the ground and surprised of not overwhelmed Tommy Ward with his wrestling. I do think that needs to be taken into consideration although Erik Malkasian has had plenty of time to rest and prepare for this fight having not fought since November of last year.
Where does the GCC go from here?
Mr. Khan: Our next event will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark on April 3rd at GCC 7: Galanos vs. DeMeans. In a few weeks me and my partners will sit out and discuss how we need to proceed in the short term. We are looking of moving all events for the foreseeable future to Abu Dhabi stadiums in the event fans are not able to be in attendance.
How will the GCC handle media going forward?
Mr. Khan: This will be the last GCC press conference for the foreseeable future as a precaution. Our fighters will be answering media questions over the phone in a new press call-conference format in the lead up to our future events.
With that, Mr. Khan respectfully bowed his head and no further statements were issued by the GCC President.
Press Conference High Lights
Aleksandr Baranov
''Ronan, like me, excels in the striking game. There is very good chance this fight ends within first round, and I hope Ronan is not getting any ideas of grandeur that he will walk away from this fight victorious. If he lose to Ross Hanson, he WILL lose to me. My fists will make damn sure of that.''
Christian Ibanez
''No more being nice, I'm looking to take people out and make statements. I should be a champion by now. I want my shot.''
Sigurd Bjarnasson
''"I'm pretty sure I can take quite a few punches before he's on the ground. Don't judge me by my last fight."
Tim McCarthy
''Tristan McPeak is probably the toughest guy in the division, no questions asked. He has a great chin, is tough as nails and has proven to have enough heart to withstand just about anything in terms of damage. Tristan... if his skills ever catch up to his ability to withstand damage, I think the entire division has something to seriously worry about. Until then, I think he's in over his head. I'll do what I do and he'll do what he does and thus he will be taking the ass whopping I am giving.''
Erik Malkasian
"Well, anything can happen, right? But you won't see me doing anything particularly new. I'm the most boring fighter in the GCC" - Erik winks. "But whatever I do, I'll do it better. Rivera better come prepared.''
Silence fills the room after Fazan Khan takes a seat. The few fighters in attendance stare ahead, awaiting questions from the few select interviewers there.
After a few moments, one interviewer stands up to address Paul Rossi.
Paul looks up at the sound of his name. He's dressed in a red T.W Combat Sports shirt, and adorning his head is a solid black beanie.
The look on his face clearly states that he'd rather be anywhere else but here. He's not really a big media guy, he just wants to fight, but he'll do the press obligations, to gain marketability.
Interviewer:
"Last time we saw you, you were battling Indigo Greene. Unfortunately, the fight didn't go your way, do you feel there's anything different you could have done?"
Paul frowns towards the interviewer's direction. This is the exact reason he hates the media. They ask stupid ass questions.
Of course things could have gone differently, he could have been more patient, he didn't have to be so aggressive, he could have been more efficient with his cardio, and the list can go on, but Paul doesn't feel like voicing that shit.
Paul Rossi:
"No, the piece of shit got lucky with that submission. I was beating the (explicit) out of him, and everyone saw it."
The interviewer begins to ask another question, but Paul isn't paying attention.
Paul Rossi:
"You know that you ask stupid questions? I don't feel like talking to you anymore, sit down."
The interviewer does his best to act calmly, but the sweat on his forehead, and the oversized smile on his face says otherwise.
Soon another interviewer stands up. Paul looks towards her with a bored expression plastered on his face.
Interviewer:
"Paul, you and Arturo Montana will be fighting in the prelim showcase. This is a pretty big deal. How are you feeling going into the fight?"
Paul shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.
Paul Rossi:
"A fight is a fight. Right now I don't give a (explicit) where on the card I'm booked. I just want to kick some ass, make some money, and entertain the fans."
Fazan Khan looks at Paul out of the corner of his eye, unamused by Paul's language. The Predator takes no notice.
Quickly, another interviewer stands up. Paul looks over at him, the boredom in his face still evident.
Interviewer:
"Paul, it seems lately HILITE FC and T.W Combat Sports have been feuding. Would you care to comment on the situation?"
Paul shrugs his shoulders again.
Paul Rossi:
"Misty DeMeans has a big mouth, so we just keep beating up her homies. She runs the mouth, and then ducks us."
Interviewer:
"Is that going to be motivation for you when you fight her protege Arturo Montana this Friday night at GFN 7?"
Paul Rossi:
"No. We already showed everybody we have the better team. Tommy retired Brock Quarry, Sammie left Feloni DeMeans laying in the middle of the cage crying like a bitch, 'No Love' put Sophie Anderson to sleep, and in their first fight, Reggie put Clive Hicks to sleep. Misty likes to talk about titles, but that's all she got."
Interviewer:
"Just playing devil's advocate, but she does have a title fight coming up."
Paul Rossi:
"It's a joke. She has nothing, but luck and the doctor in her corner."
Interviewer:
"So, you're saying Misty has no chance of winning the title at GCC 7?"
Paul shrugs his shoulders yet again.
Paul Rossi:
"If she does win the title, she'll have no chance of outright beating Juanita Sanchez. She'd have to get lucky, like she has been."
The interviewer begins to ask Paul another question, but Paul growing bored of the subject (and already bored of the press conference) cuts her off.
Paul Rossi:
"Hey listen, I'm done answering questions. Talk to these other people."
With that Paul lays down his mic, and leans back in his chair.