2017-06-30
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Mikael - The Documentary (Part 3)

Fighter profile of Mikael Brophy by Grant Brophy

“Mikael”

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3 of a 5 part special

The Interview

 

Our journey finally brings us back to London, and we have obtained an exclusive interview as part of the documentary with Mikael.

 

EJ: First off Mikael, this is my first chance to say congratulations to you in person on defending your title against Bua Khao in your last fight. Did it go how you expected?

 

MB: Considering their change in management, it was a bit of a throw up on what he would do in the cage. We figured the best thing we can do is stick to what we do best, and it turned out well. People talked extensively about how good his chin was in the lead up to the fight, but in the end it just wasn’t tough enough to survive.

 

EJ: It’s a bittersweet victory for you however, with the announcement of Primal closing shortly afterwards. Now you sit here, a Free Agent. How did you find your time in Primal?

 

MB: Well I had two different spells in the org with two different org owners – War Pig and Peel Steel – and I have to say they were both a pleasure to deal with. Primal will always be the org that I began to make my name in, so I’ll remember it fondly.

 

EJ: And now the big question. Where do you go now?

 

MB: Well I feel I am coming up to my prime and I am in good form so there are no plans to stop. My management team and I have had numerous orgs contact us about a potential future with them, but so far no org has grabbed our attention yet.

 

EJ: What org would you hope to join in the near future? It would be interesting to look back on this when it’s released and find out if who you join indeed matches your ambitions.

 

MB: I would say I am destined for great things. Honestly, I look at the most well-known organisations in the world and sure there is some appeal, but I wanna be a part of something that will be big in the future. I want to spearhead the rise of an org to the very top of the food chain. If an org can match my level of ambition, then I would say I would be very happy with joining them.

 

The World Tour

 

With that, our interview was concluded. With his new found free time, Mikael decided to engage with his fans around the world, which included a UK tour, and overseas trips to Sydney, Tokyo, Groningen (Where he held a seminar alongside John Hetfield and his sparring partner Stefan Struve) and he finished it off with a US tour.

 

First off in Las Vegas, he was the guest host for their one night tournament and even participated in the celebrity game, placing 3rd out of 12. He would have a meet and greet the next day before flying out to New York the next day. Wanting to soak in the sights, he spent the day touring the city, meeting many fans along the way, before flying to his final destination for the trip, Los Angeles.

 

A meet and greet and a training seminar awaited him, and his popularity amongst the fans was at an all-time high. His seminars were a huge hit, with the fans appreciating his knowledge and insight into the MMA scene. It was at his Meet and Greet however, that he would find his future becoming more decided.

 

The Man In The Suit

 

It was the 18th of March, and coming towards the tailend of the meet and greet. The clock had just hit 2pm and Mikael got up having sat there for hours on end meeting everyone. In walked a man wearing a deluxe Armani suit, a beaming smile on his face as he greeted the staff on hand who he knew on a first name basis. His skin surprisingly pale considering he was in Los Angeles, but with a distinct lack of perspiration about him, as if he was used to being in the heat while dressed to impress. He approached the table where Mikael had just stood up from.

 

?: I understand I am likely a bit too late for the meet and greet but I had to meet you in person

 

He said it in a very excited manner, yet there was an aura about the man that made you feel you could immediately trust him, despite the usual sort you would find dressed like he was. Mikael’s manager Grant addressed the man.

 

GB: And who are you if you don’t mind me asking?

 

?: Oh forgive my intrusion. My name is Adam Holland and I have to say, I am a big fan of Mikael.

 

GB: Holland? Your name is familiar but forgive me for not being able to place it.

 

AH: Not to worry sir, I can imagine you would find it hard to place me considering my relatively recent exposure to the MMA scene. I’ve just recently taken over as the owner and operating CEO of Aspire MMA here in Los Angeles, formerly known as Just Bleed.

 

GB: Ah yeah now I know you. You sacked my fighter Red Brophy from the your orga…

 

AH: Ah yes apologies for the suddenness of that, but we had to do some cutbacks due to the size of the roster. I hope it won’t affect potential future business between our parties. Speaking of which, that’s why I am here. Aspire is looking to become the next big name in the MMA world, much like you did with Troid and then Trinity Grant. We’ve identified some key targets among the Free Agency and I have to say, Mikael is our biggest target and I was hoping to be able to talk to you about what Aspire hopes to achieve and offer you a contract to sign with us?

 

GB: I tend to let my clients form their own opinion so I’ll go and conclude our business with the venue and you can talk with Mikael.

 

With that, Grant Brophy leaves and Adam takes a seat to talk to Mikael.

 

AH: Would you like to hear about our organisation?

 

MB: Sure go ahead, just be warned I don’t like my time being wasted so I hope this is a serious negotiation. I’ve already turned down some BS contract offer from some Duel Fanny League or something like that.

 

AH: You can be rest assured sir, we are highly serious with our offer. First off, I should talk about myself a bit. I recently got into MMA management and was given the chance to take over Just Bleed, albeit at a significant cost. I am fully confident in my ability to commit to making the org the best it can be and as such I am looking to sign the best talent available, and that would be you.

 

MB: Out of interest, why should I sign with you instead of everybody else?

 

AH: Well, I understand there may be some scepticism due to how things happened with Red, but you have to understand the decision to release fighters wasn’t just for our benefit, as this also allows him to fight elsewhere on a more regular basis than he would be able to at Aspire which I think is best for all parties involved.

 

MB: Fair enough, okay let’s start talking money. I already got a bunch of offers and while money ain’t exactly the most important thing for me, I ain’t gonna turn my nose up at a decent offer.

 

AH: Of course, we feel considering your current level that our opening offer would be ….

 

 

*Due to a confidentiality agreement we are unable to discuss the exact terms of the deal that was offered to Mikael*

 

MB: Well, that offer is a bit underwhelming if I am being honest here. I figured you could offer more than that.

 

AH: Well, I do feel we have something to offer you that no other org can. You know, I first became a big fan of yours in the TUF tournament. The power and skill you displayed was phenomenal, and it was purely unfortunate that you lost to Alejandro Scott…I am sure you would love to be able to avenge that loss in the future….

 

MB: Are you saying you have Scott in Aspire?

 

AH: Have him in Aspire? My dear friend, he is the Aspire Light Heavyweight champion. He won the title last month…

 

At this time, Grant has returned and seats at the table

 

GB: So, how have things been progressing?

 

MB: I’m signing with Aspire immediately

 

GB: I can imagine you must be tensely in the middle of negoti- … Wait what?

 

Demons Of The Past

 

That night, at Aspire MMA – Just Bleed 29, the main event saw Mikael’s alliance mate Riff McGee defeat Derui Pake to retain his Featherweight championship. Mikael was cageside to witness the fight and was cheering along with the crowd. Adam Holland entered the cage to make an announcement.

 

AH: Good evening ladies and gentlemen. As you know, Aspire is looking to sign the very best talent available to it. I am pleased to announce the latest group of people we have recruited to our roster.

 

Adam proceeds to list off some names and the camera pans around to each one individually. 3 names go by, and the crowd is still intrigued for who else the organisation have signed.

 

AH: And now ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to announce our final signing to Aspire MMA….

 

The lights go down and Mikael makes his way to the cage. The lights kick on, with Mikael standing in the centre of the cage, with Metallica’s I Disappear firing over the sound system once more, just like the glory days in Primal.

 

AH: Please everyone welcome TUF Season 1 Runner Up, and the last ever Primal Light Heavyweight champion … MIKAEL BROPHY!!!

 

The crowd explodes into a round of cheers and applause. On the outside of the cage, a nervous look comes over the reigning champion Alejandro Scott and his manager. Mikael is handed a microphone and the noise dies down. He looks around the arena, and spots Scott. Mikael spots him, raises the microphone to his mouth and merely says

 

“…..I’m coming for you”

The crowd roars in approval as Mikael drops the mic and walks to the back, a grin on his face, and redemption raging in his mind.

…To Be Continued

 

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