Unbreakable: The Gideon Navarro story

[Blackman]

GIDEON NAVARRO

This will be a diary following the career from the young and promising fighter Gideon Navarro. He is a default C-Verse character with a clean 0-0 record. I'll be describing his career from the perspective of his coach. The good thing about this approach is that I have no clue whatsoever how his career will turn out. I'm merely starting the game from a GAMMA perspective. I won't reload the game to get him to win the match eventually. He might own everyone, or he might suck completely. We'll just have to wait and see.



Data: 20 year old Hawaïan resident. Can't say I can depend on the guy, but he's loyal to me nontheless, AND one who knows his role and can shut his mouth if he has to. A true MMA competitor, his strenght (from what I've seen in his training) are stamina and fighting spirit.

[Blackman]

Chapter 1: The Choice [january 1999]

Most people know Honolulu as a place to relax; to chill out after a hard day's work. A tropical paradise. Soon, however, they might know it as the residence of the GAMMA Welterweight Champion Gideon Navarro. I've had the 20 year old boy in my gym for 3 years now. Hawaï has been no paradise yet for Gideon. He's had it tough all his life. His parents passed away while he was young, which left him pretty vulnarable in a hard society like this one. I once saw him fighting against some guys on the street who were apparently bugging him. Seeing this boy so lost, I approached him with an offer to join the dojo. And I must say, after years of intense training, he's the complete package. Heart, athleticism, ground game, striking power. He's got it all and though he doesn't excell in any particular domain he still manages to beat up every other student I have. Like the rest of the people here he could lie on his back, in the sun, and enjoy life. Instead, he chose not to be on his back.

He wanted to be on top of life. He wants to go for the Welterweight championship.

And I'm going to make sure he succeeds in that goal. I'm going to find an MMA promotion for him to display his skills. He needs the money, and it's a fine way for him to show the world how willing he is to fight. The fire in his eyes, you gotta see it to truly understand his way of dealing with failures in life. I don't know if he'll succeed to make it to the top of our business. What I do know is this:

His warrior spirit is simply un-breakable.



*********************
next: Chapter 2: Playing The Waiting Game

[Blackman]

Chapter 2: Playing The Waiting Game [januari 2000]

After asking around a bit in the MMA circuit, I couldn't really suit my boy up for a match. Simply said: they just don't want any 20 year olds, unless they're insanely talented individuals who are training with the best (Manuel Silva anyone?). In a way, we're a bit solitary here in Honolulu. I have no idea whether he would be a great fighter. Sure, he's the gym's second best MMA product after Mayweather, but that doesn't mean THAT much. I guess we're going to have to wait a couple of years 'till the MMA world decides he's ready. For now, Gideon is training especially on his ground game, which he'll need.

Meanwhile, the GAMMA Welterweight Champion Julio Reguiero defended his title against Humphreys in a mere 1:44 minutes... I guess it wouldn't hurt if Gideon trained a little more before jumpin' in with the big guns. After all, he's only 20 years old and got his whole career ahead of him... I remember last year, when I send Kramer Mayweather, the first student who excelled at the Honolulu gym, to compete in an indy circuit. He won that match, and it caused him a contract with GAMMA. He had now been signed to work a match at GAMMA 47 in august '99 - not part of the PPV though - against a guy named Marlon John, in his first 'big' match. We'll see what that gives. I think might get his shot with GAMMA, since they apparently have a knack of signing Hawaïan people. They have Darin (Blood), Kramer and Ed (Burridge) on their roster. Darin and Ed use to train at the Kailua gym. Darin is now at Halvorsen's.

Like I said: there's a lot of respect for Hawaï guys in the MMA world. Especially since Neil Napier, the symbol of MMA here in Hawaï, became the GAMMA Middleweight chamion back in 1998. Since then, they treat him like a king over here. Gideon's big dream is to fight him one day. But I'm afraid he's going to have to train a 'little' more then he does now. What would he expect? After the great Hassan Fezzik, Napier is the man to beat in MMA, sporting a 17-0 record.

update: Kramer lost the match btw. Too bad for him.

KRAMER MAYWEATHER and NEIL NAPIER

[Blackman]

Chapter 3: Watching from the sidelines [januari 2001]

One year has passed and yet so little has changed. Gideon keeps believing in his shot, but I told him he'd have to wait for a few more years. He took peace in that, but nevertheless kept the spark in his heart alive. GAMMA gave Kramer another shot, and he took it, defeating Hunter Scribbins by Unanimous decision at GAMMA Ultimate Fighting, putting his record on 2-1. Burridges record in GAMMA is 1-4. He'll probably be released after his contract expires.

As for Napier, he's - simply said - on fire. I think now he might actually be the greatest fighter on the planet. Let me sum it up for you: May '99: 1st round submission victory over Matthew Dean, in september he fought Leonardo Da Costa to the end of the 5th round. 2000 saw him defeating JD Reid by submission just before the end of the 1st round: what a great match that was. A rematch against Dean went on to be a match for the history books: 19 minutes they battled until Napier put on the kimura. Very impressive. I heard rumors he might be set up for a match with the promising Buddy Garner at GAMMA 63. The world is no doubtly waiting to see it.

As for the rest in the MMA world. No'in spectacular has happened. GAMMA also began a women's division, naming it the Bantamweight division. Still no featherweight division though. It'll probably be a matter of years.

[Blackman]

Sunday of Week 2 of May 2001: GAMMA 63



>It's time for the main event of the evening! 'The Islander' Neil Napier will battle Buddy Garner in the GAMMA Middleweight division. >The GAMMA Middleweight title on the line in this match.


>There's the opening bell!
>Napier comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Garner.
>Garner waits for Napier to step in, then he scores with a quick takedown.
>Garner attempts to pass guard.
>He can't quite manage to get past guard on this attempt.
>Napier tries to get double underhooks on Garner so that he can get some control, but can't get them.
>Garner begins trying to pass guard and get a better position.
>He can't quite manage to get past guard on this attempt.
>Garner deflects a couple of punches that Napier threw from below.
>In guard, Garner begins working to pass to side control.
>He can't quite manage to get past guard on this attempt.
>Garner can't control Napier, who scoots them both backward until they are resting against the side of the cage.
>Napier stands by bracing against the cage, but can't shake Garner who remains in control.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>With Napier stuck against the cage, Garner tries to complete a takedown.
>Garner doesn't find it easy, but he does eventually get Napier to the ground.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Garner punches down at Napier, but they are easily taken on the gloves.
>Garner is trying to pass guard.
>Napier comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps Garner in guard.
>The time runs out on round one.
>I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Garner.

>We are back underway!
>Between rounds we could hear the corner of Garner telling him to watch for strikes but to look for takedown opportunities.
>Napier counters a punch by hitting a flurry of small strikes.
>Garner comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.
>Garner gets the takedown! Napier pulls guard.
>Garner tries to control Napier against the ground, but finds it a struggle.
>Napier works some separation, then tries to quickly scramble his way into a better position.
>The scramble leaves Napier on top in side control.
>Napier relinquishes side control and stands up, letting Garner stand too.
>Garner grabs a body kick and goes for the takedown, getting it! Napier pulls half guard.
>Garner starts trying to work to get out of half guard and into a better position.
>He finds himself unable to get past the half guard on this attempt.
>Napier reaches over and tries to lock Garner in a guillotine.
>Garner pulls free before the guillotine can be applied.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Garner tries to pass the half guard.
>He can't quite manage to get past half guard on this attempt.
>Napier reaches over and tries to lock Garner in a guillotine.
>Garner pulls his head free before the hold can be applied properly.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Garner tries to pass the half guard.
>He can't quite manage to get past half guard on this attempt.
>Napier attempts to guillotine Garner from the bottom of half guard.
>Garner defends it well.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round two.
>I think Garner took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>We are back underway!
>Backing out of range, Napier circles tentatively.
>It seems that Garner is happy to let Napier circle for the moment.
>Napier hits a barrage of big punches on Garner, trapping him against the cage!
>With Garner taking a lot of big punches, the referee has to stop the match!
>By TKO, the winner is Napier!
>Official Result: 'The Islander' Neil Napier defeats Buddy Garner (TKO in 0:56 of round 3). The match was rated as being Great.

- Wow, now that was a quite the fight...

***************************************

Chapter 4: Living in the shadow

It was this fight that put Napier on the map as THE mma fighter to beat. In Hawaï, he sure has had a possitive influence on the sport. Gideon has looked up to him since his debut as a fighter, and has visited his gym often enough. It's good that Napier inspires him, but I keep tellin' him that he needs to make it on his own. But he's starting to get a bit restless now, with the female Hawaian fighter Haley Croft, who's about to debut in GAMMA against their star April Watson. He feels left out. GAMMA is sure to bring him in someday though.

September 2001:

Napier beat Stuart Strange in a title match that lasted 25 minutes. It was so poor people started to boo Strange as he failed to take the belt from Napier. There wasn't one moment where he got him into trouble, yet he kept grinding the entire match.

But the outcome of the match is not what interest us. I went to see GAMMA 67 myself, and was allowed backstage to have a talk with Napier. I convinced him to visit our dojo in a few months. This will surely ignite the kids. Can't wait.

[petecrimson00]

no offense man, but when is Gideon gunna fight? its been over a year

[sr_roy97]

if you payed attention at the beginning, he said that he was going to let nature take it's course, whether it was good or bad. I'm sure in time, he will.

[petecrimson00]

Originally Posted by sr_roy97

if you payed attention at the beginning, he said that he was going to let nature take it's course, whether it was good or bad. I'm sure in time, he will.

i did pay attention. i just think its weird to not have him fight for 2 years. i thought it was a little too long

[Blackman]

Chapter 5: The opportunity

December 2001:



Amazing how far Hawaï has come in MMA. Darin Blood is the GAMMA Welterweight Champion after beating Humphreys, who in his turn beaten Shimizu, and so on. It appears to be a title without a clear holder. Since Stiles' 'upset' against Reguiero, the title has changed hands instantly. This looks good for Gideon. His compatriot Darin Blood, from Kailua, has been the first holder lately to succesfully defend the title against the undefeated Aldarisio. The defence earned him a lot of respect in the MMA community, perhaps even surpassing Napier himself in prestige.

Anyway, on to more important matters. The day finally came. I told the kids last month that Napier was going to show up to coach them for a few hours. Don't see the point into playing suprise games. He is back in Hawaï since the next GAMMA Challenger Series is right here in Honolulu, which is pretty close (of course we already have tickets, the main event is Matthew Dean vs Mal Phe Roby, which is PPV quality). The were stunned as I expected, and continued to work hard on their mma game, hoping to be spotted by 'The Islander' himself. Napier is pretty deep into GAMMA as he is their most decorated fighter. I hope he'll notice Gideon. Perhaps he can put in a good word for him...

Napier arrived with his entourage. Many more arrived at the gym to check him out, mostly friends of the fighters probably. It doesn't matter. The day was pretty educational, as Napier showed off some moves and was nice to spar with some of our students. As he was leaving, I approached him with the question: Can Gideon fight somewhere? He chuckled. "As a matter of fact, there's a GAMMA show here next month. They always have one preliminary match scheduled. I can try to get Gideon in it." Given the reputation of my school, it might just work. Fans don't really care who's fighting the prelims: as long as the fight is good. And Gideon will make for a good fight every time.

Just two days after that, we had our contract. He didn't get much in his 'tryout' contract, but it wasn't about the money anyway. January 2002 will have Gideon: His opponent: Phil Ball, who hasn't fought in a year. He's not that big of a name actually, but he's got the experience. Plus: he won his prelim match at GAMMA 55 against Gilbert. And well, he's got the vicious right hand. His striking in general is pretty good. Gideon is determined to beat his opponent no matter who he's called. It doesn't matter to him. I guess now we'll see whether his hard work will pay off. But since the contract was signed, I guess it already did.

VS

0-0 vs 12-9

GAMMA Challenger Series (Jan, 2002)

(there you go after 3 full years... his first fight)

[Blackman]

Chapter 6: The first fight

>In the last of the preliminary matches, 'The Unbreakable' Gideon Navarro will battle 'All Business' Phil Ball in the GAMMA Welterweight division.

*Before the match we agreed that he should look for takedowns early in the match.*

>Navarro is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Ball.
>Ball uses movement to keep out reach, meaning Navarro cannot get close enough to grapple.
>A straight jab by Navarro keeps Ball from advancing.
>The fight slows as Ball sits back and allows Navarro to circle.
>Navarro is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Ball.
>Navarro can't get close enough to grapple, Ball makes sure to keep out of range.
>Navarro chooses to shoot in on Ball.
>Ball tries to avoid Navarro.
>The takedown is successful, Ball pulls guard.
>Navarro looks to pass guard and get side control.
>After a struggle, he gets to half guard.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Navarro begins trying to get his leg free of the half guard.
>He finds himself unable to get past the half guard on this attempt.
>Navarro blocks Ball as he tries a sweep from half guard.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Navarro tries to ensare Ball in a kimura.
>Ball defends himself well and is in no danger.
>Ball tries to sweep Navarro but doesn't get anywhere.
>Navarro looks to pass half guard and get side control.
>Ball comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps Navarro in half guard.
>Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.
>I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Navarro.

* ok, that went well. Go on like this, go for the takedown and finish him*

>Round two begins!
>There's a takedown attempt from Navarro.
>Ball attempts to avoid Navarro as he shoots in.
>The takedown is successful, Ball pulls guard.
>Navarro tries to pass the guard.
>He passes, but only to half guard.
>Navarro fires off a few punches as he catches his breath.
>Navarro looks to get past the half guard.
>Navarro isn't able to pass from half guard thanks to the tenacious defence of Ball.
>Navarro blocks an attempted sweep.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Navarro begins trying to get his leg free of the half guard.
>He is too good for Ball slipping out of half guard and straight into a mount.
>Navarro unloads with massive punches from the mount, and Ball is getting destroyed!
>With Ball taking a beating, the referee has to stop the match!
>By TKO, the winner is Navarro!
>Official Result: 'The Unbreakable' Gideon Navarro defeats 'All Business' Phil Ball (TKO in 3:46 of round 2). The match was rated as being Good.

***************************************
A good match from him. That's what strategy is all about. Keeping the strikers grounded. It was all Gideon this match-up. He's impressed GAMMA for sure, since he's signed on for another bout, against a touhger opponent. Ball was fired after this fight, as he was on a losing streak for years. Nick Minear will be the next to fall to my boy. He is 4-4 here in GAMMA, and has an impressive 13-6 record overall. He is a grappler, so Gideon will have to exploit his broad MMA knowledge. He'll beat him. And yes, confidence is already half of the win.

The fight will be as soon as April 2002. That's just 3 months away. This time he'll move up to the lower card of the televised show. As for the MMA world. One of the most impressive feats of today happened at the main event of GAMMA 70, where someone has finished Li-Kong Ho... for the first time ever. His name is Sukarno. Look for him to become a top guy around here. As I predicted, the featherweights gained an opportunity, where Ziskie defended his title against undefeated (well, not anymore) Atep of Indonesia, in what proved to be the biggest GAMMA PPV as of yet, raising its popularity to an amazing level.