Tournament 78: Grand Prix Warm-Up - Finals

It began with 128-fighters, and for most of the 2017 Grand Prix Warm-Up there was no clear stand-out in the field! A small army of contenders had fallen away, leaving the Semi Finals to finally bring the annual UGP Grand Slam to a close! Three of the four names had absolute credence as prospective winners, but the presence of one wildcard meant uncertainty for all.

Hall of Famer Oozaru had never intended to enter Tournament 78 to win. He just wanted to use the draw to strike a blow at DaemonX in the name of his tormented friend and legendary Pacific Connection partner: Banging. For "The Hitman" DECEPTION it was a completely different story. For three years in a row the Grand Prix Warm-Up had been DECEPTION's time to shine. Last year it became his first Grand Slam Tournament crown and with a UGP rematch awaiting him - he came to Tournament 78 to repeat his success. The Semi was DECEPTION's hardest fight of the entire event, but in a close fought, hard hitting battle the defending champion broke through, securing his place in his third consecutive Grand Prix Warm-Up Final!

United: Mime was a potential winner from the very start, but his case grew considerably over the course of five previous rounds. He was the only fighter during Tournament 78 to inflict MAX Damage on his opponents -- a feat her performed twice! MKMaster scored a +18 impact in his Round 2 fight against Bronzie, but nobody ever suspected he could go the distance. He avoided a collision with the #2 seed when Jerrod eliminated her in a Round 3 upset. MKM earned his way, but nobody was sure if it was just a fluke. Things became a lot clearer in the Semi Final when Mime found himself lacking the power of his earlier triumphs. MKMaster seized his opportunity, taking full advantage of Mime's uncharacteristic weakness! He held firm and finally claimed the scalp he needed to prove himself! The biggest win of his career leading to the biggest match of his life!

There was no escaping the obvious mismatch in the final battle. DECEPTION had a pedigree at this particular event that was second to none. MKMaster had never reached a tournament final and gave no reason to expect him to do as well as he had! Anything seemed possible, but The Hitman had his sights set on a repeat of history and he wasn't going to be denied! DECEPTION summoned his very best and MKMaster did the same. When the dust settled, the result was decisive...

For the second year in a row DECEPTION was the Grand Prix Warm-Up winner! With his victory, he now looks ahead to Ultimate Grand Prix VII where Hall of Fame legend Kron will await to test his mettle on the grandest stage of them all. Just as Tournament 78 was a repeat of the 2016 Grand Prix Warm-Up, the match at UGP7 will be a rematch of their main event battle at Ultimate Grand Prix VI! Will history continue to repeat itself? Can DECEPTION fight his way to the Undisputed Championship that defined his 2016? Be here April 2nd to find the answers!

Tournament 78: Grand Prix Warm-Up - Semi Finals:
1. "The Hitman" DECEPTION d. Oozaru [+1]
2. MKMaster d. United: Mime [+1]

Tournament 78: Grand Prix Warm-Up - Grand Final:
1. "The Hitman" DECEPTION d. MKMaster [+2]

Tournament 77 Impact Players:
- Mime +MAX (R1, R3), Damo +24 (R3), LordSkarlet +22 (R2), MKMaster +18 (R2), DECEPTION +16 (R4), CaTigeReptile +11 (R2), Poasty +9 (R2), AlbertBeefcake +8 (R4), Genku +7 (R1), Loopster +7 (R2), DaemonX +7 (R2), Shinnokxz +5 (R1), Mimik +5 (R4), Oozaru +4 (R1), DeathScepter +4 (R2), Chromatose +4 (R3), TonyTheTiger +4 (R3)

Tournament 77 Shock Eliminations:
- avenger45 (R1), Nephrite (R1), Murdoink (R1), SubScorpTile (R1), Shen_DuHBK (R1), Baraka_MK (R1), Poasty (R3), CaTigeReptile (R3), Genku (R4), LordSkarlet (R4), Damo (R4), Mime (SF)

Tournament 77 Casualties:
- KittyKat (R1), UlcaTron (R2), EasterBunny (R3)