The fight began with an immediate clash.
Demaien took the center fast, stepping in with a stiff jab that was too predictable.
Niklas saw it coming a mile away, slipping just enough to the outside and returning a sharp counter-right to Demaien's temple.
It wasn't clean, but it was enough to rattle him.
Demaien stumbled slightly but recovered, throwing another jab, this time even sloppier. His footwork was off, his stance too upright, making his movements telegraphed.
Niklas didn't fully capitalize, but he didn't have to. He kept his distance, bouncing lightly, testing with feints while Demaien's hands twitched awkwardly in a way that showed he wasn't comfortable on the feet.
Niklas flicked out a leg kick. Demaien tried to check it too late and took it clean to the calf, but instead of resetting, he panicked forward, lunging in without a setup.
