As soon as the bell rang, Edward Whittaker shot out of his corner, his movements explosive.
He feinted with a left jab, testing Felix Grayson's reaction.
Felix, composed and focused, kept his guard high, stepping to the side and circling away from Edward's power hand.
Edward didn't waste time. He closed the distance with a quick one-two combination, snapping a jab straight down the middle.
Felix slipped the jab and countered with a low leg kick that smacked against Edward's lead leg, the impact reverberating through the octagon.
Edward winced but didn't slow down. He switched his stance briefly, throwing a quick overhand right.
Felix ducked under it, using his Karate discipline to stay calm under pressure. He snapped back up with a straight right hand of his own, catching Edward on the chin.
Edward staggered back, more surprised than hurt.
He quickly regained his footing, shaking off the strike.
