Ye Chen was itching for some real sparring sessions with seasoned fighters like Gazi and Burns—those veterans of the ring who had fought countless battles. Yet, there was a stark difference between actual combat training and a match. Even though they called it "actual combat," everyone donned protective gear, and the atmosphere felt entirely different from the intense, electric energy that enveloped the ring. Plus, fighters seldom went all out; they held back, never truly unleashing their fury.
But that luxury was now out of reach. With the match just around the corner, any sparring could leave him nursing injuries. Aspiring professionals often halt any rigorous training close to competition to guard their physical condition. And Burns? He'd already had a bit too much to drink and momentarily forgotten about the looming showdown.
...
Now, with only five days until the fight, Ye Chen finally crossed paths with his opponent. The UFC had arranged their stay at a hotel, and it was there in the training room that Ye Chen laced up his shoes and hopped on a treadmill. He was deep into a thirty-minute run when he spotted Jima and his crew entering.
Both fighters froze for a moment, surprise etched on their faces. This area was free from prying eyes and media circus, so there was no need for any theatrics. They exchanged friendly nods, preparing for a cordial chat when suddenly, Ye Chen's mind flickered with excitement.
**[Simulation successful: establishing contact.]**
**[Logging all of Jima's stats.]**
**[Recording Jima's fight history and favorite tactics.]**
Ye Chen was taken aback at how smoothly this simulation process unfolded. Perhaps it was a byproduct of this matchup being in the works for some time that allowed the quick setup.
Realizing his time was precious, Ye Chen veered away. He needed to focus on training.
Though he had just simulated a spar with Burns yesterday, the reality was clear: there remained a significant skill gap between him and the four-time world jiu-jitsu champion. Burns' off-season weight was well over 200 pounds, amplifying his raw power, while Ye Chen was in the throes of cutting weight. When it came to wrestling and jiu-jitsu… he was distinctly outclassed.
Still, after over ten hours of relentless training, Ye Chen could feel noticeable improvement in his jujitsu and wrestling techniques. It was time to take that progress to the next level and prepare for Jima.
...
As Ye Chen departed the room, Jima eyed him, muttering in Glugia so no one else could hear, "Why's he alone? Doesn't he have a team? That punch he landed on me last time was pure luck. He can't think I'll fall for that again."
The coach piped up, "Isn't that even better? Be ruthless in the fight, throw more ground punches, and snag those performance bonuses."
Jima smirked, "Relax. Every guy in Daxia is weaker than the last—except for the female champion. I could easily take him out."
The coach cautioned, "Just watch it. This guy's got a powerful left hook. One good hit from him might end your bonus dreams."
Jima reassured him, "Got it. I'll keep my distance and wait for my moment to strike."
As those words hung in the air, smiles crept across the faces of his team. It was almost as if they already had the bonus in their pocket.
...
Once outside, Ye Chen wasted no time simulating his fight with Jima. In that moment, new possibilities sparked in his mind. He could see himself shedding weight through various devices and steam rooms, then envisioning sparring sessions with Jima in the ring.
He pondered: if I can simulate two versions of myself, why not more?
This was groundbreaking!
Now, he was simultaneously shedding pounds while fighting Lin Long, Gazi, Burns, and Jima—all around the clock, pushing through without feeling fatigue or discomfort. He realized that most fighters in this prime era had years of traditional kung fu training under their belts. In contrast, he had merely dabbled for less than a decade. Talent alone could never bridge that gap.
But with this newfound training method, he eclipsed their efforts. Every single day of training was equivalent to ten or twelve days of normal practice for any other pro fighter.
His progress surged forth.
At this moment, Ye Chen's gaze locked onto the ring with Jima. After a feint, Jima swung a punch, and when Ye Chen instinctively lowered his guard, Jima suddenly dived for his legs.
His defense faltered, and he felt his balance teetering. Instantly, Ye Chen activated his butterfly guard to thwart Jima from pinning him down. As he fell to the mat, he hooked his legs around his opponent, aiming to counter Jima's advance.
In the frenzy, right as he fought for control, his right hand latched onto Jima's armpit, disrupting his position. When they crashed to the canvas, Ye Chen leveraged his legs to shove Jima aside, simultaneously seizing hold of his left arm.
Jima's composure faltered in the chaos, but it was too late. Ye Chen had the advantage, launching a series of rapid maneuvers—a series of actions Jima wasn't prepared for.
...
Before long, weigh-in day arrived amidst a flurry of media and buzz. The contrast between the massive international audience and the domestic turnout was palpable; dozens of reporters versus hundreds.
Ye Chen made weight effortlessly, being among the first to step onto the scale. As he shed his clothes, gasps erupted from the crowd. He appeared so lean, his muscles almost fragile, as if a mere breeze might sweep him away.