The atmosphere in the live broadcast room crackled with excitement.
For fight fans, particularly those who live for UFC action, the name Salrujian rings familiar and draws respect. He's not just any competitor; he's carved out his legend through a series of classic UFC matches, showcasing high-level wrestling skills that have left audiences in awe. Many speculate he's a fierce contender for the lightweight championship, a title many dream of, but few can grasp.
However, for casual viewers, many of whom couldn't tell Salrujian from their local barista, the name barely registers. They're more likely to cheer for established stars like Conor, Khabib, Oliveira, the Black Dragon, Usman, Covington, Diamond, and Gaethje—names that flash like fireworks in the world of MMA. Recently, new heroes such as Pereira and Maha have burst onto the scene, each adding to the buzz with their championship wins or close encounters.
"Who is Sarugian? I've never heard of him. Brother Chen is going to wipe the floor with him!" one commenter scoffed.
"Brother Chen fights like he's cheating! How on earth can he lose to some unknown like Sarugian?" another chimed in.
"Covington could actually put up a fight, but Chen isn't even in the same weight class!" a knowledgeable fan wisely noted.
"Anyone who knows anything about fighting recognizes how uphill Chen's battle is. Sarugian has an edge that few dare to challenge," another voice added.
"It's a real shame. I wish the fighters from Daxia could climb into the lightweight ranks, but Sarugian is a formidable opponent," someone lamented.
"Why would Brother Chen take a fight like this?" another asked, shaking their head. "Accepting this matchup is like handing over his reputation. A loss would churn the trolls into a frenzy."
…
Outside the arena, the enigmatic Catwoman clutched Ye Chen's jacket, a sly smile dancing across her lips as she pondered sending him a message. Just as she was about to tap away, the familiar footsteps of Ye Chen, now heading back to the fighting area, caught her attention.
"What's going on? Is he really going back out there? Doesn't he value his life?" she muttered, both intrigued and concerned. "I need to figure this out!"
…
Before long, Ye Chen re-entered the thunderous arena. The crowd erupted, a wave of cheers and outstretched hands reaching for him, as if he was the last hope of humanity against an impending zombie apocalypse. In a bid to escape the enthusiastic swarm, Ye Chen dashed forward, hands raised as he playfully acknowledged the fans.
Stepping onto the octagonal canvas of the ring, Ye Chen's gaze fell on a pool of crimson left by Bobby Green's earlier fight. An indescribable mix of doubt, excitement, and disbelief washed over him. Just months ago, he was a sparring partner; now, he was face-to-face with the elite of mixed martial arts, competitors he had only seen on screens or in highlight reels.
When Sarugian's name echoed through the arena, he knew it was time to focus. Taking a deep breath, Ye Chen refocused his thoughts. This was not just another fight; it was his biggest challenge yet. He couldn't afford to let anxiety cloud his mind—losing that edge could spell disaster.
His plan was still a work in progress, but he knew one thing for sure: maintaining distance was crucial. While wrestling might be his opponent's forte, Ye Chen understood he needed to play to his own strengths. Ground jujitsu was his weapon of choice, but against Sarugian's powerful grappling, he knew he couldn't afford to be pinned.
Remembering a past encounter with a third-degree black belt, he quickly discarded memories of matches lost to swift ground control. No bloody face, no embarrassing defeat—he needed to stay upright and look for opportunities. He had to exploit Salugian's weaknesses while avoiding his own.
As Sarugian strode confidently into the ring, there was no mistaking his physical prowess. Although not the tallest fighter, the strength and explosive energy radiated from him. Those sharp eyes seemed to pierce right through Ye Chen, reminiscent of a predator sizing up its prey.
Yet, to Ye Chen's surprise, Sarugian displayed a remarkable camaraderie. With a warm smile, he walked over to offer a handshake, gratitude evident in his demeanor. "Thank you for stepping in last minute. You did great out there just now. I have no doubt you'll earn your spot in the rankings one day."
Ye Chen nodded, appreciating the compliment gravely. "I've seen your matches, too. You're destined for the championship." A brief but solid hug sealed their mutual respect.
At that moment, something magical happened.
*[Simulation successful; contact established.]*
*[All Sarugian's information being processed...]*
*[Recording all game records and tactical approaches...]*
Ye Chen grimaced. If only he had more time—just a week of simulation could drastically increase his chances of winning.
But the clock was ticking. The referee's voice broke through his thoughts as he gestured them toward the center of the ring.
"You know the rules. No dirty tricks. I won't tolerate foul play…"
And with that, after a friendly fist bump exchanged, the two combatants returned to their corners, their muscles coiled with tension, waiting for the moment the fight would begin. The weight of expectation hung heavy in the air, and the only sound was the rhythmic beating of Ye Chen's heart as he prepared to step into the most challenging battle of his life.