As Ye Chen stepped back into the cage, he paused for a moment, brushing his fingers against the top of the cage net, testing the tension in his muscles. He turned, his back arching slightly, and there she was again—the woman who had pilfered his clothes, sitting there with a casual air that was almost infuriating.
Her gaze was firmly fixed on him, hinting that she'd been watching his every move. With a playful flick of her short sleeves, she tilted her head to the side, an expression on her face that screamed defiance, as if to say, "Come on, make your move."
But Catwoman wasn't looking to play the punching bag. Somewhere in the depths of her bored heart, she found herself thinking that he looked oddly handsome in that moment of intensity. What was happening? Could it be that after two months of trading blows with a stranger online, this mysterious rivalry had garnered her interest?
It was certainly more thrilling than the endless attention from those who knew exactly who she was—her mystique left no room for surprises. It was this playful dance of anonymity that kept her determined to engage with Ye Chen rather than stepping back.
And so, the two locked eyes, each one sizing the other up, caught in a thrilling stalemate.
---
Meanwhile, on the other side of the cage, Salujian's coaching staff was hard at work, strategizing a plan to destabilize Ye Chen. After reviewing footage from his previous matches, the head coach stood behind Salujian, calling through the cage net, "His standing game poses a slight threat, and he has some basic jiu-jitsu skills, but his wrestling is mediocre. Remember, throw him off balance and keep him grappling. Never underestimate him, and don't allow him a chance to stand."
The coaching team was playing it safe, crafting a plan that would adapt as the fight unfolded. Sarugian nodded in acknowledgment, absorbing his coach's advice.
"Let's get this started," the referee declared, signaling the fight's commencement.
Stepping into the ring's inner circle, Ye Chen altered his stance, stretching out his right arm to gauge the distance. Control of the range would be pivotal in this match if he wanted to stand a chance. His left elbow lowered defensively, anticipating any sudden attack. Being tall with long legs, he instinctively prepared by lowering his center of gravity.
In those initial moments, both fighters circled each other, cautious and calculating, exchanging tentative jabs.
---
In the audience, commentator Xi Luogen exclaimed, "What a riveting match-up we have! Will Salujian claim victory, or will Ye Chen—a fighter known for his audacious surprises—do the unthinkable again?"
His colleague DC chimed in, "Ye Chen's wrestling skills are shaky at best. If he can keep his feet on the ground, he has a fighting chance. But the moment he goes down, he's in serious trouble."
Standing in the spotlight, the fighters were acutely aware of the stakes. Any bold predictions had to be buried for the moment, as expert commentary mustn't sway the rich tapestry of unfolding drama.
"Here it comes!"
Suddenly, Salujian lunged forward, delivering a powerful kick to Ye Chen's midsection. The sheer force of the blow echoed through the arena, as if the air had been charged with electrifying energy.
Ye Chen felt the impact flood through his arm, stinging sharply like a blunt force trauma, but he quickly regained composure. Instinct kicked in as he retreated, positioning his elbows to shield his abdomen.
Within a fraction of a second, Ye Chen seized the initiative, dashing forward and delivering a straight right punch that whizzed past Salujian's defense. Though Salujian was quick to evade, Ye Chen wasn't done yet. With a swift leg sweep, he aimed to catch the opponent off-guard.
Salujian blocked the attack with his elbow, but Ye Chen wasn't finished. In a remarkable twist, he transitioned from a sweeping kick into a high kick aimed directly at Salujian's head.
Caught by surprise, Sarugian scrambled to cover himself, but the incredible force of Ye Chen's kick sent him staggering, leaving a vivid mark on his arms—a testament to the sheer strength of the blow. Gasps rippled through the audience as the action unfolded in an exhilarating blur.
Seizing the moment, Ye Chen rushed forward, but Salujian robustly countered, diving and grabbing one of Ye Chen's legs, determined not to let him find his balance again.
Caught in the chaos, Ye Chen reacted swiftly, his hand snaking around Salujian's neck, expertly transitioning into a triangle choke. But this maneuver was more about control than submission; winning would require precision-on-the-mat skills.
In an intense ground game, both men sought dominance; one wrong move could spell disaster. Ye Chen felt the weight of both fighters as they vied for superiority. He could feel the pressure shift in his favor, forcing Salujian down momentarily.
But Sarugian wasn't ready to concede. With a fierce determination fueled by months of honing his wrestling prowess, he wrapped his arms around Ye Chen's waist, attempting to topple him.
Yet, Ye Chen had put in the hard yards over the last month and a half, and he wasn't about to let up now. He adjusted his positioning, aiming to circle behind Salujian for a shot at total control—but then, an electrifying realization coursed through him: he was face-to-face with a wrestling titan, and the fight was only just beginning.
---
The tension surged in the arena as the battle escalated, leaving the audience at the edge of their seats. Would Ye Chen manage to turn the tide, or would Sarugian display his top-tier grappling prowess? The night held its breath in anticipation—this was more than a match; it was a true test of mettle and wit, where only the strongest would emerge victorious.