Ye Chen took a moment to reflect.
"In the matchup between Makhachev and The Great, I have to agree with the majority—Makhachev is likely to come out on top. He truly is one of the most well-rounded fighters of our time.
But let's not overlook the Emperor's strength. I believe Mahar's battle against the Emperor presents challenges that go beyond his fight with Oliveira.
Oliveira's stand-up game has significant flaws that Makhachev can exploit. The Eagles are a top team, and Mahar's skills are sharp enough to magnify those weaknesses.
In contrast, the Emperor is also a comprehensive fighter. While he may not be as strong on the ground as Oliveira, if he can avoid being taken down, he could certainly provide Makhachev with some trouble on his feet."
Ye Chen chose not to respond to Xiaoying's comments about him; after all, they weren't too extreme.
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The following days were filled with interviews that leaned toward the absurd, the kind that fans enjoy most.
Gage claimed he could end Ye Chen's career. Ye Chen fired back, asserting he could knock Gage out. Maha declared he could claim the P4P number one spot, while Dadi joked about his height and how it wouldn't affect his standing skills against Mahar.
The atmosphere was electric and chaotic among fans.
The game's popularity skyrocketed thanks to Khabib's involvement. With over 30 million fans, he ranks just behind Connor McGregor. His estimated appearance fee of $6 million was the highest in the league, though it's hard to confirm such figures due to confidentiality agreements.
Along with Ye Chen and Gage—two lightweight stars—adding a local champion from Emperor Odalia only fueled the excitement.
All tickets were sold out more than a week ahead of the event, which is a rarity. Pay-Per-View sales were also brisk, much to Dana's delight.
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Finally, the official weigh-in concluded, leading into the highly anticipated pre-match press conference.
Backstage, Ye Chen mingled with fellow fighters Dadi, Xiaoying, Maha, and Gage. They exchanged hellos, and everyone sensed the competition in the air.
At the press conference, Xiaoying attracted attention from the audience as he sat among the viewers.
On stage, Maha and Gage occupied the first row on the left, while Ye Chen and Dadi sat on the right.
A reporter posed a question to Islam: "You're favored by many for this match. If you win, could your next title defense be against Justin or Ye Chen?"
The lightweight division was in disarray. After Maha claimed the championship, it was clear that Oliveira wouldn't be receiving an immediate rematch; neither he nor his fans wanted that, knowing the outcome wouldn't favor them.
Chandler had fallen behind, losing to Diamond before succumbing to Ye Chen, landing him in sixth place—far from title contention.
Currently, three fighters in the top five were in line to challenge: Diamond, ranked second, Darius in fourth, and the winner of Ye Chen versus Gage.
Logically, Darius should be the number one contender with his impressive eight-fight win streak. Unfortunately, his popularity lagged behind others, leaving him unpicked.
Ye Chen, Gage, and Diamond were neck-and-neck regarding title shot potential. Ultimately, it would hinge on Maha's decision.
However, Ye Chen felt little hope, recognizing that Diamond's fanbase, experience, and ticket-selling ability surpassed his own. Unless Dana intervened, his chances of surpassing Diamond were slim.
Maha held the microphone, pausing for a brief moment. "Right now, I'm focused solely on my fight against the Emperor. My goal is to be number one in the P4P rankings. We can discuss future matchups later when the time comes."
Maha's response cleverly dodged the pointed inquiry—exuding intelligence and composure.
The next question, aimed at Islam, referenced Ye Chen's potential threat to his championship. "Many people believe he could take the belt from you. What's your take on that?"
Maha replied smoothly, "Our team monitors all potential opponents—not just Ye Chen. He's strong, has incredible potential, and is a well-rounded fighter with good takedown defense and Jiu-Jitsu skills. But his time hasn't come yet; I'm still in control."
While his words were respectful, many Ye Chen fans found them harsh. Gasps filled the room.
The crowd reacted with disapproval toward Maha's dismissal.
A reporter then directed a question to Ye Chen: "What do you think of Islam's answer? Do you feel confident in defeating Gage to secure a title shot?"
Ye Chen wasted no time in answering, "Absolutely. While others focus on me, I'm keeping a close eye on them as well. I genuinely respect both Gage and Islam. Especially Islam, as we share a similar journey to the championship.
Eight years ago, he came to the UFC to claim the title, and now I'm here, fully prepared for anything. No one can stop me."
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Though the press conference lacked dramatic flair, it set the stage perfectly for what was to come.
Soon, the night of the fight arrived, brimming with excitement.
In the preparation room, Ye Chen was astonished as he swept all the sub-matches—a rare feat in UFC history. The crowd's energy was electric, eager for the upcoming battles.