Initially, he had thought that if the game remained indecisive, he would pack his bags and return to China. After all, with parents aging, homecomings become a necessity. But reflecting on it now, the championship fight feels tantalizingly close. Why not go home clutching that coveted belt? So, his plan shifted to waiting for the next opportunity.
Additionally, Dana had just given him a call, announcing that he'd be flying back to the beautiful country in two days, and this would be no ordinary trip—it would be a special, private flight.
Two days later, upon returning to the beautiful country, Ye Chen's popularity soared to unprecedented heights, now rivaling that of the legendary Wolf King. His Instagram followers were on the brink of surpassing 4 million, a staggering figure that puts him ahead of rising stars like Honey and Paddy Two Supernovas. The allure of the Wolf King cannot be overstated; with a championship win, he would seize the title of the most popular fighter in the division—though this doesn't include the semi-retired Conor.
Yet, Ye Chen's fame, though meteoric, was indeed fleeting. Without the persistence of a longer career, surpassing the Wolf King's established popularity seems improbable. This explains Dana's current favoritism towards Ye Chen, reflected in everything from luxurious private flights to a swift journey to New York, where top-notch medical facilities and Dana's specialized rehab trainers awaited. In this land of plenty, affluent individuals like Dana often have personal physicians at their beck and call—though these doctors serve multiple VIP clients, providing a realm of privileges. Now, Ye Chen basked in this treatment, entirely complimentary.
Furthermore, Dana had secured impeccable hotel accommodations for him, epitomizing a seamless, all-inclusive experience. Over the last six months, Ye Chen had evolved from a mere sparring partner into a force to be reckoned with in the world of mixed martial arts. He felt a profound sense of fulfillment.
It's worth noting that since his popularity surged, Ye Chen's phone had been abuzz with calls from notable fighters—including Darius, Fijiev, and Gamrot. All three are formidable competitors, strong but relatively unknown, with no one eager to face them. Each could potentially break into the top five, serving as strong contenders for future title shots. Sarugian had even reached out for a rematch. Though Ye Chen was open to these battles, his sights were firmly set on winning the championship first. After that fight, he could eagerly return to dispatch these challengers one by one—he was determined not to falter.
In perhaps the most humorous twist of fate, both Paddy and the brash Conor McGregor had thrown their names into the ring, calling him out. Conor, once the peak talker of MMA, continues to showcase his strength, even as the glitz of wealth has seemingly dimmed his once fiery spirit. The landscape of mixed martial arts evolves with remarkable speed, and although he was once the pioneer, he's now grappling with an era where fighters are rapidly refining their skills. This was exemplified during his defeat at the hands of Xiaoying. Conversely, "Diamond" was the fighter Conor had once dominated. Yet, time marches on, and Diamond had transformed into a formidable challenger, armed with an impressive set of punches that left Conor scrambling for cover. As of now, Conor's future remains uncertain—his talent is undeniable, but the championship title remains elusive.
As for Paddy, their previous bout sparked controversy. The outcome was met with dissatisfaction among fans and professionals alike, especially since his opponent fell outside the rankings and was considerably older and smaller. Not that Ye Chen disrespects them; but stark realities cannot be denied. If Conor genuinely wanted to fight him, it would be a lucrative opportunity—one he couldn't allow to slip away. Ye Chen swiftly tagged both fighters, inviting them into the ring, hinting at a desire to settle matters once and for all. It wasn't madness but rather a realization that their online bravado was merely intended to stoke their hype—seriousness was another matter entirely.
Yet, days passed in silence, leaving Ye Chen at a loss regarding the whereabouts of Diamond or Oliveira. Mahar had clearly indicated a desire to take a breather after his last bout—understandable, considering few fighters can handle six fights a year, while most engage in only two or three annually.
Then came one fateful day when Dana and Logan approached Ye Chen right after his physical therapy session.
"You want me to face Diamond or Oliveira first?" Ye Chen wasn't taken aback; convention dictated that the top contenders followed a strategic path, and Darius, boasting eight consecutive victories, held the right to challenge.
Dana replied, "Don't worry; we're just weighing the options. You know we have an eye for star-making. After a thorough team discussion, we believe you should face more popular fighters first—Diamond or perhaps Oliveira. And if Connor makes his comeback, we will facilitate that, too."
Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, intrigued. He quickly deduced that a victory over Mahar might come at too great a cost. Superstars often struggle to bounce back after defeat, and despite Paddy's lackluster performance, he still managed to secure victory last time. If asked to go against Mahar now, his self-assurance wavered.
Logan added, "Forget about whether you can best Mahar. Even if you do, once you hold that championship, everyone will see you as invincible in the lightweight division. As a result, whoever you face afterward will have lower expectations. The perception shifts drastically once you've conquered Maha."
But if Ye Chen opted to battle more popular fighters, leveraging his current surge in fame could exponentially amplify his value. A loss to Mahar? That could cut his worth in half, complicating his journey ahead.
Dana, ever the astute businessman, understood that while he had cultivated numerous champions in the MMA realm, true superstars like Conor are exceedingly rare. Xiaoying is perhaps a half-step in that direction, but others struggle to break free from the confines of their divisions. Yet, Ye Chen's curiosity lingered. "But didn't Connor state he wanted a fourth match with Diamond?"
Dana chuckled softly, "Honestly, who would pay to watch the same face-off four times? The chemistry is non-existent, and even if they agreed, we wouldn't promote such a bout."
"We initially envisioned Connor versus Paddy when he returns, but given Paddy's latest display, you seem the better fit now. You and Connor are buzzing—together, you create headlines."
The mere notion of engaging Connor in a potentially lucrative clash ignited a spark in Ye Chen's imagination—it represented a golden opportunity for both fame and fortune.