This event promises to be a spectacular showdown. While it's not a championship match, the presence of three fan-favorite fighters—Mahar, Gage, and Covington—ensures that the excitement is palpable. It's a much-anticipated clash between two elite competitors in the weight classes. Hosting the event in Las Vegas adds to its grandeur, drawing in many fans and even some celebrities from the entertainment world to witness the action firsthand.
I had the pleasure of attending this event alongside Ye Chen, who was all dressed up in a custom suit fashioned by Catwoman. Her elegant long skirt beautifully accentuated her figure, while Ye Chen's appearance reflected a remarkable transformation. Previously weighing in at 85 kilograms, Ye Chen now sports ten additional kilograms of muscle. The difference is striking; he stands taller and more robust, with a physique that strikes a balance between lean and muscular. Though he might seem slender clothed, he is undeniably fit when undressed, boasting an impressive head-to-shoulder ratio and long legs. Adorned in his bespoke suit crafted by Catwoman, he exuded charm and determination—more like a star than a fighter.
Upon making our entrance, we turned heads and sparked excitement among the audience, with all eyes on us. Catwoman whispered to Ye Chen, "I told you, this is your best look yet. If you still doubt that, it should be clear now." After his muscle gain, it's clear that Catwoman is enamored with Ye Chen's enhanced physical appeal. She's become quite adamant that he should maintain this weight and not reduce it, particularly for health reasons. After all, the last time Tie Xue posted a sparring video with Ye Chen, her reaction was one of alarm at his raw power. He had been advised against training with Iron-Blooded due to the inherent dangers.
Chuckling, Ye Chen remarked, "Look around; most of these people are men. They're probably just thrilled to see some action."
Since gaining weight, he's been contemplating the welterweight or middleweight divisions as more appropriate for him. The featherweight class felt limiting, leaving him too undersized—both in terms of mass and the ability to absorb hits. He was soon drawn to the front row of the audience where he spotted Jie Xue amidst the throng. Jie Xue had been recovering from injuries at the Elite Training Center, and their frequent meet-ups had forged a solid friendship.
As the night unfolded, familiar faces joined the scene—including stars like Cejudo, Xiaobao, Tai Pang, Five Stars, and Holloway. Even some fighters Ye Chen didn't recognize approached him for a friendly exchange, and he and Catwoman quickly became the center of attention, transforming the venue into a veritable Avenue of Stars—a strategic success for Dana to boost UFC's visibility.
The matches kicked off but failed to capture any real excitement until we hit the main event. For the most part, the atmosphere reached its peak when Ye Chen and Catwoman entered. Catwoman leaned against him, stifling a yawn, murmuring in his ear, "This is rather dull. Are you tired? I could take you home."
In truth, Ye Chen found himself equally uninterested in the action. Were it not for Dana's persistent invitations and their coincidental stay in Vegas, he likely would have chosen to avoid the event altogether. Compared to the comfort of home, where he could engage in his favorite activities, enduring the live event wasn't particularly gratifying. Their every interaction drew attention, creating a spectacle of their own.
"No need, I'd rather stay here and watch this dull show."
As they waited, Catwoman eventually dozed off, resting her head on Ye Chen's shoulder. He found the situation rather amusing; while the noise around them was relentless, she remained unfazed while he couldn't manage to sleep. It was refreshing to see how casual she was about the celebrity life, not feeling the need to put on airs or flaunt her status.
The atmosphere shifted as the match between Covington and Big Eye began. This matchup drew significant interest, and cheers erupted when the competitors entered the cage. Initially, they tested each other with feints and jabs, with Covington struggling to gain the upper hand. He suddenly dove in, but Big Eye was no slouch either; his wrestling prowess kept him competitive. Despite Covington's best efforts, his formidable wrestling skills continually allowed him to evade being pinned down.
What followed was a series of grappling exchanges where the crowd's enthusiasm began to wane. Covington, known for his boastful demeanor, seemed to stifle the excitement this time around, engaging in gameplay that deviated from his typical brash style. His previous declarations that he would unleash havoc against Big Eye now felt hollow as he became more cautious, keen to avoid a fall rather than entertain.
With discontentment rippling through the audience, boos erupted as the fight progressed without much spectacle—an unexpected deviation from the anticipated fireworks. The dramatic tension built until Ye Chen, who had been dozing, was jolted awake by the crowd's uproar. He glanced down at Catwoman, deeply asleep and blissfully unaware of the melee around them.
In a moment that surprised Ye Chen, the referee raised Covington's hand; he had won. The crowd erupted but not in victory—rather, the tone was skeptical and resentful. During his post-fight interview, Covington aimed a taunt at Ye Chen, proclaiming, "Did you see that? I just took down a top-tier fighter. You hide in the lightweight division like a coward. When will you step up and face a real challenge?"
Unfazed, Covington pointed out Ye Chen's supposed weakness, emphasizing how he seemed to lack fighting spirit now that he had comfort and fame. As the crowd began to pilfer disdainful jeers, DC, a commentator, chimed in with a laugh, revealing the irony that while Covington boasted, Ye Chen had visibly dozed off.
As the audience roared for Ye Chen to step into the ring, Catwoman awoke, slightly disoriented. "What's happening?" she murmured. Covington took the opportunity to escalate his diatribe against Ye Chen, further driving home his points with theatrical bravado, declaring that Ye Chen had lost respect for the sport.
Ye Chen was bemused but playful in his retort, saying, "It was honestly just a tedious match. I'm sure I wasn't the only one dozing off amid the monotony." The crowd responded positively to his remark, and laughter filled the arena. Covington, visibly annoyed, tried to interrupt, but his attempts fell flat without a microphone for the audience to hear.
Ye Chen pressed on, suggesting that the internet persona Covington projected was a facade, noting how he had the uncanny ability to make the ring feel dull. Cheers of agreement from the audience indicated that many shared Ye Chen's sentiments. Logan, stepping up to make light of the moment, handed Covington a mic, further inciting playful banter.
"What's this?" Covington quipped, unable to help himself. "Ye Chen has a bigger build than I do, but he cowers in the lightweight division against easy fights. Is this heroics beloved in Daxia? Why not act like a real fighter and challenge me?"
In response, Ye Chen remained unimpressed, gesturing for the crowd's attention with a laugh and stating, "Honestly, what can you offer me? A belt? A money match? It doesn't intrigue me. I am here to face those who truly challenge me, and mark my words, I'm set for my rematch with Wusman."
The audience erupted with excitement, not anticipating this surprise announcement. Covington's expression shifted from smugness to shock, merely realizing that Ye Chen meant it. The momentum surged through the crowd as they grasped the reality of the impending bout, propelling the energy further into the stratosphere.
The weeks leading up to the highly-publicized super fight became a whirlwind for Ye Chen. He was in constant demand, active in promotional events, interviews, and appearances on YouTube. UFC dialed up the advertising blitz, mirroring the intensity shown during his encounter with Conor—all in pursuit of casting Ye Chen as the next major superstar.
Catwoman emerged as a pivotal figure behind the scenes, working diligently with agents to negotiate favorable terms for Ye Chen. While his appearance fee remained at a solid 1.5 million dollars, she ensured his commission spiked to 20%, significantly uplifting his earnings. Although she had no monetary needs, her involvement stemmed from genuine care and a desire to shield Ye Chen from financial strain.
As the date of the super fight approached, anticipation built up tremendously, prompting professionals from all over the nation to gather for the showdown. Gazi, who had grown close to Ye Chen, shared in the excitement while ensuring he stayed disciplined in training and weight management. Gazi's vigilance served almost as a personal alarm, constantly reminding Ye Chen of the importance of preparation.
Despite this pressure, Ye Chen was calm. He had already adjusted his weight to 88 kilograms—an impressive feat leading up to the event. The fight was drawing closer, and the stage was set for an epic encounter—one that was sure to be etched in the memories of many fans across the globe.