The crowd erupted in excitement. Cheers for Ye Chen echoed throughout the arena, a testament to his extraordinary talent. In a remarkable turn of events, he claimed the title of double champion, dethroning two fighters who had long been considered the most stable in their divisions. Makhachev was hailed as a new generation champion, having swiftly defeated Oliveira, establishing a dominant reign in the lightweight division that many presumed would last until his retirement, much like Khabib's legacy years prior.
However, out of nowhere, Ye Chen emerged as a formidable contender. He earned his title shot after an impressive streak of eight consecutive victories, capturing the championship belt in a single bout and bringing an end to the Eagles' undefeated streak. Then there was Wusman, a powerful champion who had been a nightmare for challengers. Covington, renowned for his wrestling and endurance, fell to him; Burns, a world-class jiu-jitsu practitioner, was also defeated; even the top werewolf in the UFC, Motor, met the same fate.
Then came surprise after surprise. Just when it seemed that Wusman had solidified his dominance, Ye Chen entered the scene. In round three, with less than two minutes gone, Ye Chen took Wusman down with a standing arm triangle choke, showcasing a level of skill that exceeded expectations. The fight unfolded easier than anticipated, as if Wusman were not at his usual intensity. However, it was clear that Ye Chen's tactics were responsible for pushing Wusman off his game.
Dada, standing in the front row, grinned from ear to ear, witnessing Ye Chen's triumph as if he were gazing upon a flourishing "money tree" in the ring. The three commentators were left stunned by the unexpected turn of events, unable to fathom how Ye Chen had secured the secondary championship. DC shook his head in disbelief, speechless at what had just transpired.
Logan, a prominent host with a long list of celebrity guests, finally managed to speak. "It's hard to believe that this is a substitute player from Daxia," he said. "At first, we simply recognized his potential to become a star, much like Hanguo's Li Zhengyong. However, while Li Zhengyong struggles to even crack the top fifteen in his weight class, Ye Chen has already conquered championships in two divisions. It's nothing short of astounding."
Bisping weighed in as well, asserting, "He might just be the next Conor, but with a more comprehensive skill set and versatility."
DC, filled with joy, hardly knew what to say. A heavy bet had been placed on Ye Chen, an echo of Jackson's sentiments. From the moment Ye Chen defeated Makhachev, DC committed to supporting him in all lightweights matchups. He believed that Makhachev held similar capabilities to Wusman. When it came to Ye Chen defeating Makhachev, the conclusion was clear: Wusman was not as formidable as many believed. His wrestling prowess paled in comparison to Covington's; standing skills trailed behind Hua Zi; explosive power and finishing ability didn't match Chima's; and his ground fighting was not on par with Burns.
It's essential to recognize that this doesn't imply Wusman is lacking in strength; rather, he simply isn't a well-rounded fighter and has distinct weaknesses. In contrast, Ye Chen and Makhachev are true all-rounders. To DC's surprise, Wusman was finished in the third round, surrendering in an unexpected haze without showcasing his full potential.
At that moment, seasoned professionals were at a loss. Burns, seated ringside with his head in his hands, gazed at Ye Chen celebrating with confusion. His connections with Wusman, built over years of training together, painted a stark reality; he had placed his bets on Wusman, still reeling from the news.
Around him, the atmosphere was thick with disbelief. Ali, Wusman's agent, clutched his bald head, his expression twisted in dismay as one of his top fighters succumbed to defeat. Losing three of his star fighters—first Gage, then Maha, and now Wusman—left him feeling utterly despondent, particularly since he had lost money in two of those matches.
Across the sport, shockwaves reverberated. Just as Hua Zi reeled with disbelief, his competitive spirit ignited. Wusman's defeat had sparked thoughts of opportunity; battling Ye Chen could earn him lucrative rewards, far exceeding what he'd gain in title defenses. He quickly opened his account and posted directly to Qima, eager to set up a challenge for the right to contend for the title.
Covington, who had been monitoring the bout intensely, was astonished. Not by Ye Chen's skill but rather Wusman's inability to perform at his peak level. He quickly took to social media, "What did I just witness? A toe-stomping contest? Dana, you organized a slapping competition, when will we see a toe-stomping event? Clearly, Ye Chen and Wusman would dominate that too."
Witty jabs were everywhere; Qima, too, joined the fray. "I could hardly stay awake watching two rookies. If I were in there, I would have put them both to sleep in the first round. Ye Chen's wrestling skills are subpar; I can easily make him fly in the cage!"
The buzz expanded, as others—both competitors and analysts alike—sprang into action, rallying around Ye Chen's name in the lightweight and welterweight divisions. Even Costa from the middleweight category chimed in, ridiculing the fighters' performances. "Kids resort to these tactics when they fight. I've seen Ye Chen's physique; he doesn't measure up. He can't handle my strength," he declared, anticipating a test of prowess.
Conor himself touted Ye Chen a second time, and others began to follow, joining the rapidly growing crowd. Internet celebrity Jake Paul didn't hold back, posting, "What a dismal battle. The American champion was taken down by a Daxia fighter. Wusman, you're past your prime; it's time to retire. Ye Chen, don't hide behind aging veterans. If you're serious about fighting, come face me in the boxing ring. I'm also an NCAA first-team wrestler."
Even Ava, an accomplished champion and past P4P number one, weighed in. With a history of online feuds with Wusman, she posted, "An incredible victory! A thrilling encounter where a young fighter from a bustling city defeated someone who claimed to be the best in the UFC. Ye Chen's boxing is impressive. Should a cross-sport match take place, I would wish to battle him rather than the so-called 'king'."