Ye Chen's multimillion-dollar wager didn't bring down Covington, but it certainly stirred up quite a storm in the MMA community. Many fighters, including Chimaev, Black Dragon, Costa, and even the honorable Pereira, were quick to reach out to Ye Chen, expressing their willingness to back his bet. Not one to miss out, former champions like Usman, Makhachev, and Oliveira also chimed in, seeking a rematch and showing interest in Ye Chen's offer. Of course, some of these fighters were merely talking the talk; they understood that getting Ye Chen to agree to any of these bets was a long shot. In fact, several of them had already lined up bouts and signed contracts with their opponents.
However, if Ye Chen were to truly accept any of these proposals, they would instantly abandon their existing fight agreements. This highlights the distinct disparity in weight and status between Ye Chen and these challengers. In the boxing arena, it is not uncommon for top-level fighters to place bets in the tens of millions. Yet in the world of MMA, Ye Chen, alongside the likes of Conor McGregor, stands out as one of the few capable of making such bets.
Ye Chen was quite selective about who he would engage with on these terms, specifically wanting Covington to be quiet and refrain from his usual antics. Sure enough, after his initial outburst, Covington was relatively silent for several days, almost as if he had vanished from the internet landscape entirely. Just when everyone, including Ye Chen and Catwoman, presumed the matter would fizzle out, Covington re-emerged on an interview show, much to everyone's surprise.
During the show, Covington addressed Ye Chen directly, boldly agreeing to his terms. "Fans of our great nation, you know 983 that I never shy away from a fight. I'm a true warrior, competing at 170 pounds with a smaller frame. I embody the essence of toughness and represent the spirit of our great nation. While I've been quiet these past few days, it's not from fear; I've been in talks with the UFC. Tomorrow, I'm heading to UFC headquarters with two million dollars to sign our contract. Ye Chen, you're done, and I'll see you inside the octagon."
The host looked stunned. "Are you serious? Just days ago, you tweeted that this was an unfair wager and that you wouldn't agree."
Covington replied, "That was because Ye Chen thought I couldn't come up with two million in cash and used that as an excuse to avoid the fight. Now he's trapped; someone is stepping forward to finance me, and I'm going to take him down in the Octagon. You'll see."
Curiously, the host pressed on, "Who is this benefactor?"
Covington answered cryptically, "He's a man I hold in high regard, someone who once stood at the pinnacle of our nation. No one understands fighting quite like him... and he's chosen to back me. Ye Chen, I hope you're ready, because I'll be ending you in the Octagon."
His comments sparked even more intrigue, leading to rampant speculation about the identity of this mysterious benefactor. Many viewers had immediate thoughts of a specific individual—someone who had previously met Covington at the White House, had a history in fighting, and was linked to the business of boxing champion Tyson's team. He had attended UFC events in the past, and Covington's remark about "being the best in the fighting world" immediately turned attention toward this high-profile figure.
While this person may have held a prestigious position, it's important to note that he is not known for acts of charity; he is a savvy businessman who likely saw a lucrative opportunity in this wager. With the arrival of this shadowy supporter, public interest in Covington and Ye Chen's upcoming bout surged, sparking coverage even from mainstream media outlets that typically wouldn't report on combat sports. Financial publications began analyzing the potential economic implications of this face-off.
Recognizing the escalating buzz surrounding the event, Dana White devised a promotional strategy to build momentum as Ye Chen and Covington finalized their contracts. "It's official; time is running short—we have less than two months," Ye Chen conveyed to Gazi over video call.
"Are we moving that quickly? This matchup is generating significant heat. I'm currently in Florida and frequently overhear people discussing this fight," Gazi responded, seemingly both surprised and excited. "By the way, I might not be able to assist in your training for this one, as I have my own commitments with my recent opponent. If that pans out, I'll also need to focus on my preparation."
Gazi expressed slight regret, understanding that Ye Chen had once been his strong ally. But Ye Chen, ever the optimist, smiled and reassured him, "It's totally fine. Why worry about preparation when we clock in training at Winton?"
"Don't underestimate Covington. He's tough as nails. Additionally, the stakes are skyrocketing, with tens of millions on the line. You can bet he's preparing rigorously right now. You need to stay sharp; many analysts suggest that if you win this fight, your status will surpass even Conor's legacy," Gazi reminded him. "You are absolutely fierce, my idol!"
While Ye Chen appreciated the encouragement, he recognized that Covington was no rookie; he belonged in the thick of the fight, and his track record in the ring showed promise, making him a formidable adversary despite his often controversial persona.
As luck would have it, the upcoming card featured two mid-tier matchups, with Ye Chen leading the main event and Chimaev fighting in the co-main. As the fight date drew near, the UFC ramped up its promotional efforts exponentially. Behind the scenes, insiders speculated that Ye Chen had the potential to outshine Conor McGregor should he emerge victorious.
Interest was surging worldwide. Fans anticipated the brutality of Covington's trash talk and speculated on the potential satisfaction of witnessing Ye Chen slap down his bravado in the Octagon. If Covington were to win, he could redefine himself as the UFC's top villain, yet a loss would not only cost him financially, but could also plunge him into obscurity. Historical precedence suggested that many who fell to Conor McGregor saw their careers take a nosedive.
As the countdown continues, excitement escalates. In just one week, this high-stakes showdown is set to kick off in New York, and promotional tactics have never been more aggressive. With Covington at the height of his notoriety, his visibility has never been greater. Ye Chen, on the other hand, felt comfortable in his popularity; he was already a prominent figure, and any additional fame wouldn't make much of a difference at this point.
"Alright, do you want to tackle another set?" Ye Chen inquired while in training, sticking to an organized weight loss regimen. Catwoman had been by his side, consistently ensuring he remained focused on shedding pounds in preparation for their upcoming competitions. Handing him a bottle of water, she urged, "Don't forget, you have an exclusive interview lined up with Logan tonight."
After taking a swig, Ye Chen nodded in agreement, handing back the now-empty bottle and gearing up for the next round of training. "We've got to keep it up. After beating Usman, you noticed that weight jumped up a few kilograms, and I'm edging close to 100 kg. If I don't stay on top of this, I'll struggle to make weight come fight night."
Naturally, Ye Chen had managed to trim down to 90 kg as the match drew nearer, showcasing a remarkable ability to manipulate his weight—a skill not commonly seen among fighters competing in his category. His exceptional capability to dehydrate and recover allowed him greater adaptability than most seasoned competitors, making his on-the-mat weight some of the heaviest among his peers.
"Stop blaming me for your weight issues," Catwoman countered playfully, rejecting his lighthearted jab. "You have to own your weight, not put it on me."
It was meant in jest, as Ye Chen was aware of how his frame worked. If left unchecked, his weight could easily balloon past the hundred-kilogram mark with little effort.
As the excitement surrounds Ye Chen's journey, it becomes clear that both he and Covington are set for a showdown that promises to captivate audiences worldwide. With public anticipation at an all-time high, the world's eyes will undoubtedly be glued to the Octagon, eager to witness who will walk away victorious.