The night was electrifying. Ye Chen and Catwoman arrived at the temporary interview venue just ahead of the competition, where many fighters were bustling around, engaging in exclusive interviews. Not every athlete gets the chance for a personal interview with Rogan, but a multitude of media gathered, including celebrity fighting bloggers looking to snag exclusive moments with the competitors.
As they waited for the elevator, Ye Chen was met with familiar faces. Many from the media urged him to appear on their shows, telling him there were plenty of openings any night after his bout with Logan. Ye Chen politely declined their offers.
Suddenly, five individuals drew near. Leading the group was Chimaev, sporting black attire, sunglasses, a shaved head, and a significant beard. Ye Chen had been engaged in conversation with Catwoman and hadn't noticed the approaching entourage at first.
"Hey bro, didn't expect to see you here!" Chimaev's voice called out, catching Ye Chen's attention. He looked up just in time to see Chimaev remove his sunglasses, handing them to a member of his team while striding over with his arms outstretched.
"Hi," Ye Chen replied, maintaining his composure. Despite Chimaev's brash reputation—being 8.5 pounds over the limit—he made a respectable approach. With tension diffused, Ye Chen acknowledged him with a nod, preferring not to delve into lengthy conversation with someone he didn't know too well. However, Chimaev, being a recognizable face, initiated a handshake and greeted Catwoman warmly.
During Ye Chen's time in the lightweight division, Catwoman had familiarized herself with potential opponents, keeping a close watch on the competition. Chimaev ranked as one of Ye Chen's top three challengers and, with Dana and others frequently mentioning him, she naturally recognized him.
While she'd heard Chimaev often taunt Ye Chen, claiming he could easily dominate him, she had come to learn that his banter didn't reveal the full picture. Interestingly, while Chimaev is officially reported to stand at 188 cm, when he and Ye Chen stood side by side, no significant disparity in height was noticeable. Ye Chen, possessing broader shoulders and slightly more muscular build, appeared formidable.
Just as they exchanged pleasantries, Chimaev suddenly lunged forward, attempting to grab Ye Chen's legs for a quick takedown. Ye Chen swiftly stepped back, bracing himself to prevent a fall. Chimaev's effort to lift him was futile; Ye Chen's low center of gravity made it nearly impossible for his opponent to gain traction.
"Not bad! Your reflexes are impressive. When do you think we'll face off in the cage? Covington is just a tough guy on the Internet—deal with him, and maybe we can fight next," Chimaev remarked, a grin on his face, visibly impressed by Ye Chen's reaction.
Ye Chen chuckled, "Well, you might have your shot, but you'll need to secure your position first." He indicated that Chimaev didn't yet have the earned right for a challenge.
"I'm planning to crush Hua Zi in a few days. If I succeed, I'll definitely earn that right! We can plan the next matchup right there!" Chimaev's boldness was apparent. His self-assured demeanor was expected; it's crucial for fighters to exude confidence to garner support and belief from fans.
Catwoman observed cautiously. "He seems rather pleasant in person," she noted, pleasantly surprised. Having assumed Chimaev was merely antagonistic thanks to his reputation, she now witnessed his enthusiastic and engaging interaction with Ye Chen.
Ye Chen explained, "We share no deep-seated animosity. It's normal to greet fellow competitors. However, make no mistake; he was also gauging my strength and balance while playfully wrestling."
Chimaev grinned and commented, "Ye Chen's reaction was quick, while his strength was impressive. Covington is in for a challenge this time." He chuckled, relishing the idea of his potential match with Ye Chen, confident that he alone could rise to the occasion.
As they approached Logan's temporary interview room, Ye Chen encountered Covington and his team head-on. [Simulation successful, contact is being established.] [Entering all information about Colby Covington.] [Recording all game records and common tactics of Colby Covington.]
Ye Chen was slightly taken aback by how effortlessly the simulation initiated. He immersed himself into the simulation space, clearing the arena he envisioned sparring with Covington.
As Ye Chen and Covington's paths crossed, the presence of Covington's team grew tense. Anxiety rippled through the crowd, fearing that something might erupt in this charged atmosphere. Some spectators, hoping for drama, gathered excitedly, ready with their phones at the ready.
Ye Chen, however, was resolute in his decision to avoid conflict. Any fighter would know it's not wise to engage with adversaries in private; after all, confronting them publicly in the ring was a far better spectacle.
Unexpectedly, Covington addressed him, "Hey, Ye Chen, we're all here for the competition, for the pay-per-view; this is business, you understand. I'm not targeting you specifically; it's just hype."
As Catwoman prepared to interject, Ye Chen instinctively pulled her away. There was no need for further conversation; their interpretations of 'hype' clearly diverged, and discussions typically served little purpose.
As spectators shifted away in disappointment—hoping for a clash—the staff collectively exhaled, relieved that a potential altercation had been avoided. The thought of Dana losing his temper over a brawl was daunting.
Inside the interview room, Logan prepared to welcome Ye Chen and Catwoman. Witnessing the commotion outside, he promptly beckoned them in. Before the cameras, Logan greeted them heartily and proceeded to introduce the game's details, officially commencing the interview.
Logan inquired, "I noticed that you crossed paths with Colby outside. How did you manage to refrain from throwing punches? After all, Wenton couldn't hold back, and neither could Motor when facing him. Even Usman and Ali broke out in fight mode. It seems everyone who has faced Covington has the urge to take a swing at him. How do you maintain composure?"
Ye Chen pondered for a moment before responding, "He might have wanted me to act out, to disrupt this event and milk more attention through legal ramifications. Why would I grant him that chance? There's a competition approaching, and I intend to deal with him in the ring."
Ye Chen paused, continuing, "Let's be clear, my services come at a premium. Covington isn't even worth my time in a casual confrontation. My strength serves a purpose, aligning with my ambitions and career objectives. My fists are not merely for entertainment, and every fighter should adhere to that principle."
Logan's smile reflected his approval as he recognized Ye Chen's maturity. "You suggested you'd confront him in the ring? Do you consider him a legitimate threat to you?"
"Threat? I don't see it. As I recall, he's never knocked anyone out with his fists. His wrestling? It appears juvenile to me. I can't grasp where any threat lies…" Ye Chen confidently claimed during the interview.
Meanwhile, Covington was in a separate room, being interviewed by DC.
PC: Mr. Chimaev.