Dana readily agreed, her enthusiasm evident. Ye Chen felt a secret sigh escape him; it appeared that he would need Catwoman to handle these negotiations in the future. He recognized his shortcomings in this area. But there were plenty of opportunities. His current appearance fee stands at a staggering 1.5 million U.S. dollars per match. For this additional match, he unexpectedly received an extra two million, considerably higher than his usual compensation. However, one thing was clear: Ye Chen wouldn't participate in the next match solely for 1.5 million dollars. His sales records had made him a historical standout. Clearly, his appearance fee should also be considered the highest on record.
"You could have brought this up just a moment earlier," Dana chimed in.
"How was I to know you would speak so quickly? Don't worry; I'll help negotiate a better fee for the next time around," her tone was teasing.
"That's decided then; it's not your call."
"..."
Watching her parents-in-law banter, Dana couldn't shake the feeling that she was likely going to have to cough up more money in future negotiations. Nonetheless, an electrifying thrill surged through her. Ye Chen's career was taking off in a spectacular way. The advantages he would bring to the UFC were beyond measure. Much like "One Four Zero" Conor McGregor, Ye Chen was not just lining the UFC's coffers; he was elevating the brand and bringing along star athletes like Xiaoying, Diamond, and Xiaoma in varying degrees. Furthermore, the global popularity of the UFC was set to receive a significant boost. The perks of having a superstar on the roster extended well beyond mere box office gains.
Once more, Ye Chen entered the ring. The audience quickly grasped the spectacle about to unfold, erupting into cheers and excitement.
"Ye Chen, Ye Chen, Ye Chen..." chants erupted from all directions.
As this happened, Covington stepped into the spotlight, closely trailed by the announcer, Barfo.
"In response to the audience's requests, and with the endorsement of Colby and his team, we are reversing the previous decision, and the match will commence again."
Barfo couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated, realizing how many times he was going to have to keep announcing this. The least pleased in the room was He Bo, as this match would undoubtedly stain his officiating reputation.
"Colby, I just heard that Ye Chen's earnings from this match are projected to exceed 40 million. You have to last; you mustn't falter; winning is imperative. Do you understand?"
"The first round should conclude in thirteen seconds. Your only task is to maintain enough distance from Ye Chen. Is that clear?"
Covington turned, astonished at the figure he just heard. Forty million! The very thought placed his focus back on Ye Chen. "Does this kid really make that kind of money...?"
"Stay alert," Catwoman cautioned Ye Chen from the sidelines.
Ye Chen merely nodded, "Don't worry, let's see if I can wrap this up in the last ten seconds."
His confidence wasn't reckless; he recognized Covington was recovering from significant injuries. Even with a few minutes of rest, he wouldn't revert to his previous state in just a week. Bubble-wrapped in that reality, Ye Chen felt certain he could best Covington within those crucial thirteen seconds. After all, pocketing two million dollars within thirteen seconds would be worth the effort.
The audience's exhilaration only intensified, swelling like a tidal wave.
"Start," He Bo's hand signaled, and Ye Chen propelled himself forward.
Knowing Covington would likely aim to stall for time, he had no reservations.
"Bang!"
Ye Chen initiated a potent flying kick, yet Covington narrowly evaded it. Covington understood the need to avoid an all-out confrontation, especially with Ye Chen's prowess in full display. He couldn't simply withdraw or he'd risk losing on points. Staying close yet outwardly cautious was the balancing act he had to maintain.
When Ye Chen's kick connected with the cage, the mesh quivered violently. Swiftly regaining his footing, he pivoted and sent a punch soaring toward Covington's defense. Covington, surprised by Ye Chen's speed, ducked just in time, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic blow. Yet this quick reaction also left him vulnerable; he couldn't distance himself dramatically as he had hoped.
As Ye Chen pivoted, switching his weight from one leg to the other, he unleashed a side kick. Covington dodged the kick, but it left him susceptible to a follow-up punch that they didn't see coming. The impact landed squarely on his chest, pushing him against the cage as he cursed under his breath.
Not pausing for a moment, Ye Chen pressed on with unmatched urgency. This time speed trumped precision; he swung his arms wide and charged forward. A dazzling array of strikes followed—knees, uppercuts, flat hooks, and elbow strikes whirled in a frenzy like some masterful symphony of chaos. The onslaught left Covington scrambling, unable even to seek a moment's reprieve, much less mount a proper defense. Covington covered his head, shaking it vigorously, knowing full well he had to survive for the stakes of forty million.
Middle of the action, Ye Chen landed another brutal hook that struck Covington right below the ear, causing him to stumble and drop to one knee. Supporters behind Covington were fervently urging him on, slapping the cage with fervor.
Ye Chen roared in triumph as he dominated. His attention was laser-focused; the distractions around him fell silent. Covington teetered, unsteady, as Ye Chen seized this golden opportunity.
"Wooo..."
"Kill him, beat him, beat him! Ye Chen, Ye Chen!"
The crowd surged with energy, feeding into the momentum of the fight. Adrenaline coursed through the arena as fans jumped from their seats, roaring their encouragements.
Meanwhile, He Bo rushed into the fray, aware of the strategies that Covington would likely employ for the remaining seconds of the first round. However, he couldn't have anticipated the relentless determination exhibited by Ye Chen.
"Bang!"
A fierce backhand swing met Covington's jaw, sending him crashing down once more.
At this point, Covington's defenses cracked, and his arms slackened, offering Ye Chen the coveted chance to continue his barrage.
"Now's my time," thought Ye Chen, his instincts laser-focused as he unleashed an unstoppable whirlwind of punches, each in rapid succession.
The artistry of the exchange reached its apex. Covington fell to the canvas, nearly crumpling at the impact of a hit, which halted him mid-air as Ye Chen unleashed once more.
"Bang!" The sound echoed as Covington's form collapsed, his leg bent awkwardly beneath him, only intensifying the visual spectacle of this tremendous showdown.
In that final moment, adrenaline and rage fueled Ye Chen's last punch as he targetted Covington's crumbling defenses but found his aim diverted.
He Bo dashed forward to intervene, clutching Ye Chen's arm, "Calm down, you can't beat him to death!" Ye Chen stole a glance at Covington, who lay awkwardly against the canvas—a leg trapped beneath him while another hovered in mid-air, twitching slightly.
He Bo leapt into action, hastening towards Covington, fully aware of the urgency required at this moment. Without immediate assistance, breathing would become impossible for Covington.
With the clock ticking down to a mere three seconds remaining, Ye Chen took a breath and focused his gaze outside the cage, acknowledging the charged atmosphere around him while brushing off any escalated tensions from the opponent's team.
Smiling in the face of adversity, he raised his arms high to celebrate this monumental victory.