In the annals of combat sports, few moments can evoke reactions as intense as this one. A camera positioned just outside the cage captured a stunning scene, offering a bird's-eye view of the unfolding drama. Blood was everywhere, creating a visceral spectacle. The atmosphere was electric; the audience erupted into gasps and cheers of disbelief. In the front row, several members from both boy and girl bands were so taken aback that they leapt to their feet in shock.
The three commentators, stationed directly behind Chimaev, were just as astonished. Ye Chen could hear their animated exclamations perfectly. "I can't believe this," one of them declared. "It's insane!" another chimed in, bewildered by the fact that this fight's victor would be determined in the very first round. "Why hasn't He Bo stopped the fight yet? This seems like the right moment to intervene," another commentator questioned, realizing the severity of the situation.
In that moment of chaos, the commentators found themselves almost speechless. The images broadcasted to the audience said it all, conveying a message far stronger than any words could. Leading up to the match, the overwhelming consensus was that both fighters would likely be evenly matched, with Ye Chen perhaps having a slight edge due to his more diversified skill set and experience against higher-caliber opponents. This was also the reason why betting firms were siding heavily in favor of Ye Chen.
Experts, analysts, and even casual fans had anticipated a quick resolution, aware that both fighters possessed high finishing rates coupled with aggressive fighting styles. Given their tendencies, few believed this match would extend beyond the first round. Yet, as they witnessed the ferocity displayed in that initial round, the crowd was drawn into a frenzy of astonishment, torn between disbelief and exhilaration.
Ye Chen, amid the storm of action in the ring, felt a surge of urgency. Just moments ago, Chimaev seemed nearly indestructible, leading Ye Chen to question if his opponent was even human. It wasn't exactly that Chimaev had some extraterrestrial resilience; rather, Ye Chen's powerful swing had only partially landed. The impact was visually stunning, yet the actuality of the damage was less severe than anticipated.
"No more, stop it…" Chimaev's coaching staff was aghast at the unexpectedly drastic turn of events. They urgently sought to protect Chimaev, not wanting to see his career decimated in this single bout. Many athletes had faced ruin after a single fight, never returning to form. Chimaev was still young; his future remained bright. There was a collective sense that this could be the moment to withdraw.
But no one saw it coming when, with nearly feral determination, Chimaev roared and, abandoning all defense, pushed back against Ye Chen. In that instant, he was fueled by sheer will and adrenaline, manifesting a fighting spirit that few could comprehend. Ye Chen was taken aback by the ferocity of this sudden resurgence, unsure how many punches he had thrown in retaliation nor how many had been landed on him during the relentless exchange.
Faced with this onslaught, self-preservation instincts kicked in for both fighters. Ye Chen, noticing Chimaev's state, realized it was imperative to finish this fight quickly. He opted for a straightforward approach, minimizing defensive maneuvers in favor of maintaining an unyielding offensive rhythm. Chimaev struggled to respond and his techniques faltered, resembling brawls more typical of street fights than the disciplined art of boxing.
With each passing second, it became clear to observers and fighters alike that Ye Chen held the upper hand. "Boom!" The sound of Ye Chen's punch impacted against the cage net reverberated through the arena. Chimaev was sent reeling, his fists shaking futilely as he collapsed. He leaned against Ye Chen, desperately trying to grasp at his legs before slowly sliding down to the canvas, utterly spent.
Just as Ye Chen prepared to deliver another decisive blow, He Bo, the referee, intervened, firmly urging for the fight to come to an end. "Stop, it's over!" he declared, unable to watch Chimaev endure further punishment. The atmosphere erupted with tension; the loud cheers of the crowd were underscored by the realization that the fight had reached its climax.
As Ye Chen was pulled away, he exhaled sharply, overwhelmed with relief and exhilaration. "Yes!" he shouted, unleashing a primal roar of triumph. Yet, exhaustion washed over him as well; this first round had been an all-out war, pushing both men to their physical limits. They had traded blows with reckless abandon, suffering a toll that would leave them both breathless.
"Stop, stop, Hamza! It's finished, it's over," the voice echoed in the chaotic arena. Ye Chen turned to see Chimaev grappling futilely with He Bo, trying to rise but failing in his dazed state. Chimaev was lost in a haze of confusion, showing the absolute wreckage that had been inflicted upon him during the fight.
If Chimaev was stunned, Ye Chen was acutely aware of the wear on his own body as well. He had suffered superficial injuries; a cut above his eyebrow and a bruise on his cheek were testaments to the violence of the bout. Blood was smeared across his face, a reflection of the brutal action that had unfolded.
"Ye Chen wins! He finished Hamza Chimaev in the opening round!" Logan exclaimed, his voice quaking with excitement, though his enthusiasm seemed drowned out by the jubilant chaos of the 80,000-strong crowd erupting in excitement.
In homes across the nation, celebrations erupted as countless fans rallied behind Ye Chen. News outlets were quick to broadcast the monumental victory, saturating airwaves with updates about his triumph. The Migu livestream buzzed with fervent commentary: "Brother Chen, incredible! Dominating two weight classes, who can argue with that now?" mused a fan.
Chatter exploded in the comment section, showcasing a blend of pride and anticipation. Posts acknowledged this momentous win with excitement over the prospects of Ye Chen's future in the sport. Indeed, as fans eagerly browsed the stream, thoughts turned to potential matches ahead. The arena buzzed with the thrill of victory poised against the backdrop of uncertainty that lay ahead, challenged by the prospect of further combat in the ring.