Ye Chen has grown accustomed to the constant barrage of messages from fans and fellow fighters. It's become routine for Oliveira and Makhachev to clash over championship aspirations. Some may label it a lucrative fight, while others see it as a quest for glory. Makhachev, in particular, has been on a roll since his defeat to Ye Chen, bouncing back strong with a win against Gage.
For Makhachev, earning another victory could very well offer him a legitimate opportunity to claim a title shot. As for Oliveira, there's a caveat: Ye Chen wasn't the champion when Oliveira faced him. Thus, traditionally, Oliveira must best at least two formidable opponents to solidify his right to challenge for the title again.
Ye Chen stated unwaveringly, "I understand that many people are keen to see me in the octagon. Rest assured, I won't shy away from any challenger deserving of my attention. If the UFC arranges for me to face Pereira soon, I will not only seize the middleweight championship but will also be ready to defend my lightweight belt immediately after."
His comments were a strategic move to push the UFC's timeline. Should an unexpected turn of events arise, Ye Chen isn't against dropping to lightweight to defend his title.
DC interjected, "From your perspective, how do you view Pereira as an opponent? Many regard him as a fearsome fighter, a real killing machine. Some even speculate that he might soon ascend to the heavyweight division in pursuit of more championships. Given Pereira's intimidating reputation, are you genuinely unafraid of jeopardizing your undefeated streak?"
To be honest, DC felt a mixture of shock and admiration at that moment. He had rarely encountered a fighter quite like Ye Chen. The mindset seemed entirely different; while most might cherish a record like Ye Chen's, favoring caution and commercial opportunities, Ye Chen appears resolute in pursuing glory. His approach is unconventional, leaving observers puzzled about his motives—is he driven solely by a thirst for honor or does he possess unparalleled confidence in his abilities?
"Pereira is indeed a formidable boxer. He's dispatched numerous elite fighters and even defeated UFC superstar Black Dragon four times. Nonetheless, I sincerely believe I can finish him in the Octagon," Ye Chen asserted, radiating confidence. Despite recognizing Pereira's boxing prowess, he was undeterred. He figured that whether it was wrestling, ground control, or Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he had an arsenal to deploy against his opponent's strengths. If faced with adversity, he wouldn't hesitate to exploit any weaknesses.
At that moment, DC decided to shift the conversation in another direction, asking, "Ye Chen, have you ever contemplated pursuing a cross-promotion fight? There has been immense chatter online regarding potential matchups with Mayweather, Ava, and even Usyk. Each has expressed interest in stepping into the ring with you on several occasions. This could be the dream scenario for countless fighters."
DC couldn't hide his excitement. He mused to himself that if heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury were to challenge him, despite the stark height disparity, he would unhesitatingly accept because the opportunity would bring earnings beyond his wildest MMA dreams. If someone like Ye Chen were to fight Mayweather or Ava, the financial rewards could be astronomical. Who wouldn't be captivated by such an offer?
Ye Chen responded with a smile, "Perhaps there is a chance. If I find myself without opponents in the UFC, I wouldn't be opposed to stepping into the boxing ring to face a top-tier boxer. However, Mayweather's age and smaller weight class give me pause. Is he truly ready for a challenge from me?"
The mention of Mayweather set off a wave of excitement in the room. Mayweather's name carries significant weight as one of the top names in boxing history, alongside legends like Ali and Tyson. His impressive undefeated record has made him a widely recognized figure even outside the sport, adding to the allure.
Understanding Ye Chen's point, DC countered with a grin, "You need to consider this carefully. Mayweather may be retired, but he has remained in training. And when it comes to cross-promotion bouts, he is known to ease the pressure."
DC continued, "Ava, on the other hand, is a relentless and honorable fighter; he brings his full intensity to every match." The implications were clear: while Mayweather might have a history of fighting in a lenient style, Ava embodies a different philosophy, valuing honor and aggression, which could make any confrontation with him particularly fierce.
"I actually favor opponents who give it their all. That way, I can walk away without any regrets after I emerge victorious," Ye Chen remarked, his expression determined yet thoughtful.
Cheers erupted around them—had Ye Chen just expressed a willingness to go head-to-head against one of boxing's greats? The conversation delivered an electric atmosphere, signaling excitement and anticipation for such a monumental clash.
Dana felt the stirrings of intrigue but misinterpreted Ye Chen's candidness as mere promotional banter, praising the fighter in mind while entertaining thoughts of advancing a potential juicy cross-promotion bout of major financial significance. What if Ye Chen lost? Dana had never once considered the ramifications of failure in a match with such stakes.
As the interview wrapped up, Ye Chen engaged with the audience in celebration, basking in the moment before he was set to leave. Just then, Catwoman strolled toward him with an enigmatic smile.
Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, intrigued, "What's this about?"
With a playful tone, she replied, "We're going to have little Ye Chen."
"Wait, what?" Ye Chen stammered, either taken aback or simply unable to process the joyous news before him, wanting to grasp the truth of it.
"In four weeks, we'll have a baby!"
"Boom!" In that instant, it felt as if a lightbulb had gone off in his mind—he placed his hands on Catwoman's belly and stared at her wide-eyed, waiting for confirmation. Her firm nod assured him that it was real.
"Really? I'm going to be a father, and it feels surreal! Hahaha... I'm going to be a father!" Ye Chen had never imagined such a rapid shift in his life, and at a point when his career was hitting new heights, this was indeed a double blessing.
He enfolded Catwoman in his arms, overwhelmed with happiness, but then quickly composed himself, "Wait, I can't let my excitement get the better of me. You need to be careful and take it easy now."
"What should I do? Was I too forward just now? Are you feeling alright at all? By the way, can you hear the baby's heartbeat yet?" His exhilaration surpassed even the thrill of winning a championship, as he became entirely consumed with this latest development in his life.
Kneeling down beside Catwoman, he tried to hear for any signs of life within her. Catwoman chuckled as she gently lifted him back up, "Not quite yet…"
Though she laughed, there were damp tears brimming in her lovely eyes, as she recognized the depth of Ye Chen's excitement and joy. In that moment, she realized she had chosen the right partner to share this incredible journey with.