At this very moment, individuals across the globe, glued to their screens, were utterly bewildered. Waves of anger, loss, and disbelief washed over them, engulfing nearly everyone in the room. When Ava finally woke up, those watching at home erupted in fury. The stakes had never been higher. The pay-per-view for this fight had been set at a staggering one hundred and ten bucks—a price tag that kept many spectators at home, pooling their resources together or grabbing drinks at local bars just to share in the experience.
In a world where a match lasting barely ten minutes feels more like a slap in the face, many felt betrayed. In less than the time it took to down a pint, their anticipation had morphed into rage, with some even lashing out at their televisions. There were irate onlookers shouting curses at Ava on-screen, and others, desperate and heartbroken, buried their faces in their hands. The rich were unaffected; they cheered alongside their friends, while the less fortunate were left to wallow in disappointment.
Undoubtedly, the betting agencies were reaping the benefits of all this frenzy; nearly everyone had placed bets on Ava. The atmosphere was thick with tension and disbelief, almost as if the air could crackle from the collective disappointment. Meanwhile, the fans of Ye Chen began to rally in the comment sections of social media, boldly proclaiming his victory as inevitable.
"This fight was staged; Ava didn't even put up a real fight!" one commenter lamented. "How can anyone truly believe Ye Chen won? This is a sham, pure and simple!" Another voice chimed in, asserting that the match was merely a ploy, a gimmick to draw in viewers. "I'm done with boxing! It's nothing more than a circus! Just a glittery display of Chinese martial arts and nothing else!"
Underneath it all, as a Daxia native, some expressed their disappointment, acknowledging Ye Chen's skills but insisting that Ava clearly let his guard down. "Look at how desperate some people are to downplay this," another user remarked. "They must be losing money left and right!"
Laughter and mockery followed suit, making it almost impossible to sift through the whirlwind of opinions. "If you're upset about Ava losing, maybe it's time to reassess your taste," one voice retorted. "Brother Chen deserves this win. Have you even seen how many punches he's taken?"
Amidst the online vitriol, those who celebrated Ye Chen's achievement completely drowned out the dissenters. Video clips of Ye Chen knocking Ava down flooded social media platforms—Tieba, Douyin, small TV stations, and Kuaishou were all abuzz. The official media took immediate action, pushing the fight's aftermath to the forefront. News outlets reported on Ye Chen, elevating him to stardom and drowning out everything else with their focus.
Even if the media hadn't been quick to act, it didn't matter; Ye Chen was already a trending topic regardless. Three of the top five search terms were directly linked to him, creating a tidal wave of attention not just in his home country but on foreign platforms as well.
After what felt like an eternity of chaos, the initial shock began to subside, and the reality of the situation began to set in. Among the supporters of Ye Chen, emotions ran high. They were torn between mourning the loss of their wagers and reveling in the excitement of their hero's victory. This win held tremendous significance, not just for Ye Chen personally, but for the UFC and even the broader MMA landscape. It signaled that MMA fighters could triumph over traditional boxers, shaking the very foundations of a sport believed to be invincible.
Dana White, ever the astute promoter, was congratulating Ye Chen and mentally churning through a series of strategies to capitalize on this victory. He envisioned plans that would not only elevate Ye Chen's profile but also use his newfound fame to promote the UFC further.
Caught up in the buoyant aftermath, Ye Chen himself was lost in the joy of his triumph. Before the fight, he'd harbored a quiet belief that he could win, yet as the moment drew closer, doubt began to fester. The numerous bouts he had faced within the simulation space had left his confidence shaken—his winning ratio hovering below thirty percent. Each of those victories had been hard-won and fraught with peril, leading him to believe he'd need to outlast Ava in the ring rather than overpower him outright.
It was a different world now, seemingly guided by sheer luck. And indeed, luck played its part, but it also wove itself into the fabric of strength—it's part of the game. Soon, the referee announced the highly anticipated result. This was an unprecedented moment for Ye Chen, as this victory marked the first time he would not have to strap on a belt after a bout. Surprising as it was for him, he was still adjusting to the absence of the customary victory ritual.
When the referee lifted his hand in victory, Ye Chen instinctively raised the other arm, expecting the usual congratulatory adornment of his belt. But a moment later, it dawned on him—there was no one there to fasten the belt. Confusion set in as he turned his head and realized that the familiar faces of previous interviews, be it Buffer, Dana, or Logan, were now replaced by those from the boxing world.
"Ye Chen! Ye Chen! Ye Ying!" The resounding chants of his fans filled the air, their excitement rivaling that of the pre-fight atmosphere. They surged forward, each cheer resonating louder as adrenaline coursed through the crowd.
There, among the flurry of reporters and boxing promoters, the assigned interviewer was exchanging hushed conversations about the fight's implications. As the referee officially pronounced the outcome, the interviewer advanced, microphone in hand, and a wide, beaming smile plastered across his face.
Ye Chen stood at the precipice of a new chapter, the weight of the moment pressing down on him, yet buoyed by the energy of his supporters. The world had witnessed a battle, and he was now primed to seize the opportunity ahead of him. The fight may have shocked the world, but it had also opened doors to uncharted territories in the realm of combat sports.