Pereira's voice echoed throughout the venue, capturing attention with its intensity. Of course, the boos directed at him were equally loud. Among the crowd, there were dedicated fans of Ye Chen who voiced their disdain for Pereira, while others who harbored no particular fondness for Pereira simply relished the thought of Ye Chen experiencing a defeat. As a result, they cheered for anyone who could potentially lead Ye Chen to a loss.
At that moment, the atmosphere in the arena reached a level of excitement that overwhelmed all the previous duels leading up to this match. It was a spectacle unto itself. The moment Pereira entered the venue, following his team and staff, all the lights converged on him. Flashing lights illuminated the passageway as Pereira confidently raised his arms to greet the audience, soaking in the mixed reactions from fans and detractors alike.
As he approached the end of the passage, he deliberately slowed his pace, making a dramatic gesture reminiscent of an archer preparing to shoot at his prey. Anyone familiar with Pereira knew that this was a signature maneuver he performed in every match, a hallmark of his persona.
Shortly thereafter, he engaged in the ritualistic checks of his gloves, applying Vaseline and ensuring everything was in place. During this routine, his head coach leaned in and said, "Pereira, this will be the most important battle of your life. If you can defeat Ye Chen, you will gain everything you have ever wanted. Do you understand?" The message was clear.
Pereira understood the stakes all too well. He was not only a powerful fighter but also a ruthless tactical executor, a type of competitor that required only encouragement to shine. His coach knew that as long as Pereira performed steadily, there was no need for additional improvisation or further tactical education.
On the sidelines, Lao Xie chimed in, "You want to avenge me, and you're intent on claiming the light heavyweight title. Tonight is your chance to make that happen." Lao Xie had long been eager to step back from the limelight, having dedicated immense effort to train Pereira. Now that he had retired, Pereira stood poised to take his own place in the spotlight. Lao Xie felt a sense of excitement; if Pereira succeeded, it would elevate not only himself but also their training gym and entire team.
With a confident gesture, Pereira proclaimed, "Don't worry, I'm ready to fight. No one can stop me, not even Ye Chen." At this moment, the audience's gaze was fixated on Pereira as he appeared on the big screen. The front rows buzzed with a diverse array of spectators, including distinguished individuals from various fields, all engaged in discussion.
"Pereira looks incredibly intimidating and carries an air of authority," one viewer remarked.
"He resembles a fierce character straight out of a film. He can portray a ruthless persona without any makeup," another added.
"His physicality is quite formidable. He stands out even among some light heavyweight competitors present," someone else noted.
"He appears to be in peak condition! I finally understand why the odds shifted in favor of Pereira after the weigh-in conference," a fan mused.
"His presence is overwhelming. I'm starting to believe he could actually defeat Ye Chen," another spectator opined.
Conversely, one supporter defended Ye Chen, stating, "Ye Chen's physique is also quite impressive. I still believe he has what it takes to etch his own legacy."
The excitement in the arena was palpable. Even Ye Chen, Catwoman, and Jackson, who were waiting in the lounge, could feel the electrifying atmosphere through the screen. Jackson gazed at the screen, his brow furrowing as he acknowledged, "This Pereira is genuinely intimidating. I remember putting a headband on him once, and he felt like a cold, emotionless robot—very dangerous. He looks great tonight, but…"
At that moment, Jackson realized he was inadvertently praising Ye Chen's opponent. He quickly shifted his tone, asserting, "Of course, I still believe in you! I'm convinced that there is no one in this world you can't defeat. Even if you were up against Tyson Fury right now…I would still wholeheartedly support you!"
Catwoman rolled her eyes at Jackson, as if silently communicating her disapproval of his words, hinting that he might be wishing ill on her partner.
Ye Chen, meanwhile, was intently observing the screen. Upon hearing Jackson's comments, he smiled and shook his head, replying, "You're exaggerating. My current weight is over fifty pounds less than the two hundred and sixty pounds that Iron Blood weighs. Do you still think you can support me?"
He recognized that Jackson's intention was to bolster his confidence, but in the face of such overwhelming strength, such assurances felt unnecessary.
Nonetheless, Ye Chen felt an inner thrill. A triple crown winner was about to step into the ring—Ye Chen was ready to seize the moment.
As the buildup continued, Pereira was already in the cage, casually moving about, warming up and acknowledging the crowd as if he were simply strolling through a park. Then, Ba Fu Ke made the announcement for Ye Chen's entrance.
As soon as Ba Fu Ke uttered the name "Ye Chen," a wave of enthusiasm erupted, pulsating through the venue.
"Ye Chen, Ye Chen!" the crowd chanted fervently.
Such an outpouring of support was incredibly rare. In this moment, everyone in attendance, regardless of their allegiance, was shouting Ye Chen's name.
After all, Ye Chen is currently at the pinnacle of the fighting world, and he stands as an unquestionable leader.
"Let's go," Ye Chen said, naturally holding Catwoman's hand as they made their way toward the arena. Both were treated like champions as they stepped into the spotlight.
Just as Ye Chen was about to enter the passage, a sudden "pop" echoed, plunging the entire venue into darkness.
Instantly, innumerable lights burst to life across the venue, illuminating it in a breathtaking display. The lights twinkled like stars in an elaborate arrangement, creating an effect that felt both grand and intimate—an environment filled with energy and anticipation. Though the display was bright, it was not overwhelming.