The much-anticipated showdown that countless spectators have been eagerly awaiting is about to commence. The excited crowd is on their feet, shouting and cheering, each voice blending into a chorus of anticipation. In stark contrast to the fervor surrounding him, Ye Chen remains composed and steadfast, his heart a picture of tranquility amidst the chaos.
This is the moment to maintain calmness; the key is to execute the strategy he meticulously devised earlier that day. It's common knowledge that Pereira is a formidable contender, renowned for his pressing style of play. Ye Chen is acutely aware of this reality. Additionally, he knows that when confronting an athlete like Pereira, a cautious approach is often the most effective. Rather than launching into action blindly, he intends to observe his opponent's movements before deciding if he should modify his tactics.
"Pereira, stick to the game plan," calls out a teammate just as Pereira is about to leave the corner. The warning is earnest, but Pereira pays it no mind. He steps into the arena at an unhurried pace, exuding a sense of control and confidence.
"It seems you're still wary of my grappling," he sneers. Notably, Pereira frequently opens matches with a flying kick, a tactic many dismiss as mere showmanship. After all, landing a solid strike can result in a quick KO, making it financially rewarding to attempt. While there may be truth to this, Ye Chen believes it serves an even more strategic purpose by constricting the opponent's space.
If it weren't for a quick-reacting player like Black Dragon, many opponents would find themselves pushed against the cage by this tactic. If that situation were to arise, and coupled with Pereira's size, reach, and powerful punches, the outcome could be disastrous for anyone caught against the cage. Thankfully, Ye Chen's tactical decision is proving to be sound. Had he faced anyone less prepared, they likely would have succumbed to Pereira's pressure and perhaps even been knocked out.
However, Ye Chen anticipated this challenge. He had repeatedly practiced with Pereira in a simulated environment to prepare. Yet, to his surprise, Pereira is not following the expected patterns this time around. "It seems he's aware of his weaknesses in this match and is determined not to give me too many opportunities for a grapple," Ye Chen muses.
Though confident in his wrestling prowess, he understands the necessity of caution when confronting an opponent of Pereira's size and strength. One can't underestimate how unpredictable Pereira can be. In his second UFC bout, for instance, he caught an opponent off guard with a jumping knee as they attempted a takedown. Admittedly, that opponent was a third-rate wrestler and cannot be compared to Ye Chen's diving speed and skill.
"Since you're being cautious, that might work to my advantage," Ye Chen thinks as he considers the various strategies he has prepared. The more Pereira focuses on guarding against takedowns, the harder it becomes for him to concentrate on effective striking, inevitably causing his standing attacks to lose precision.
Pereira, with his piercing gaze, tracks Ye Chen like a predator stalking its prey, raising his massive fists and advancing. Yet it is evident that he doesn't approach with the same level of confidence as he displayed against Black Dragon, maintaining a distance that suggests he is wary of Ye Chen's ability to close in.
The first offensive move comes from Pereira, who executes a swift shoulder throw followed by an extreme jab. However, Ye Chen's reflexes are equally quick, as he expertly swats away the jab with his front hand. Anticipating this exchange, Pereira had already prepared a low sweep with his rear leg that lands squarely on Ye Chen, targeting his calf.
Unlike the brutal leg attacks typical of fighters like Ye Chen or Ge Ji, Pereira's sweep is more akin to a fine-tuned strike, landing with precision and speed while evading his opponent's retaliation. It's a delicate yet effective maneuver, showcasing his nuanced skills rather than brute force. Don't be fooled by Pereira's intimidating presence; he possesses not only significant power but also a refined striking technique.
When the strike connects, Pereira swiftly follows up with a front jab aimed at obstructing Ye Chen's midline, preventing him from advancing and delivering any damage. In this initial interaction, Ye Chen finds himself at a slight disadvantage. Nevertheless, he has extensively analyzed Pereira's low sweeps and has developed a plan to counteract them. Remaining calm, he acknowledges that since Pereira isn't rushing to press the attack, he can afford to heighten his own offensive strategy, albeit with careful consideration, knowing Pereira is also a counterattack expert.
Once more, Pereira initiates an attack, this time feigning a low sweep to bait Ye Chen's dodge. As Ye Chen evades, Pereira instinctively attempts to sweep Ye Chen's legs with a low hook. The moment both fighters see an opening, their legs strike simultaneously.
"Crack."
"Snap."
The two attacks collide, targeting their inner calves, but the outcomes differ. Pereira's strategy relies on dealing cumulative damage, thus his impact is relatively mild. Conversely, Ye Chen's technique is based on delivering a weighted strike with the aim of debilitating his opponent swiftly. The force from Ye Chen's strike causes Pereira's supporting leg to falter, resulting in his center of gravity becoming unstable.
With a resounding thud, Pereira's knee slams into the mat as he kneels, bracing himself with his hands for balance. Ye Chen, having visualized this exact scenario in the simulation countless times, is ready. The moment Pereira loses his footing, Ye Chen seizes the opportunity and launches a vicious punch aimed directly at Pereira's cheek.