Boxing's financial muscle is undeniably more robust than that of MMA, evident in the fanfare surrounding major matches. If it weren't true, Wu Siman would not have found himself in a predicably tight spot against Porcelain Ava. The spectacle back when Conor McGregor squared off against Floyd Mayweather stunned fans around the globe. Mayweather's strategies allowed him to contain Conor, despite there being claims that Conor possessed a superior skill set. After all, his boxing abilities might easily rank him amongst the finest in the entire UFC landscape.
This highlights a crucial truth: expertise matters in every profession, and one should refrain from treating passions lightly when pitted against a seasoned craft. It's an adage that carries far more weight than it might seem at first glance.
Meanwhile, Wusman faced the consequences of a serious foot injury. The medical team recommended swift treatment, calling for his immediate exit from the arena, leaving no time for post-fight interviews. As he lay on the stretcher, the audience responded with discontent.
Booing erupted as Wu Siman made his exit. "You had it coming! When you tread on someone else's toes, it's only fitting to be carried away on a stretcher!" one fan shouted. Others chimed in, questioning the value of such a lackluster performance. "I favor Da Xia Ye Chen! He's fearless and gives his all against any opponent, no matter their strength!" another echoed.
The crowds reveled in the spectacle. "Who would have thought? The pedicure expert just got a taste of his own medicine!" they laughed. "I didn't even have a favorite before, but Wusman's loyalists were relentless—now he's been taken off like a piece of luggage!" someone else chimed in with glee.
It wasn't only the fans who found humor in the situation; some wondered if Wusman's misfortune was fueled by an internet celebrity's provocations. Reports indicated that the injury might have been as serious as a bone fracture—an occurrence Ye Chen suspected could follow Wusman's intense effort in the third round. The speculation was fueled when Ye Chen delivered two decisive punches, striking Wusman during a critical moment of the fight.
The first punch connected against Wusman's forehead, while the second landed just above his ear. Both were executed with remarkable force, intending to secure a knockout. Unfortunately, those powerful hits landed in vulnerable areas of the human anatomy, leading Ye Chen to feel an impending pain in his hands—a reminder of past injuries he'd endured.
Injuries are an unfortunate reality in combat sports, with fractures often lurking beneath the surface. As Bafo announced the victory, his enthusiastic voice reverberated throughout the arena, stating that Daxia Ye Chen had triumphed over welterweight champion Wu Siman with a standing arm triangle choke at 4 minutes and 16 seconds into the third round.
Cheers erupted as the crowd shouted Ye Chen's name. "He's undoubtedly the new welterweight champion! Eleven fights, eleven victories, and now a double title holder! Let's give it up for Daxia Ye Chen!" Bafo enthused, his powerful delivery sending waves of excitement through the spectators.
With the arena buzzing, Dana handed the championship belt to Catwoman upon her entry into the ring. While his gesture of handing over belts was commendable, Catwoman clearly overshadowed him. She nonchalantly removed her hat and mask but didn't crown Ye Chen with them this time. Instead, she proudly paraded the belt around the ring, glancing over at Ye Chen with a teasing smirk.
In an unexpected move, Ye Chen hoisted Catwoman onto his shoulders, parading around the arena as applause intensified. The crowd exploded with enthusiasm, an electric vibe permeating the air.
Following the spectacle, the interview session commenced. This time, however, Ye Chen didn't rush to seize the spotlight. Truthfully, he harbored aspirations to ascend to the middleweight division and face off against Pereira, the reigning champion of that category. Yet, he recognized that the moment wasn't ripe for such a transition. Though prepared to take the leap, he hadn't defended his welterweight title yet, and challengers were waiting.
Fighters like Chima deserved his attention for at least a couple of bouts before he even began thinking about moving up a weight class. Additionally, the anticipated fourth fight between Pereira and Black Dragon was looming, and Ye Chen wouldn't risk disrupting the organization by hastily stepping into the fray. UFC was a professional outlet, not a playground.
While Ye Chen's ranking among the league was undoubtedly high, he understood the hierarchy. When DC posed a question, Ye Chen responded with clarity: "I'm biding my time, waiting for the upcoming battle between Black Dragon and Pereira. In the meantime, I plan to defend my title once or twice before making the jump to middleweight. Exciting times are ahead."
His statement sent ripples through the crowd. Confusion washed over Catwoman and Dana as they exchanged glances; neither had anticipated Ye Chen's desire to level up. Catwoman's initial concern resurfaced as she recalled tales of Pereira's formidable weight and sheer power.
Would Ye Chen truly go up against a heavyweight like Pereira, known for their ferocious strikes? She worried silently, recognizing the risks that lay ahead. Dana wore a blank expression, considering the high stakes of such a confrontation as the thought of two giants loomed large.
DC, genuine in his concern, couldn't help but interject, "Are you certain? You just claimed the junior title; Pereira's punches are lethal and transcend the weight classes."
In response, Ye Chen exuded confidence. "When I first entered UFC, skepticism surrounded me. I declared I'd capture the lightweight title and end the Eagles' reign. And I did. I followed that by defeating Osman to secure the junior belt—for doubters who lingered," he asserted, pointing toward Catwoman. "What's this sitting in my arms? Just like that, I'll claim the middleweight gold. My quest for the Triple Crown is unstoppable. No one can halt me."
Amid cheers, Ye Chen and Catwoman exited the arena, igniting domestic pride while his fans reveled in his 'iron and blood' mentality. The specter of worry from his parents lingered, and Dana fretted over the financial ramifications of a potential loss. DC offered sincere words of caution, grounded in friendship. Yet, the audience thrived on the prospect of thrilling competition.
Soon, three days rolled by. Ye Chen's latest victory marked a double championship, leading his fan base to soar near 40 million—an impressive feat that eclipsed even Khabib's following. Dana and other UFC stakeholders buzzed with excitement, recognizing Ye Chen as a ticket-selling phenom—a new beacon for the brand's fortune.
After all, Ye Chen had illustrated a level of draw comparable to Conor McGregor, and it appeared that his potential had hardly been tapped. This realization led to strategic meetings where resources were allocated toward him, intensifying promotional efforts.
Ye Chen, on the other hand, recognized Ava's overture for a fight yet understood the underlying motive—the desire to provoke Wu Siman. While he didn't rush into a decision, he did engage with Ava through social media, aware that his newfound popularity could support an inter-genre clash. However, there was no need for haste.