133 The Wolf Of Technological Progress, Poor Huazi

Huazi and his team were astute, ready to respond to any challenge that came their way. At the onset of the match, the moment Huazi noticed Qima quickly establishing dominance in the center of the cage, he wisely halted his advance and opted for a strategic retreat. He knew that utilizing the cage net was crucial in preventing falls and safeguarding his team from Chimaev's powerful maneuvers. If Chimaev managed to pull him into the center of the cage, the protective measures would be rendered ineffective, leaving Huazi exposed.

Chimaev, however, was untroubled by this tactic. Focused on executing his strategy, his movements—feints, dives, and transitions—were fluid and rapid. The speed of his attacks was such that it was challenging for the naked eye to keep up. Although Huazi skillfully tried to defend himself, the moment Chimaev locked arms around him, Huazi instinctively lowered his center of gravity, pressing his back against the cage net. Unfortunately, Chimaev still managed to grip one of Huazi's legs, thwarting his efforts to regain control.

In a flash, Huazi's attempt to suppress Chimaev in a counter-maneuver proved futile. The speed and agility of Chimaev were overwhelming; as Huazi tried to secure the other leg, Chimaev quickly pulled back his supportive leg, understanding the critical importance of maintaining balance in this high-stakes moment. Huazi desperately attempted to control Chimaev's head, trying to power through the hold and escape. Yet, his efforts to pump his leg free were thwarted as Chimaev expertly shifted his weight, maintaining the advantage.

As Huazi's coach shouted strategic advice—"Lean against the cage net! Be wary of his tripping legs!"—Chimaev executed a perfect leg hook. Huazi's other supportive leg was pressed against the cage, leaving him unable to maneuver effectively. With quick-thinking, he relied on the leg that Chimaev was holding, leveraging it alongside his hands to establish some distance and prevent Chimaev from getting closer. Still, after Chimaev failed to bring Huazi down, he rapidly transitioned to swinging his hands, expertly maneuvering the leg he was restraining toward Huazi.

Caught off balance, Huazi found himself turning sideways in a precarious position. This moment of inertia allowed Chimaev to exploit the weakness and push Huazi squarely against the cage net, effectively turning the tables. In a seamless motion, Chimaev's arm slipped around Huazi's back, propelling him into a dominant position. Within moments, Huazi was pressed against the cage, his back now firmly aligned with the net—a dangerous posture when facing a skilled wrestler like Chimaev.

Huazi's coaching team urged him, "Control his arms—don't let him hook you!" They understood that if Chimaev succeeded in securing a hook, it would lead to an unfavorable position for Huazi, one that could spell disaster. Aware of the stakes, Chimaev ensured he maintained his grip, refusing to let Huazi gain control over his other arm. As the struggle ensued, Chimaev worked to tighten his hold while Huazi floundered to secure his defenses.

In the prep room, Catwoman watched intently, her focus unwavering. The opening minutes of the match flew by in a whirlwind of action, leaving her breathless. In a hushed tone, she muttered, "Escape quickly, escape quickly…" She often found herself on the losing end of bets against Ye Chen but was hopeful that this time, her prediction would hold true. Ye Chen, however, was less optimistic. Shaking his head, he remarked, "He can't escape; he'll be tripped and fall soon enough."

Ye Chen, having observed Chimaev's tactics closely, noted how Chimaev pivoted after failing to hook Huazi. He used his arm to entangle Huazi, meticulously creating openings while relaxing the pressure just enough to throw Huazi off balance. Pushing his knees against Huazi's thighs, Chimaev suddenly reached from behind and seized Huazi's right arm, closing off any chance for a counter.

Just as Catwoman was about to voice her thoughts, the fight took a sharp turn. Chimaev's plan unfolded before their eyes. Huazi, caught off guard by the sudden shift in pressure, turned to face Chimaev but fell victim to the onslaught of Chimaev's power. With a mighty push, Chimaev thrust his body against Huazi as he wrapped his left leg around Huazi's calf, forcing him backward. Huazi, now lacking the support of the cage, stumbled over Chimaev's leg and lost his balance, putting him in an extremely vulnerable position.

A resounding "bang" echoed through the arena as Huazi's right shoulder hit the mat first, tousling his body in a harsh, jarring impact with the ring. Fortunately, Huazi was no novice; he adapted quickly, knowing that if an ordinary fighter had been thrown down like this, they might have crumpled under the weight of it all. Flattened against the mat, the crowd erupted in a mix of cheers and gasps. Even those who were skeptical of Chimaev's approach couldn't ignore the raw energy of his wrestling and the spectacle it created.

Ye Chen, closely observing from the preparation room, noted the impressive shift in Chimaev's technique. "Compared to Burns and Holland, his skills have developed considerably. His wrestling style fits the Octagon perfectly." It was clear: Chimaev's performance left an indelible impression. If one were to revisit footage of his earlier matches, particularly those leading up to his bout with Burns, they would notice a significant evolution in his control and precision.

Meanwhile, Huazi, although grounded, still possessed a quick aptitude for recovery. As he found himself unable to push against the floor with his hands due to Chimaev's dominance, he swiftly rolled towards the cage net, seeking any leverage. However, Chimaev was ready for him, delivering two sharp punches to Huazi's face that echoed across the arena. Chimaev was relentless, having secured Huazi's legs with leg knots while maintaining his position on top, his weight bearing down.

Currently, Chimaev was perched on Huazi's lap, his right hand gripping Huazi's arm while his left launched a barrage of punches. "Turn over! Turn over!" Huazi's coaching team cried out in desperation. Their pre-fight strategies seemed in vain as Huazi found himself flattened immediately upon entering the fray. The atmosphere became tense, loaded with the urgency of the situation. If Huazi did not find a way to stand his ground, Chimaev risked controlling the fight until the very end, a fate that would leave Huazi barraged with relentless strikes.

Huazi faced a critical challenge; with only one arm available to protect his head, the situation turned dire. The constant blows drained his energy, making it increasingly difficult for him to mount a defense as time ticked away. If he didn't manage to turn over soon, he risked becoming a mere target for Chimaev's strikes—a fact that weighed heavily on his mind.

Yet Chimaev, understanding the dynamics of ground control, hesitated to merely keep crossing his legs. He recognized that loosening his hold would provide Huazi with a slim chance of escape. Instead, he opted for a more straightforward approach: continue delivering effective punches while waiting for Huazi to make his next move, ready to capitalize on any openings.

As the fight raged on, Catwoman stood transfixed, her mind racing with the implications of what she was witnessing. "He's extraordinary. It's no wonder he boasts twelve wins and zero losses, with eleven finishes. His record speaks volumes," she observed. Despite her initial disbelief, witnessing Huazi trapped under Chimaev's control painted a clearer picture of the latter's capabilities.

Ye Chen, too, reflected on their records; while Huazi held considerable accolades, Chimaev's path was equally notable, albeit through different avenues. Both had proven themselves in their respective arenas, yet it was clear that the unique challenges they faced varied from fighter to fighter.

As the tide of the match shifted once again, Huazi, undeterred by the strikes raining down upon him, mustered the determination to roll over forcefully, aiming to reclaim his position and establish a front. Luck was on his side; having already turned his torso slightly due to Chimaev's earlier holds, he had a fleeting opportunity. Now was his chance to escape the impending threat of being trapped beneath continuous, punishing blows—intense moments that would define the outcome of the match, putting both fighters at the mercy of their skills, strategies, and instincts in the high-pressure environment of the Octagon.