As the match began, both fighters immediately launched into a flurry of kicks and punches.
The speed of these two is remarkable.
Most players in the ring haven't even engaged yet, yet these two are already exchanging blows.
DC observed, "We need to figure out how to withstand Gage's low sweeps. His power is terrifying."
Logan added, "It seems Gage's strategy is to take out their legs first."
Bisping noted, "Ye Chen's defense has been impressive, and his recent counterattack showed beautiful timing and precision. He's applying significant pressure on Gage."
The tension in the air was palpable; either fighter could end the match at any moment. Suddenly, the three commentators and audience gasped in unison.
Gage, attempting another low sweep, had initially targeted Ye Chen's legs. Realizing that approach wasn't working, he shifted his focus to the inner thigh.
The clean sound of the strike echoed as he connected firmly with Ye Chen, who, while trying to evade, staggered and almost lost his balance.
But Ye Chen wasn't about to let Gage close in without a fight. He quickly retaliated with a combination of straight punches and a powerful Sanda kick.
Gage blocked some of the hits but was still caught by a backswing, sending him tumbling to the canvas.
In just ten seconds, both fighters scored hard hits on each other, making it hard to judge who was coming out on top.
As Gage rolled over, he noticed Ye Chen closing in and instinctively sidestepped to regroup, eager to follow his coach's strategy.
Ye Chen's counterattacks exerted tremendous pressure on Gage, and Gage knew he had to act fast before he became the target.
"Slow down! You've fallen into Ye Chen's rhythm!" Coach Whitman shouted from the sidelines. "Protect your head! Don't throw everything you have—each punch at this rate is losing power. It looks like you want to kill him!"
Whitman knew what he was talking about. Gage's arms were already feeling the strain. Every time Ye Chen charged with a low sweep, Gage found himself lowering his guard to absorb the punches, leaving him wide open to counterattacks.
This strategy nearly backfired when Ye Chen executed a turning kick, landing a solid blow on Gage.
The scene was intense, and Gage hit the ground hard, clearly disadvantaged.
Meanwhile, Ye Chen adapted his approach in response to Gage's moves. He realized it was time to embrace the low sweeps rather than avoid them, forcing Gage into an erratic exchange of punches to throw off his rhythm.
Gage had previously outclassed many opponents, including defensive specialists and seasoned fighters, using his rapid low sweeps to gain the upper hand.
While some like Oliveira managed a few dodges, Gage often panicked during exchanges, losing some of his edge.
With a newfound strategy, Ye Chen took a deep breath and initiated his advance, leveraging his reach with quick jabs.
"Snapped."
Another heavy strike landed on Ye Chen's inner thigh. But this time, he was ready, absorbing the impact and staying steady.
In that moment, he surged forward, unleashing a rapid flurry of lefts and rights, followed by elbows and a knee strike.
His combinations were lightning-quick. Though most of the hits aimed at Gage mainly landed on his defense, the force was still notable, especially the final knee that struck Gage in the chest.
Gage, a fighter of immense resilience, pushed Ye Chen away and went for an overhead punch, landing a hit that momentarily staggered Ye Chen. Gage leaned against the cage, momentarily dazed from the previous knee strike.
"Slow down!" Whitman yelled, his anxiety palpable in the crowd. They wanted Gage to evade more effectively and bide his time for the right opportunity instead of recklessly attacking.
Ye Chen thrived in a fast-paced game, and Gage needed to disrupt that rhythm to regain control.
The audience erupted in cheers, encouragement filling the air as excitement built. Many couldn't contain themselves, wanting to unleash their own fury in support of their favorite fighter.
The big screen revealed blood streaming from Gage's ear down his neck. A deep gash marked his left cheek, and his chest bore a vivid bruise—a sight that was painful to behold.
On the other hand, Ye Chen appeared less damaged, with no visible injuries to his face. Yet, keen observers noted the darkened bruise forming on his inner thigh, a sign that if Gage kept targeting his legs, Ye Chen might struggle to stay upright for the duration of the fight.