MMA System: I Will Be Pound For Pound Goat

The fight went well, Edward Whittaker secured his first official victory in the UFA.

It was a debut to remember, filled with moments of tension and skill, and it left a mark on everyone watching.

During the post-fight interview, Edward exuded confidence.

His excitement and hunger for more were evident as he addressed the cameras.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"This is just the start," Edward said with a grin, sweat still glistening on his face. "I'm here to take over. Welterweight division, better watch out, because I'm coming."

It was the kind of promise fans loved to hear, and Edward delivered it with conviction.

But the night was far from over.

The first match had set the tone, but there were still more battles to come, including Damon's own fight later that evening.

For now, though, the spotlight belonged to Edward.

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But just as mentioned, even with the rest of the show performing well and delivering solid fights, all eyes were on the main event.

This was the one everyone was waiting for.

There was a lot of excitement among fans, whether they wanted to see Damon Cross fail badly and get submitted by a skilled grappler or they were interested in seeing how he would rise to the occasion.

The buildup to this fight had been intense, fueled by debates online, predictions from experts, and even casual fans throwing in their two cents.

Damon's name was everywhere, his decision to step in on short notice under scrutiny, but also admiration.

This wasn't just any fight; it was the kind that could either cement his reputation as a true contender or expose him as just another overhyped prospect.

Fans tuned in from all over the world, glued to their screens, streaming the event on every device imaginable.

For many this was just a fight, Damon Cross.

Who?

There were much better entertaining fighters out there who are 20-0, Damon was still new 8-0, it was impressive that he got all 7 in one year, but that was just it, many didn't believe he faced true contenders.

Killers of the middleweight division.

Victor stood close, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, while Damon sat quietly and wrapped his hands around himself.

Though Edward's earlier win had helped lighten the mood a bit, the air was still very tense.

The now casual dressed Edward gave Damon a thumbs-up from across the room.

"You've got this, bro," Edward smiled and said, but he quickly turned back to his phone as he felt Victor's presence.

Victor spoke up and broke the silence. His tone was calm, steady, and strong, like he'd been through this many times before. "Damon, listen to me. You're a phenomenal fighter. You've proven that. But Jake Armansson isn't the guy you experiment against. Stick to your strengths. Keep the fight standing and end it early. No need to overcomplicate this."

Damon looked up from his wraps, nodding respectfully before replying. "I hear you, Vic. I do. And I know you're just looking out for me. But I need to test myself. I know what I'm capable of, and I've been training for this moment. If it goes to the ground, I want to prove I can handle it."

Victor sighed deeply, pulling up a chair and sitting across from Damon.

He rested his elbows on his knees, his eyes locking onto Damon's with the seriousness of a mentor who cared deeply. "You're not just some kid off the street anymore, Damon. You're in the UFA now. People are watching, fans, fighters, promoters. They don't care about proving you're well-rounded. They care about results. Winning opens doors. Losing, especially against a grappler like Jake, can set you back."

Damon straightened, his tone steady and respectful. "I understand that, but I'm not just here to win, Vic. I'm here to be the best. And the best fighter isn't afraid to face anyone at their strongest."

Victor leaned back, exhaling slowly, clearly weighing his next words carefully. "You're stubborn. I get that, it's one of the reasons you've gotten this far. But there's a difference between being brave and being reckless. Testing your ground game against a pure grappler on short notice? That's reckless. And I don't want to see you throw away everything you've worked for just to prove a point."

Damon held Victor's gaze, nodding slightly. "I'm not trying to be reckless. I trust myself. And I trust what you've taught me. If it goes to the ground, I'll adapt. I promise you that."

Victor studied Damon for a long moment, then shook his head with a faint smile. "You remind me of myself when I was your age. Stubborn, hungry, and too damn proud to back down."

He leaned forward again, his expression softening. "Alright. If this is how you want to approach it, I won't stop you. But Damon… don't make me regret this. Fight smart. Promise me that."

Damon extended a hand, his respect for Victor evident in his voice. "I promise. Thank you, for everything."

Victor clasped Damon's hand firmly, then stood up, his professional demeanor returning. "Alright, then. Let's go remind the world why they're talking about Damon Cross."

He looked toward Edward. "And you, nice work earlier. But don't get cocky. There's always more to learn."

Edward smirked but nodded, clearly taking the advice to heart.

With that, the team began gathering their things, the tension easing slightly as they prepared to make their way to the arena.

From Victor's expression, it was clear this wasn't the first time he'd tried to convince Damon to avoid going to the ground in a fight, and just as clear that Damon never listened.

It was a familiar routine, one Victor had been through before, not just with Damon but with others.

Victor was a man seasoned by experience, especially when it came to working with the younger generation.

He understood stubbornness, having seen it in many of the fighters he'd trained, and even more so in the people closest to him.

Svetlana, for instance.

When they adopted her, she had been stubborn in her own way, reserved and guarded despite the kindness offered to her.

Losing her family to war had left scars, and accepting that she now had a new family had been a difficult process.

Victor saw shades of that same determination in Damon, whether it was truly the same or not, he couldn't be sure.

But it was enough to make him cautious, enough to make him want to tread carefully.

Unlike Lana, who had come into their lives as a child, Damon was a grown man in his early twenties.

His life experiences had hardened him in ways Victor understood all too well.

With a father who had been, by all accounts, a piece of garbage, Damon had grown up without the kind of steady guidance a young man needed.

Victor tried to fill that role as best he could, to be a father figure where Damon's own father had failed.

But he also knew better than to overstep. Damon wasn't a child, and Victor couldn't treat him like one.

Sometimes, it was a delicate balance, offering guidance without pushing too hard, supporting without smothering. Stay updated with empire

Victor's sigh as they left the room said more than words ever could.

He cared deeply for Damon, and while he didn't always agree with his decisions, he respected him enough to let him make his own mistakes.

Even if it wasn't easy to watch.