The seconds ticked by, each one feeling longer than the last. Damon's arms burned with fatigue, but he couldn't stop now.
He threw a few more punches, each one finding its mark on Edward's body.
Edward grunted with each hit but remained active, constantly working to defend and escape.
Michael observed, "Damon's doing a good job of staying active on top. He's landing shots and keeping Edward on the defensive. This could be what he needs to edge out this round."
Daniel chimed in, "But he's got to be careful. Edward is still dangerous, even off his back. One wrong move, and Damon could find himself in a bad position."
Damon knew this too. He couldn't let up, but he also couldn't get reckless.
He needed to maintain control and avoid making any mistakes that could give Edward an opening.
Edward suddenly exploded with another burst of energy, using his legs to push Damon away.
Damon nearly lost his balance but quickly dropped his weight back down, staying in control.
He took a deep breath, feeling the strain in his muscles, but forced himself to keep going.
Damon shifted his weight, moving to side control. This was better—he had more control and more options for attacking.
He pressed his forearm against Edward's neck, applying pressure, while he used his other hand to land a few short punches to Edward's head.
Edward twisted his body, trying to turn into Damon, but Damon stayed heavy on top, making it difficult for Edward to move.
Damon then tried to slide his knee across Edward's chest, aiming to mount, but Edward blocked it with his arm.
Michael noted, "Damon's trying to advance to mount, but Edward is doing a good job of defending. This is a battle of wills right now."
Daniel added, "This is where conditioning comes into play. Both fighters are exhausted, but whoever can push through the fatigue will have the advantage."
Damon could feel his energy waning, but he couldn't stop now.
He had Edward on the ground, and he needed to make the most of it. He threw a few more punches, trying to wear Edward down.
Each punch was a struggle, his arms feeling like they were made of lead, but he kept going.
Edward, sensing Damon's fatigue, made another attempt to escape.
Daniel responded, "Damon needs to dig deep here. He has to force this submission, or he risks letting Edward off the hook."
Damon pushed forward again, trying to slip his arm under Edward's chin.
Edward blocked him, pushing Damon's arm away. Damon's heart pounded in his chest.
He could feel the pressure mounting his back every passing second.
He decided to try something different. Instead of forcing the choke, he used his weight to press Edward down, making it harder for him to move.
Damon then quickly switched his grip, sliding his arm around Edward's neck from the side. It wasn't perfect, but it was his best shot.
Edward realized what was happening and tried to roll away, but Damon held him down, his forearm pressing into Edward's throat.
Damon squeezed as hard as he could, but he still didn't have the leverage he needed. Edward's arms flailed, trying to pry Damon's grip loose.
The crowd roared as they watched the struggle unfold.
He knew everyone was on the edge of their seats, waiting to see who would come out on top.
Michael's voice rose with excitement, "Damon has got the guillotine! But it's not fully locked in yet—he needs to secure it quickly!"
Daniel added, "Edward is fighting with everything he's got! Damon has to adjust, or this might slip through his fingers, the time doesn't seem to allow for Edward's struggle!"
Damon gritted his teeth, trying to shift his position without losing his grip.
He moved his legs, wrapping them around Edward's body to keep him from rolling away.
This gave him a bit more control, but it still wasn't enough.
Edward struggled beneath him, his movements growing more frantic as the choke tightened.
Damon knew he was close—he just needed a bit more leverage.
With one final effort, he adjusted his grip, pulling Edward's head deeper under his arm.
He felt the choke finally lock in, the pressure on Edward's neck increasing.
Michael shouted, "He's got it! Damon finally locked in the guillotine!"
Daniel exclaimed, "This could be it! Edward is in deep trouble now!"