It wasn't just Damon's family and friends who celebrated his win that evening.
In a cozy house in Stockton, a young boy about 14 years old, was glued to the television screen.
His heart was pounding as Damon battled Kofi, and his wide eyes followed every movement in the cage.
The moment Damon landed the brutal knee and went for the choke, the boy leaped up from the sofa, fists pumping in the air. "YEAH!! Dad!! Damon won!"
His father, hearing the commotion from the kitchen, quickly rushed in, though with a finger to his lips. "Matthew, calm down! Your mom's sleeping!" he warned, though a proud smile tugged at his lips as he tried to keep his own excitement in check.
Despite the excitement still rushing through him, Matthew grinned and sat back down.
Ever since he had gotten Damon's autograph a couple of years ago, Matthew had followed his journey.
He had been disappointed when Damon disappeared from the fighting scene after that night, but he had never forgotten about him.
Even as he watched other fights, Matthew couldn't help but wonder what had happened to that skinny young fighter who'd signed his poster.
Then, earlier this year, when UFA announced The Supreme Fighter, Matthew had been ecstatic to see a familiar face on the first episode.
His father had pointed him out immediately, recognizing Damon's familiar face, though this time, Damon was stronger, more muscular than before.
Since then, Matthew and his father had watched every episode, cheering Damon on.
And now, as Damon secured his spot in the finals, Matthew couldn't contain his happiness.
His favorite fighter was back and better than ever, and he couldn't wait to see what Damon would do next.
Matthew's father, his eyes still on the screen, smiled as he sat down next to his son. "Looks like your guy's going all the way, huh?"
Matthew nodded eagerly, his eyes still fixed on Damon's victorious figure on the screen. "Yeah, Dad. He's gonna win it all."
"Well," his dad continued, "how about... we go watch the finals live at Madison Square Garden?"
Matthew froze, his eyes widening even more. "Wait... WHAT?!"
His dad laughed. "You heard me right, buddy. We're going to the Garden. You, me, live show, front row seats to see Damon Cross fight for the title."
Matthew leaped off the couch, his hands on his head. "No way! Are you serious?! This is INSANE!" He ran around the living room, too excited to stay in one spot. "Oh my god, this is gonna be the best day of my life!"
His dad smiled, watching Matthew bounce around like a pinball. "I thought you'd like that. I figured you've been cheering Damon on for so long, it's only right you get to see him fight live."
"Dad, you're the best!" Matthew yelled, running back to hug his dad. "I can't believe this is happening!"
As Matthew grabbed his phone to tell his friends the news, he glanced back at the TV, where Ronan Black's voice continued hyping up the fight.
"This is the kind of fight you don't want to miss, folks! Damon Cross versus Brian Walker, Madison Square Garden, be there!"
Matthew grinned ear to ear. He was going to be there, and he couldn't wait. "This is gonna be the best thing ever," he muttered to himself, still in disbelief.
His dad smiled at him, ruffling his hair. "Let's make sure Damon wins it all, bud."
The TV continued showing highlights of both Damon and Brian, building up the anticipation for the final showdown.
Clips of Damon's relentless Muay Thai strikes and his dominating performances against his opponents played side by side with Brian's calculated wrestling, powerful submissions, and brutal knockouts.
Each clip reminded the audience of the journey both fighters had taken to get here, showcasing their unique styles and strengths.
For every Damon fan, there were just as many cheering for Brian.
He wasn't just another competitor, he had carved out his own fierce path through The Supreme Fighter, and many had come to respect his skills and determination.
If Matthew reacted this way to Damon's victory, you could only imagine how others who had become Brian's followers felt.