Brian was finally back on his feet, but his body told the story of a man who had been through a war.
Leaning heavily against the cage, he looked battered and worn, like he had just faced a mythical monster.
He had deep red bruises all over his chest and stomach from being hit over and over with knees.
Every time he moved, his eyes barely opened, and his face showed that he was in a lot of pain.
The medical team hovered around him, performing the final checks before they can exit the cage.
They were cautious, knowing how much damage he had absorbed, particularly to his midsection.
Damon, meanwhile, stood nearby, hands on his hips, catching his breath but feeling victorious.
He glanced over at Brian, a small part of him respecting the toughness his opponent had shown.
But that was it, just a bit of respect, no once did he feel bad or feel pity for him.
As the crowd slowly quieted down, waiting for the official announcement.
The medical team finally left the cage, giving Brian one last look before exiting.
Hank Binn stood in the center, motioning for both fighters to join him.
Damon moved forward, standing tall as Hank took his wrist, ready to raise it.
Brian limped slowly toward the center, doing his best to stand upright, though the pain was evident in every step.
The crowd fell silent, waiting for the moment.
All eyes were on Deuce Baffer, who took his place with his usual charisma, the mic in hand, his voice booming through the arena.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Deuce began, his voice tense with excitement, "referee Hank Binn has called a stop to this contest, at 3 minutes, 59 seconds of round one..." He paused for dramatic effect, letting the tension build, though everyone in the arena knew what was coming.
He spoke with the official, shaking their hands, talking with Deuce and shaking their hands.
He then made his way to Damon.
"Damon you've finally become the Supreme Fighter, you won the entire show, how does it feel".
Damon, was in disbelief, but he kept calm, " uhmm, how do I describe it, I feel amazing, I mean, this just feels surreal, one moment I was struggling with my mother and then next I'm here, I'm happy, I did this, I didn't do it just for myself but also for my mother, but also those who supported me through the way"
Jim Logan nodded with a smile, " through out the match, you did so much work, managed to take the fight down and bring it back up, what was your strategy "
"I.. you know what Mr Logan, I had many strategies, I had many that I discussed with my coaches, but none of them were put to use here, cause the moment I got in, I felt it, I had already won the fight,"
"Haha, Last question Damon you've finally won, are the Supreme fight, and secured a contract with the UFA, fi you don't mind telling us, what are your plans "
Damon looked at the camera and said " who's next"
The crowd popped, they loved nothing more than a fighter who didn't fear challenges.
Jim Logan smiled " there you have ,it, The Supreme Fighter, Damon Cross,makes some noise for him"
Jim, shook hands with Damon, and told him good luck.
As Damon made his way toward the back, his friends were seated a bit too far for him to reach out immediately.
He spotted an official near the edge of the cage and approached him, his voice slightly hoarse from the excitement. "Hey, would it be possible to bring my friends to the back area?"
The official nodded, understanding the moment. "Yeah, shouldn't be a problem. I'll get them now, just tell me where they are."
Relieved, Damon smiled and thanked him and pointed at his friends.
As the official went to retrieve his friends, Damon continued his walk towards the back, chatting with his temporary team of coaches and assistants who had supported him through the journey of The Supreme Fighter.
Though they had only worked together for a short time, they had bonded deeply.