Damon stood barefoot on the damp wooden dock, the smell of the lake thick in the air.
The water rippled in the morning breeze, the floating platforms bobbing in place, creaking softly against the ropes that held them in formation.
He glanced toward the shoreline where his fighters were clustered together.
Ronny McGregor had his arms over the fence rail, grinning like this was the best day of his life.
Max Taylor leaned beside him with his arms folded, already jawing at Chase Dunham across the way.
Ayo Fasusi couldn't stand still, he kept hopping side to side like he wanted to run the course himself.
Kenji Sato watched quietly, his expression unreadable, but Damon knew the guy was clocking every detail.
On Ivan's side, Chase was running his mouth at anyone who'd listen, tossing lines about Damon needing swimming lessons.
Thami Zulu didn't seem to care about the trash talk; he was laughing with José Alvarez, probably trying to get him to bet on who'd fall in first.
