Chapter 56 - Chapter 56: Battle of the Century

A month later, under the glittering night sky of Las Vegas, the desert city seemed alive with an almost surreal brilliance. Neon lights stretched endlessly, skyscrapers reflected in glassy surfaces, and the streets buzzed with a perpetual hum of movement, energy, and excitement. It was as if the city itself were a diamond, polished by the tireless heat of human ambition and desire.Inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena, every seat was packed. The air hummed with anticipation, the collective heartbeat of thousands of spectators syncing with the flashing lights and rhythmic cheers. Tonight was the night of the fight that would be remembered for generations—a contest dubbed the Fight of the Century. On one side, "Money" Floyd Mayweather, undefeated and precise, the master of defensive counter-punching. On the other, "Asian Disruptor" Manny Pacquiao, lightning-fast, unpredictable, and brimming with aggressive fury.Tickets for this super fight had long sold out, fetching prices that defied comprehension. The global attention was palpable; millions watched through screens, while the elite of Hollywood and sports filled the VIP boxes, sipping champagne and exchanging pleasantries.Yogan, the newly crowned interim UFC champion and an emerging force in the world of combat sports, sat in the front row of the VIP section. He was flanked by celebrities: Leonardo DiCaprio exchanged nods with him, Beyoncé waved from across the aisle, and Michael Jordan's presence lent the event a sense of timeless prestige. Yet, despite the glitz surrounding him, Yogan's mind remained detached, his focus sharpened.Before the fight began, relying on his memories from a previous life and an uncanny understanding of boxing statistics, Yogan placed a decisive two-million-dollar bet on Mayweather to win "on points" via his usual betting app. The odds were modest, but he was unconcerned—the edge he possessed was far beyond luck.As the bell rang and the fight unfolded, Yogan watched Mayweather's strategy unfold like a perfect chess match. Pacquiao's speed and aggression were formidable, but Mayweather's defensive precision neutralized nearly every attack. By the final round, it was clear: Mayweather would claim victory on points. The announcement of the results triggered a quiet confirmation for Yogan—another $1.5 million quietly deposited into his account as "pocket money."He observed the champion, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "A shrewd businessman, not just a fighter," he thought. Yogan had always admired precision and intelligence, whether in combat or in capital.---The Glittering MirageAfter the fight, Yogan did not immediately return to San Jose. Instead, he allowed himself to savor Las Vegas in a rare week of total indulgence. His Lamborghini roared across desert highways with effortless speed, the tires slicing the air as the engine's growl echoed into the canyoned streets. On MGM's exclusive rooftop pool, he laughed with Hollywood stars, his presence understated yet magnetic. At the Wynn Hotel, he sat down at a high-stakes poker table and turned hundreds of thousands into just another afternoon's play.Luxury flowed around him—cars, wine, parties, the hypnotic pull of fame and wealth. Yogan absorbed it all, yet none of it bound him. With every toast, every laugh, he felt the pressure of the previous training camp dissolve, leaving only clarity and calm determination.Yet, as he boarded his private jet back to San Jose, the city lights shrinking beneath him, all the glitter vanished from his eyes. The noise, the sparkle, the temporary thrill—they left him untouched. In their place came a stillness, profound and unshakable, as if an old well had been dredged from within his mind.---The King ReturnsWhen Yogan stepped through the heavy iron doors of AKA Training Gym, the familiar mix of sweat, leather, and determination filled his senses. The gym had always been a sanctuary, but now, after months away and massive investment, it seemed almost sacred.Immediately, the energy shifted. His teammates noticed his arrival and approached with respect and camaraderie, exchanging fist bumps, nods, and smiles."Hey champ! I heard you had a great time in Vegas! Won big, didn't you?" DC Cormier asked, his grin wide.Yogan smiled, a relaxed yet commanding expression. "We're still far from done," he replied. "And don't think you can use me as a punching bag just because I came back!"He scanned the gym. Every corner bore the marks of transformation. State-of-the-art strength equipment, cryotherapy chambers from Sweden, hyperbaric oxygen systems from Germany, and a sophisticated motion capture setup near the Octagon—his investment had elevated the gym to a Holy Land of MMA training, combining raw grit with technological excellence.Coach Javier approached, a broad smile on his face, clapping a hand on Yogan's shoulder. "Look at this, Yogan! This is our new home. The best equipment, the best recovery systems. We're officially training like champions should. Now, we use this to make the world's strongest fighters!"Yogan nodded, eyes already scanning tactical data in his mind.---Strategy Session: The Dragon AwaitsInside the newly renovated tactical room, the atmosphere was serious. On the whiteboard hung a massive photo of Jose Aldo, championship belt slung over his shoulder, eyes sharp and calculating."Jose Aldo," Javier began, voice low and authoritative, "is one of the best defensive counter-punchers in MMA history. His low kicks disrupt movement and open opportunities for his devastating back punches. Our first goal is to move faster, feint more, and create openings without falling into his counter-traps."Yogan listened intently, absorbing every point, yet his mind was already half elsewhere. His future was not just about defending the interim belt—it was about evolving his craft."After this fight," he said quietly, "I'll head to Thailand. I need to refine my striking. I cannot always rely on defensive counter techniques like Mayweather. My goal is to destroy my opponents with precision and power, not just avoid them."---Conor Strikes AgainBut just as Yogan and his team prepared for this monumental showdown, the world refused to leave him in peace. Once again, Conor McGregor emerged, seeking attention and drama.During a popular MMA talk show, Conor, fueled by anger and a desire to provoke, produced a poster of Yogan holding the interim championship belt. With a sinister grin, he set it ablaze, starting from Yogan's face."Running game!" Conor shouted, glaring into the camera. "He directed the fight himself! He didn't dare exchange blows with me. He couldn't beat me, so he beat the referee's clock!"His diatribe expanded to include Aldo, mocking both fighters. "The Brazilian hid because she was scared, and this Chinese fighter ran a marathon in the cage! Both cowards!"Then, pushing further, he invoked nationality and cultural bias."That Chinese man is sneaky and cunning, just like his country! Hiding behind strategies, manipulating behind the scenes, never daring to face someone with dignity! This is how they operate on the international stage!"The live broadcast grew tense; the presenter attempted to intervene, but Conor's tirade only escalated.The next day, he released a viral video, mocking Yogan and the Chinese martial arts tradition. Clad in a yellow jumpsuit, he mimicked Bruce Lee with exaggerated, clumsy movements. At the end of the video, he flipped the middle finger to the camera, scrawling a message:"Is this your Kung Fu? Old people's gymnastics and movie stunts! Get ready to get knocked out in a real fight!"The internet exploded. The video spread like wildfire across social media, not just a fight promotion but a direct provocation to the global Chinese martial arts community. Public opinion surged, and the stage was set: this was no longer merely a sporting feud—it was a battle for pride, honor, and legacy.---Yogan, standing quietly in his gym, observed the chaos from a distance. His eyes were calm, but beneath the surface, a storm gathered. Conor's provocations would not go unanswered. Every insult, every provocation, only fueled Yogan's focus and determination.Outside, Las Vegas continued to glitter and roar. Inside the AKA gym, a king had returned, and he was already planning his next move.The battle of the century was approaching—but Yogan's fight was bigger than the Octagon. It was for honor, for legacy, and for the respect of every warrior who had ever dared to dream.And the world would soon witness the consequences.---