In the corner, Victor watched with unblinking focus as Damon pressed on Jon, throwing those sharp punches that had always carried him forward.
But the moment Jon's overhand connected, when Damon's head snapped back and his body folded to the canvas, Victor felt his heart drop.
He had been here for every fight, every battle, but this was different. This was the first time since Damon had joined the UFA that Victor felt a real, gut-level fear. Damon wasn't just down. He was in real trouble.
Victor's breath caught, his hands gripping the edge of the cage as he forced himself to stay calm.
Around him, the other assistants and coaches were yelling out orders, their voices a jumble of desperate commands and encouragement.
But Victor barely heard them. His mind was locked on Damon, on that dazed look, on the way Jon followed him down.
He tried to tell himself it was okay. Damon was smart on the ground. He'd find a way to turn it.
