Theo stepped forward to meet the center, arms loose, chin tucked.
Across from him, Arman Petrov was still seated, hunched forward as Ivan crouched beside him, speaking directly into his ear.
There was no yelling, just clear, cold instructions. Petrov nodded once, then stood.
He bounced on his toes, rolled his neck, and locked eyes with Theo as the ref signaled them forward.
No glove touch.
The horn sounded, and Petrov exploded forward.
Theo barely had time to react before the Russian closed the gap. It wasn't clean footwork or a feint, it was pressure, straight and violent.
Petrov launched a tight right hand just to force a reaction, then immediately dropped levels and shot for Theo's hips.
Theo sprawled, but the shot was deep. He backpedaled hard, trying to circle, but Petrov clung to him. The grip tightened around the waist, and Theo felt his balance shift.
