The referee motioned both fighters to the center of the cage, his voice steady and direct as he laid down the rules.
"Protect yourselves at all times. Obey my commands at all times. If I say stop, you stop. Clean fight, gentlemen."
Max Taylor stood tall, his shoulders squared, eyes locked on Kenji with that fiery American intensity.
His jaw flexed as he nodded, the weight of the semifinal hanging heavy but not enough to shake his confidence.
Kenji Sato bowed his head slightly as the referee finished, a respectful gesture born out of habit and discipline. His face remained calm, unreadable, not giving Max or anyone watching a hint of nerves.
The referee extended his hands. "Touch gloves if you'd like."
Kenji stepped forward first, raising his gloves and giving a small bow as he touched them to Max's. Max, for all his fire, mirrored the bow, stiff and short, but still there. A gesture of respect before the storm.
