The referee brought both fighters to the center of the cage. The crowd quieted, the spotlight fixed on the two men as the ref raised his voice over the noise.
"Alright, gentlemen, this is three rounds in the middleweight division. You know the rules, protect yourselves at all times, listen to my commands at all times. If you want to touch gloves, do it now, and go back to your corners."
José Alvarez extended his hand without hesitation, his expression calm and focused.
Chase looked down at it, smirked, then tapped him lightly on the chest instead of the glove, mouthing something under his breath before backing away.
The crowd erupted in a mix of boos and cheers, the tension sparking immediately.
Jim Logan reacted on commentary. "Ohhh, look at that. Chase refusing the glove touch, he's here to send a message."
Damian Kormier chuckled. "Yeah, that's Chase, man. Always trying to get in your head before the fight even starts."
