The horn sounded for Round 2, and both fighters rose from their stools. Sweat glistened under the lights, the crowd still buzzing from the madness of the first round.
Chase came out lighter on his feet this time, but not as reckless. His hands were higher, his movement more measured.
He still feinted, still swayed side to side, but the wild spins and flying knees were gone, for now.
Jim Logan caught it right away. "Interesting. Chase is a lot more cautious now. After that slam at the end of round one, maybe he realized not everything has to be a highlight reel."
Damian Kormier nodded. "Yeah, you can see it. He still wants to explode, it's in his style, but he's holding back. That tells me José earned respect in that first round."
José, on the other hand, grew sharper. He stalked forward with his same patient stride, guard high, chin tucked, every step heavy with intent.
He snapped a jab straight into Chase's face, followed by a punishing low kick that echoed across the arena.
