The moment Nankalayev tapped, Damon released the hold and bounced to his feet, chest pumping as he roared, arms stretched wide.
His face lit up, not just with adrenaline, but with realization. The belt, the legacy, the goal of becoming a double champ… it was no longer a distant wish. It was right in front of him.
Victor was already climbing the cage, yelling through clenched fists. The Cross-Era section of the crowd exploded, their chants rising in rhythm, shaking the arena.
Svetlana stood backstage, both hands over her mouth, eyes locked on the screen. Ava, in her grandmother's arms, clapped along with the roar of the people.
Inside the commentary booth, there was a pause, then awe.
"That… I don't even know what to call that," one of them finally said. "That was one of the strangest, cleanest submission transitions I've ever seen."
