The day had finally arrived.
The Ireland MMA team had been in England for a few days now, settling into the city that would host the tournament's first stage.
The country had a charm to it, with its blend of modern and historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant atmosphere.
But for Damon, the beauty of England was secondary to the task at hand.
The tournament's format was clear. Every few days, a new set of matches would take place, covering all weight classes.
Fighters would compete based on the schedule drawn by the organizers.
For the Ireland team, it was a mix of anticipation and tension.
The management team had done their best to keep things professional, but the cracks were evident to anyone paying attention.
Damon, however, kept his focus. He'd been through a tournament before, but this one felt different.