Chapter 730: Openings and Adjustments

The referee stood between the fighters in the center of the cage. He kept it short. Hands up. Listen to commands.

Protect yourself at all times. No one nodded, but both fighters were listening. There was nothing to shake hands over. This wasn't personal, but it was serious.

They touched gloves once, then backed off.

The ref looked at each corner and raised his hand.

"Ready? Ready?"

He dropped his arm. "Fight!"

Both fighters circled immediately, neither rushing. José kept his stance tight, feet light, eyes locked on Dorian's chest. Dorian took the center first, bouncing slightly, more upright in posture, but holding his hands high.

José threw the first strike, just a low leg kick, sharp but safe. It landed clean. Dorian didn't react, but he didn't fire back either. José didn't press.

He waited. Dorian pushed forward with a few short steps, then threw a heavy one-two, the cross cutting the air hard.