Comeback Match (1)

Yu Jung-ak's public service worker life ended smoothly. He lived diligently without causing any problems and used his accumulated vacation days to be discharged a week early. He thought he would feel different after being discharged, but it wasn't particularly so.

Since he had been training consistently even during his public service, there was no decline in his skills. The only concern was that he hadn't had a match for over 6 months, but even that wasn't a big worry.

Among martial artists, there were fighters who couldn't compete for over a year due to injuries.

While Yu Jung-ak was doing his public service, Oh Jung-ryong returned as a fighter and won a splendid victory. Oh Jung-ryong decided to quit his job as Yu Jung-ak's trainer and focus on his career as a fighter. There were rumors that he would soon get a title shot in Best FC.

During the six months, Team Silence members participated in various competitions. An interesting point was that Angela, who was working on improving her striking, was set to compete in a domestic organization called Max Fighting. Max Fighting was a stand-up fighting organization.

In other words, Angela couldn't use her specialty, ground techniques. Nevertheless, Angela decided to participate in the Max Fighting tournament. Her match was scheduled for two months later. After being discharged, Yu Jung-ak was helping with Angela's training along with Rumsak and Double. Angela had one match while Yu Jung-ak was doing his public service, and she won with an overwhelming performance. Now her record was 3 wins and 0 losses.

"Relax your shoulders! Hit lightly and accurately."

Yu Jung-ak started physical training immediately after mitt training was over. Yu Jung-ak's training intensity was high.

Team members always had something to say when they saw Yu Jung-ak like this.

"He thinks everyone's a monster like him when it comes to stamina. Disgusting guy."

Just by the way of speaking, one could tell who said it. It was Oh Jung-ryong. Especially Kim Young-tae, after vomiting when he asked Yu Jung-ak for physical training before his comeback match, never asked Yu Jung-ak for help again.

The only fighter in Silence who asked for help before every match was Angela. Other fighters couldn't keep up with Yu Jung-ak's harsh training.

Angela always wanted to improve her weakness in striking. So she had been doing a lot of striking improvement training, and Angela, who gained confidence in her striking, wanted to test it. At that time, Cho Yong-il talked to the female fighters of Silence about Max Fighting.

Although it was a stand-up fighting organization, it wasn't uncommon for MMA fighters to participate in stand-up fights. Moreover, the representative of Max Fighting offered a breakthrough condition that even if they contracted with them, they wouldn't restrict participation in other organizations' fights.

In other words, they were allowing dual contracts. In fact, Max Fighting even included a clause in the contract stating that they wouldn't object to fights in other organizations as long as the schedule was agreed upon.

This generous attitude of the Max Fighting representative had a good effect and became an opportunity for MMA fighters to advance to Max Fighting. So from Team Silence, Angela decided to participate in the stand-up fight.

Other female division fighters were reluctant to participate in stand-up fights, but only Angela said she wanted to go.

The opponent was a domestic fighter with a record of 5 fights, 3 wins, and 2 losses, and her striking wasn't bad. For the previous Angela, this would have been an opponent she could never beat, but Angela's striking skills had improved dramatically over the past 6 months. Especially her boxing skills had improved considerably, so it was a match worth trying.

"Now that there's only a week left, don't overdo it and stop here."

Yoon Chang-seon said to Yu Jung-ak. Yu Jung-ak nodded. After training, Yu Jung-ak gathered in Cho Yong-il's office.

"Now that you're a civilian again, you should fight again."

Cho Yong-il said.

"Is it set?"

"We should try to set it."

"Ah, I thought it was already set."

"It seems you're not completely forgotten yet, maybe because it's only been about 6 months. Your story still comes up occasionally in the community."

"Is that important? What's important is that the match is set."

"That's why I called you here. By the way, are you interested in participating in another stand-up fight?"

"Stand-up fight?"

"Yes. Stand-up fight."

"You're not saying I should participate in Max Fighting, are you?"

"Why not?"

"Is Jang Sung-hyun coming out?"

"Jang Sung-hyun is an exclusive contract fighter for World One, he's not coming out. And if it were Jang Sung-hyun, would I send you out? It's obvious you'd get beaten up."

"Why are you like this, uncle? My striking has improved a lot too."

"If you fight him in a one-match now, there's a real chance your ribs might break. That's how good Jang Sung-hyun is."

"I know that."

Yu Jung-ak knew Jang Sung-hyun's skills best as he had fought him directly. At that time, Yu Jung-ak realized that his striking skills were far below Jang Sung-hyun's. The reason Yu Jung-ak could win that day was due to the peculiarity of tournament fights.

The cumulative damage was greater for Jang Sung-hyun than for Yu Jung-ak, and he was able to win by taking advantage of that. If it were a one-match fight, it would still be difficult for Yu Jung-ak to beat Jang Sung-hyun. Maybe in MMA rules, but not in stand-up rules.

"Don't worry, Jung-ak. A little more and you can definitely win."

Rumsak Noi, who was listening to the conversation, patted Yu Jung-ak's back and said. Rumsak Noi's Korean skills were improving day by day. Since Rumsak Noi came to the gym, the striking skills of the entire Silence team had improved.

Rumsak Noi worked diligently, and Cho Yong-il rewarded him sufficiently for that. Every few months, Rumsak Noi would visit Thailand, and he said his final goal was to bring his family in Thailand to Korea.

Rumsak Noi seemed to have found some breakthrough while working as a trainer in Korea. Maybe that's why he worked with a more energetic appearance. Looking at his usual lifestyle, he didn't seem like a legendary fighter at all, but when he held the mitts or did sparring, he was still strong enough to compete as an active fighter. Even his stamina was like that.

"Okay. I'll trust you, hyung."

"Yeah. Just trust me."

Rumsak replied to Yu Jung-ak in a clumsy pronunciation. Yu Jung-ak also answered with a smile. Seeing this, Cho Yong-il and Yoon Chang-seon frowned.

"Hey, you guys are a bit much. In Korea, if you're too nice like that, you might be misunderstood."

"Coach Yoon, I mean Director Yoon, aren't you too old-fashioned? These days, this is called bromance."

"Bro what?"

"Bromance. Watch some TV, Director Yoon."

"Anyway, you're saying I should participate in a stand-up fight, right?"

"Yes."

"Who's the opponent?"

"Max Fighting will find a suitable opponent. They said they'd add the match right away if you agree to come."

"Along with Angela's fight?"

"Yes. I met their representative, and it seems they have a mindset of treating fighters well. And if you come, they said they'll give you a fight money that matches your fame. What do you think? Are you interested?"

"I always welcome fights. I don't think it's bad to have a stand-up fight as a comeback match."

"Then I'll contact Max Fighting right away. Prepare from tomorrow knowing that. They said they'll decide on an opponent within a week."

"Is it a Korean fighter?"

"Since Max Fighting is just starting, it will probably be mostly Korean fighters."

Yu Jung-ak's match was set simultaneously with his discharge. A stand-up fight. Although Yu Jung-ak was an MMA fighter, his striking skills were improving enough to participate in a stand-up fight.

It was a long-awaited comeback match.

He had to prepare properly to prove that he hadn't just been playing around all this time.

"Elbows are prohibited in Max Fighting matches."

Cho Yong-il said as soon as Yu Jung-ak entered the office.

"It's stand-up, but prohibited?"

"Even in Muay Thai matches, it's not common to allow elbows. Elbows often cause cuts, so they're often not allowed."

"What about neck clinches?"

"Those are allowed."

"So only elbows are not allowed?"

"That's right."

"Who's the opponent?"

"Lee Il-su."

"Lee Il-su is the fighter who fought against Jang Sung-hyun in the first round, right?"

"Yes."

"They said they'd give me an easy opponent, but this is no joke."

"Do you think so too?"

"I saw him fight against Jang Sung-hyun. Although Jang Sung-hyun was careless, Lee Il-su's skills were considerable."

Cho Yong-il nodded at Yu Jung-ak's words and took out a can of coffee from the refrigerator.

"They say sweet things are not good for health these days, uncle."

"Kid, if you want to live healthily, you should quit fighting. Frankly speaking, what's worse for health than participating in a fighting match? Anyway, Lee Il-su is not an easy opponent. His skills might have improved even more by now."

"But since the match is set, I have to do it, right?"

"You're not saying you'll lose?"

"I beat Jang Sung-hyun, so how can I be scared of Lee Il-su?"

"Your specialty, elbows, are prohibited, it's not MMA but stand-up, and the opponent is a rising star who's overrated compared to his record. It's going to be the worst comeback match."

"I haven't been playing around all this time."

"The opponent hasn't been playing around either. Kids with such talent change drastically in just a few months. So I'm telling you to be tense."

"When have I ever not been tense? I'll analyze properly and prepare."

Yu Jung-ak started to undergo more intense training. Since he was preparing for two months, it was actually a match after 8 months. Of course, since his match sense had decreased, it was common to fight against an opponent with a lower record for a comeback match. Lee Il-su didn't have many professional records either. He was said to have many amateur records, but his professional record was only 1 win and 1 loss.

However, Lee Il-su's skills were already well-known among the officials. In other words, it was a match where Yu Jung-ak had a lot to lose.

That was Max Fighting's stance. To be honest, they thought Yu Jung-ak would refuse when they offered Lee Il-su as an opponent. It wasn't a match that would particularly benefit Yu Jung-ak.

Nevertheless, the reason they had to offer Lee Il-su was because that card had the highest topicality. Yu Jung-ak was a star, and Lee Il-su had star potential.

Yu Jung-ak hadn't signed an exclusive contract with Max Fighting, it was just a one-fight contract, so naturally, Max Fighting wanted a match-up with high topicality. That's why they offered Lee Il-su after careful consideration.

It was a great thing that a 19-year-old had taken a down from Jang Sung-hyun, who was rewriting the history of domestic stand-up fighting. So from Max Fighting's perspective, they poked Yu Jung-ak once with this card, knowing it might not be accepted.

But Cho Yong-il and Yu Jung-ak accepted that card. Team Silence side thought that although Lee Il-su was a high-level fighter, they had enough chances of winning. Especially Cho Yong-il, although he didn't show it, had great faith in Yu Jung-ak.

'Lee Il-su? He's good, but he's no match for our Jung-ak. He's the kid I taught properly from the basics.'

While stimulating Yu Jung-ak, Cho Yong-il had different thoughts inside. Yu Jung-ak was the same.

However, neither of them was careless. Confidence was essential for a fighter. Yu Jung-ak was confident, and to turn that confidence into victory, he prepared thoroughly.

Yu Jung-ak prepared properly for the match with Rumsak, and time was passing quickly. Meanwhile, Yu Jung-ak exchanged a few talks with Yoon Ji-yun, maintaining their connection. Yoon Ji-yun always apologized for the delay in buying him a meal, and Yu Jung-ak replied not to worry too much about it.

The main card of the Max Fighting tournament was Yu Jung-ak VS Lee Il-su.

Lightweight One Match.

Yu Jung-ak, who had been smoothly training and building his body, got properly motivated three weeks before the match.

It was after Lee Il-su's interview was uploaded on the internet.

[There's no one who can match me in Korea except for Jang Sung-hyun. I'll teach Yu Jung-ak a lesson so he can focus only on MMA from now on.]

Lee Il-su was more than expected. He didn't tremble at all during the camera interview and provoked Yu Jung-ak.

This provocation from Lee Il-su also reached Yu Jung-ak's ears. Yu Jung-ak gently countered this provocation in his pre-match interview.

This nerve war between the two brought an interesting structure, and fans' interest increased.

From a week before the match, Yu Jung-ak and Angela practiced mainly through sparring without overdoing it.

Angela's clean one-two aimed for Yu Jung-ak's head. But Yu Jung-ak avoided Angela's one-two with a very simple neck movement. Then he lightly hit Angela's head and slipped away. He didn't hit hard.

Yu Jung-ak, who was twice the size of Angela, moved much faster than her. Angela was sweating profusely, while Yu Jung-ak's breathing was as calm as usual.

The trainers watching this scene were amazed at Yu Jung-ak's concentration. Yoon Chang-seon approached Cho Yong-il and spoke. The two moved slightly away from the ring so as not to disturb the fighters' match and spoke quietly.

Yu Jung-ak and Angela continued sparring.

"Shouldn't we really send him to CFC? Even though Angela's striking is inferior, the way he avoids punches like that. It's not just once or twice, he's dodging almost all of them."

"Do you think it's time?"

Cho Yong-il grinned.

"Yes. I don't know about other things, but his defense is first-class."

"Let's focus on the comeback match first."

"If he prepares properly with Rumsak, I think he might be able to take on Jang Sung-hyun as well?"

"It's difficult. Jang Sung-hyun is also cunning, so he'll prepare perfectly for Jung-ak. Then, with higher basic skills, Jang Sung-hyun has a higher chance of winning. Well, it might be a different story in a few years."

Yu Jung-ak finished preparing for the Lee Il-su match with high concentration. Weight cutting also went smoothly. Since he was good at cutting weight, Yu Jung-ak passed the weigh-in without much problem.

Lee Il-su's height was 179cm and his reach was 185cm. His physique seemed to have much better upper body muscles than when he fought against Jang Sung-hyun. With a sturdy feeling, he took a fighting pose and provoked Yu Jung-ak by pushing his head forward.

Yu Jung-ak just passed Lee Il-su's provocation without any particular change in expression. Yu Jung-ak's height was 187cm with a reach of 196cm.

As always felt, he was almost a cheat-level spec holder in the lightweight division. Moreover, since his skeletal structure wasn't small, the pressure opponents felt when facing Yu Jung-ak was considerable. After finishing the weigh-in, Yu Jung-ak slowly started rebounding.

It was very important to slowly inject nutrition into the body after completely draining water. It was important to slowly consume selected foods so that there wouldn't be any problems with the body.

Some fighters received help from IV injections during this process. In simple terms, it meant replenishing nutrition through an IV drip. However, Yu Jung-ak hadn't used such methods yet.

He hadn't cut weight that painfully. However, Yu Jung-ak's normal weight was gradually increasing, so if it increased more in the future, he might need the help of IV.

It could seem strange that a fighter who had to compete in a martial arts match might need an IV injection the day before.

After the weigh-in, the day of the Max Fighting tournament approached.

A comeback match after 8 months.

It was finally about to begin.

Yu Jung-ak's high concentration in preparing for the Lee Il-su match was evident. Weight cutting also went smoothly. Since he was good at cutting weight, Yu Jung-ak passed the weigh-in without much problem.