Leading Promotion Companies

"Hey, Max, how about we talk about a few pending matters?"

After his victorious fight, Max ran into Georges, who was heading toward him in the hallway of the lounge.

Georges was now a well-known promoter of young fighters with the potential to become MMA stars. He had helped promote rising MMA champions and remained a prominent figure in the industry even after retiring, thanks to his knack for discovering exceptional talent.

Recently, however, he had announced on social media that he was personally training a new student, currently competing in amateur matches across various combat disciplines.

"Mr. Georges, wait a moment, please!" Max wiped the sweat from his body with a towel, drank a bottle of water, and then performed a series of stretches on the tatami to prevent lactic acid buildup in his muscles after the intense workout, ensuring he would be ready for the afternoon match.

While Max was busy, Georges leaned back in his chair, crossed his legs, and waited with a smile. The soles of his shoes tapped the floor lightly now and then, a picture of relaxation and ease.

About ten minutes later, Max sat down on the bench across from Georges with a relaxed demeanor.

"Sorry for the wait!"

"Ha ha ha, no worries. I'm the one who recommended all those stretches to you, so it'd be pretty ironic not to let you finish your routine." Georges glanced at Max's hands and nodded slightly, noting they were in perfect condition.

"So, what did you want to talk to me about?"

Georges laughed heartily, patted his thigh, and said, "Max, you know I like you a lot. Your temperament aligns perfectly with mine. Why not team up with me and join a top-tier promotion company? We could make a fortune advancing your career, and you could help pave the way for other young fighters when you retire."

Max's face reflected nostalgia. "That sounds great, but..."

Before he could finish, Georges raised his hands and continued, "After your amazing performance, I specifically reached out to various martial arts promoters in the contact sports industry. I've secured something really good for you."

Georges understood that Max fought for reasons far more significant than money. He had parted ways with many disciples who strayed from the path of glory before they even had a chance to be called champions.

Max, however, fought for deeper, personal goals—something evident in every fight. Georges wanted to help him build a fortune so that when Max achieved his objectives, he could retire without financial worries.

Throughout his career, Georges had seen many fighters who started strong but ended up worse than average because money consumed their ambition and drive to compete at the highest level.

"Terry told me you might need something like this, so I worked hard to find good sponsors interested in propelling your career," Georges said, eager to hear Max's thoughts.

Max was smiling, but his heart felt no emotion.

Although Georges's offer was incredibly generous, Max didn't need the money. In fact, he felt he could live comfortably without many of the luxuries surrounding him.

He wasn't being arrogant—if given the choice, he would've preferred to have a family, the family he lost on the night his world fell apart.

"You know I'll fight professionally when the time comes, and my only wish is to elevate the name of my martial arts school. We carry more than a brand; we carry a purpose—to evolve character so that those oppressed by the strong can defend themselves."

Max sat beside Georges and added, "I feel much better training with my friends and winning battles with them. I know many won't choose martial arts as a lifelong path, but while we're together, I want to share everything I have with them."

"And that's precisely why this will boost the brand—the deal I secured for you. Look at this," Georges said, pulling out a catalog of photos featuring professional fighters in casual clothing.

Max examined the pictures and asked, "You expect me to do something like this?"

"You're supposed to. They pay very well."

"Are you sure this will advance my career?" Max wasn't convinced that this type of photo session would make Cobra Kai famous.

"Don't worry, it will," Georges reassured him.