"Okay, you got this. Go on there and show them hell."
Max nodded without saying a word. He stepped forward with purpose, shoulders squared, jaw set tight.
The house wasn't as loud as a real arena, but the energy was real, fighters watching from the sidelines.
His music played low, but Max barely heard it. His mind was already inside the cage.
He entered with calm steps, no showboating.
His eyes locked onto Pedro Santos, who was already inside, bouncing side to side, arms loose, head tilting with small jerks like he was warming up a rhythm.
Pedro looked calm, but sharp. He gave Max a nod, more polite than friendly.
Max nodded back, muttering something under his breath.
A habit he'd picked up long before this show, part affirmation, part self-check. He stepped to the center as the ref called both men forward.
