Kenji Sato and Trevor Mills stood across from each other, both bouncing lightly on their feet as they waited for the referee's cue.
The cage lights above cast clear shadows, catching the focused look in each man's eyes.
It was the lightweight fight. the first of the two scheduled for the night, and it was set to open the evening.
They stepped forward as the referee called them in.
"Gentlemen," the ref said, his voice firm, eyes on both. "You know the rules. Protect yourselves at all times. Follow my instructions at all times. Touch gloves if you wish, back to your corners."
Kenji reached out. Trevor hesitated a second, then tapped gloves with him.
There wasn't much behind the touch, just routine. Neither man had shown much personality during fight week. Both had been respectful. Focused.
They stepped back to their corners. Coaches gave last-second advice. The noise in the arena was rising, the crowd settling in, expecting fireworks.
The ref raised a hand.
"Ready?"
