MMA System: I Will Be Pound For Pound Goat

Damon walked up to the counter with a smile on his face. "Didn't take you for someone who stays up this late," he said.

Ashley jumped and her hands flew to her chest. She looked around with wide eyes. "Jeez, Damon!" she yelled, catching her breath. "You scared the life out of me!"

Damon chuckled, raising his hands in apology. "Sorry, didn't mean to sneak up on you." His grin softened, genuinely feeling a bit guilty for startling her. "Didn't think anyone else would be up."

He moved over to the sink, grabbing a glass and filling it with water.

The steady flow of the cool water was the only sound that broke the silence in the kitchen.

He took a sip, then turned back to Ashley, leaning casually against the counter. "So," he asked, his voice softer now, "what's on your mind?"

Ashley sighed, her gaze shifting from the window to meet his.

She might have been tired, but her eyes gave off a hint of something else. She said, "Couldn't sleep," with a small, almost tired smile on her face. "You?"

Damon raised his glass with a small smile. "Thirsty," he said, then added gently, "Wanna talk about it?"

He could see the stress etched across Ashley's features, the way her shoulders seemed tense, and the weariness in her eyes.

She sighed loudly, the sound filled with a frustration she hadn't let out until now.

Damon couldn't help but chuckle softly, trying to lighten the mood, but he kept his expression kind and understanding.

Ashley's gaze drifted back to the window, her voice quiet. "It's about me, Joey, and Ash," she said, her fingers tapping absently against the counter.

Damon raised an eyebrow, concern softening his features. "I thought we handled that issue earlier. What's still bothering you?"

Ashley sighed, her fingers fidgeting as she looked down. "I know we talked it out," she said quietly. "But… I didn't realize it would weigh this heavily on me. Maybe… maybe Ash is right."

She paused, her voice wavering slightly. "Maybe Joey and I shouldn't be together. Maybe it's a mistake, and I'm just setting myself up for another heartbreak."

Damon sighed internally.

He didn't want to be the person people came to as a substitute for their significant other, especially when that person was his friend.

It wasn't his place to step in or be a sounding board for problems that Joey, as her boyfriend, should be hearing.

Still, he wanted to offer support without overstepping. "Look," he said, his voice calm but firm, "I care about you guys, but Joey's the one you should really be having this conversation with. He's your partner, and if something's bothering you, he deserves to know. You'll figure it out together."

Ashley looked at him, her eyes thoughtful. Damon hoped she understood his boundaries while also knowing he was there if she ever truly needed him.

After all, Ashley was still his friend, and Damon wasn't the kind of person to let a friend drown in their worries, no matter the situation.

He cared about her, and even if he couldn't solve her problems, he could at least try to nudge her in the right direction.

He glanced out the window, the night sky calm and still.

As he passed by her, he gently patted her shoulder, offering a reassuring smile. "Go lay your head," he said softly. "Get some rest."

Ashley gave him a small, grateful smile, and Damon turned, walking back to his room.

He went through the house, where it was quiet. His mind was rushing with thoughts but his heart felt a little lighter.

She stayed behind for a moment, a small, thoughtful smile spreading across her face. "I should talk to Joey," she whispered to herself, feeling a sense of clarity she hadn't had before.

---

Damon made his way back to his room, the quiet of the house settling in around him.

He climbed back into bed, feeling the weight of the day's events pressing lightly on his mind.

This time, he let himself relax, his body sinking into the mattress as he prepared to sleep for real.

He'd accomplished what he wanted in the simulation, pushing himself to the limit, and he resolved to make this routine a daily test of his strength and skills.

Closing his eyes, he allowed his exhaustion to take over, drifting into a well-deserved rest, ready to face whatever challenges tomorrow would bring.

Night passed peacefully, a calm lull settling over the house as everyone drifted into a deep sleep. But while they rested, the outside world buzzed with activity.

A video had begun making rounds on social media, not quite trending, but still drawing attention, especially among the die-hard fight fans.

It was the usual aftermath of a major UFA event: clips from the post-fight press conference spreading through forums and social media feeds.

This time, however, something was different. Instead of the typical fighter interviews, only the UFA CEO stood at the podium, addressing the media.

Questions about Damon Cross and the future of The Supreme Fighter swirled among the journalists.

The CEO's answers, though composed and measured, hinted at significant changes coming soon.

The video slowly gained traction, it was clear that the buzz around Damon and his newfound status in the UFA wasn't fading anytime soon.

The video showed Ronan Black, the UFA CEO, sitting at the table, addressing a swarm of eager reporters.

His demeanor was confident and straightforward, his expression betraying a hint of impatience as camera flashes lit up the room.

A reporter leaned forward, voice eager. "Ronan, Ronan, we've seen what Damon Cross can do. What do you think about him?"

Ronan rubbed his chin, smirking. "What do I think? Listen, the kid's a freakin' stud, alright?" he said, his tone blunt and direct. "I knew he had something special from the moment the show started. I mean, he went out there and did exactly what we all hoped he'd do. He's a great addition, no doubt about it."

Another reporter jumped in, pushing further. "He dominated his match! Do you think there's a title shot for him somewhere, somehow?"

Ronan's eyes narrowed, and he looked at the reporter like they'd asked the dumbest question of the night. "Are you serious right now?" he shot back, shaking his head. "Look, let's not get carried away. The kid's good, but come on. First off, he's got a lot to learn, alright? We're talking about a stacked division with killers who've been grinding for years. Damon's got a future, but a title shot? No way. Not yet, anyway."

He leaned back, his no-nonsense attitude leaving little room for debate, but his words were already stirring up a storm of speculation and discussion among the fans and fight community.

'Damn, these reporters are getting dumber every day with these questions'