The cage door shut behind the medical team as they checked on RRD, who sat upright now, his chest rising and falling steadily.
Blood still trailed along his eyebrow, but his expression was calm.
In the center of the octagon, Ivan Novak stood tall, sweat glistening down his torso, his chest rising in controlled breaths.
The cut under his left eye had opened slightly, but he didn't notice. His focus was straight ahead as he turned slowly in a circle, absorbing the roar of the crowd.
Cameras flashed. The stadium lights dimmed slightly, spotlighting the center of the cage.
Referee Garne Rowen stepped between the two corners and raised Ivan's wrist.
Then the booming voice of Deuce Baffer filled the arena.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he said, his voice perfectly paced and steady, "referee Garne Rowen has called a stop to this contest at four minutes, eleven seconds of Round Number Three…"
The crowd quieted slightly, holding breath for the announcement.
