Chapter 425: Retirement Challenge
As the team dispersed, Demaien finished his interview, still trying to process everything.
The adrenaline was wearing off, leaving behind a mix of exhaustion and disbelief.
He had done it.
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He had secured Ireland's place in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Tommy Hughes had his own task handling media obligations for the national team.
His usual gruff demeanor remained, but even he couldn't deny the significance of the night.
Whether he liked it or not, this team had made history.
But the media wasn't waiting for official statements.
They were already running wild.
The internet was on fire.
The fights had been electric, and the narratives were writing themselves.
Damon's brutal finish over Jon Dlachovizc had set the night ablaze.
The way he carved through a former champion had fans questioning if he was already beyond the level of a mere prospect.
Collin's devastating loss had the MMA world split. Some said he should've never come back.
Others argued that rust was expected and that he needed time. The biggest debate? Whether he'd fight again after this humiliation.
But the final war between Demaien and Niklas had captured everyone's attention.
It wasn't just about the win, it was the heart, the brutality, and the sheer will to survive. Fans were still buzzing over Niklas popping his shoulder back in mid-fight.
People wanted more. They wanted a rematch. They wanted both men signed to a major promotion immediately.
And as the Irish team made their way back, the noise only grew louder.
[Chirper Trending Posts]
@FightWorldNews 🥊🔥
"WHAT A NIGHT! 🇮🇪 vs 🇵🇱 delivered nonstop action from start to finish. Damon Cross set the tone with a brutal win over Jon Dlachovizc, Collin NcGyver's return didn't go as planned, and Demaien Ncguygan just secured Ireland's place in the World MMA Tournament after a WAR. Unreal night of fights. #WorldMMATournament #CrossEra"
@MMAInsider 📰
"Damon Cross is a PROBLEM. Jon Dlachovizc is one of the toughest guys out there, and Cross picked him apart before finishing him in BRUTAL fashion. Scary to think he's only getting started. #CrossEra #WorldMMA"
@PolishFighterReport 🇵🇱
"Niklas Lebrowski showed insane heart. Popped his shoulder back in MID-FIGHT and still went to war. He may not have won, but Poland should be PROUD. That was a battle! #Respect #Polska"
@UFAOfficial 📢
"We see you, Demaien Ncguygan. That performance turned heads. Expect some big calls coming your way, kid. #FutureStar #WorldMMATournament"
@KnockoutCulture 🥊💥
"Demaien nearly snapped Niklas's arm, and Niklas just popped it back in like it was NOTHING. This fight was pure madness. If you missed it, FIND A WAY TO WATCH. #FightOfTheNight #WorldMMA"
@IrishMMAFans 🇮🇪☘️
"IRELAND STANDS TALL! Cross dominates, Demaien secures our spot, and the atmosphere tonight was unreal. The World MMA Tournament better be ready. We're coming! #IrelandUnites #WorldMMA"
@DamonCrossFanPage 🏆
"16-0. Another highlight reel finish. If you're still doubting Damon Cross, I don't know what to tell you. #CrossEra"
Clips of fighters reacting to Damon's fight flooded social media, spreading like wildfire.
One in particular gained massive traction, a well-known light heavyweight giving his take on Damon's performance.
"Man, Damon Cross just ran through a former top-five light heavyweight. That's not normal. The kid is terrifying."
Many agreed. Seeing Damon dismantle a former champion had sent a clear message, he wasn't just a rising prospect anymore. He was a legitimate problem.
But while Damon's victory was the main highlight, another discussion was growing just as fast. Fans, analysts, and even fighters were calling for UFA, or any major promotion, to sign both Niklas and Demaien.
"Listen, I don't care who won, Niklas and Demaien BOTH deserve a contract. These guys gave us a fight of the year contender, and they're not even in a major org yet? Someone fix that. #WorldMMA"
The demand was everywhere, with thousands of comments echoing the same sentiment.
However, despite all the excitement, the most viral moment of the night wasn't a highlight from a fight, it was Collin NcGyver's loss.
His defeat had already been shocking, but what truly set the internet on fire was what happened after.
Fans quickly pointed out that Collin was noticeably absent during Demaien's fight.
He hadn't been in his corner, hadn't supported the team, and when his own fight was over, he had skipped the post-fight interview entirely.
The speculation began immediately.
"Why did Collin disappear after his loss? No interview, no support for his teammate, nothing. That's not the same guy we knew years ago."
"Collin got humbled and dipped. Can't handle the L."
"He was all talk before the fight, but the moment things got real, he went ghost."
Some fans defended him, saying it was understandable given the circumstances, but the majority weren't buying it.
The narrative was forming, and it wasn't kind to Collin.
Then, just as the media frenzy began to settle, another post sent shockwaves through the combat sports world.
A certain fighter, one with undeniable legacy and presence in the sport, had just made a bold and unexpected statement.
The post was simple, yet its weight was immeasurable.
> "Every fighter has their time, and my time is coming to an end. This sport has given me everything, and I've given it everything back. But now, it's time for the last ride.
One more fight. One final dance.
And I know exactly who I want it to be against.
I've been watching, and I see the kid. I like his style. I like how he carries himself. I see something special in him. He's the new wave, the next era.
So here it is, I want my last fight to be against Damon Cross.
If he accepts, we make history. If he doesn't, I walk away."<
The combat sports world ERUPTED.
This was more than a callout. This was a moment. A passing of the torch, if Damon was willing to take it.
Within minutes, the post had gone viral, with fighters, analysts, and fans all reacting in disbelief.
The comments flooded in instantly:
"WHAT?! THIS CAN'T BE REAL!"
"He really chose DAMON for his last fight? That's insane."
"Damon HAS to take this. This is history in the making."
"This is the ultimate sign of respect. He could've picked anyone, but he picked Damon."
"If this happens, it's the biggest fight of the year. No question."
"Accept it or not, this solidifies Damon as the future of the sport."
The MMA world had just been shaken to its core.
But while the challenge itself sent shockwaves, the second part of the announcement, his retirement, stirred an entirely different reaction.
Fans flooded social media with disbelief, heartbreak, and outright denial.
"NO WAY. This can't be real. He's retiring?"
"Not like this, man. One more fight isn't enough!"
"The sport won't be the same without him."
"First Collin's loss, now this? This has been a crazy day for MMA."
"He's been one of the greatest to ever do it. But damn… this feels too soon."
Even fellow fighters reacted, some paying respect.