Despite the pushback from fans, the UFA pushed ahead with the matchup between Damon Cross and Ivan.
The marketing was subtle but steady, highlight reels, quotes from the press conference, old clips of both men in The Supreme Fighter days.
But the energy wasn't like Damon's previous fights. It wasn't loud. It wasn't buzzing with rivalry.
Not many were putting serious eyes on this one.
Most saw it as Damon ticking a box. Cleaning out the last name on a list before moving up. They called it a formality. A champion's obligation.
But they still tuned in.
Because Damon was fighting.
And when Damon Cross fought, something always happened.
Maybe it was the execution. Maybe it was the presence. But fans, even the doubtful ones, couldn't look away.
Some came to witness greatness. Others came to see if someone could finally stop him.
And somewhere in the silence of the predictions, Ivan trained like a man who had no interest in being a formality.
