UFA calling for you meant one thing: they were offering a fight. For any rising fighter, this was an incredible opportunity.
For them, it was a chance to shine, show off their skills to fans, and leave a lasting impact on the people in charge.
It was an opportunity to prove their worth on the stage to solidify their place in the organization.
But... Damon couldn't ignore the fact that he had just fought only two days ago.
He had co-main evented and secured the title of The Supreme Fighter, a grueling path that he had only just completed.
Technically, he was supposed to be resting and recovering, allowing his body time to heal.
Sure, he had dominated Brian Walker, ragdolling his opponent with such efficiency that he barely had any damage to recover from.
Still, it was unusual to be called for a fight so soon.
Why would they offer me a fight now? Damon wondered, his mind racing. There had to be a reason, something behind the urgency.
The UFA wouldn't throw a fighter back into the cage without a good reason.
Victor's reassuring smile did little to ease the curiosity burning inside Damon. "This one is a bit complicated," Victor continued. "It isn't an official call-in, and you have full choice to reject it without any consequences."
Damon raised an eyebrow, but he was already beginning to piece together why they were offering him a fight so soon.
Victor leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "Here's the situation, the UFA is holding a Fight Night event, and one of the fighters tested positive for PEDs. They're scrambling for a replacement. Normally, they wouldn't consider someone who just fought, but since you took almost no damage in your last match and are riding high as The Supreme Fighter, you were their first choice."
Damon's eyes narrowed slightly as he processed this.
It was a golden opportunity, but it came with its own set of risks.
Victor's gaze was steady, full of concern, but also hope. "Now, hear me out," he said. "This is a big chance, but it's important that you feel ready. Are you good? Physically? Mentally?"
Damon took a moment, feeling the weight of the question. He knew he had to be honest with himself to evaluate whether he could rise to the challenge so soon after his last victory.
Victor studied Damon's expression, looking for any signs of doubt or hesitation, but Damon felt confident.
He'd been running on adrenaline and excitement ever since his last fight, and his body felt as sharp as ever.
Seeing Damon's determined nod, Victor smiled. "So?"
Damon didn't hesitate. "I feel good," he said, his voice steady and sure. "I can go back to training anytime. Like you said, my last fight was fast, and I didn't take any damage."
Victor's smile widened, a spark of pride in his eyes. "Alright, then," he said. "I'll let them know you're ready to step in. This could be a major opportunity to make your name even bigger."
Victor leaned back, his expression thoughtful as he continued. "Okay, now let's talk about your stay in Thailand," he said. "I'm sure you'll need to discuss it with your mother."
Damon nodded, already considering how he'd break the news to her. But then a question hit him. "How long will I be there?" he asked.
Victor shrugged. "That's for you and Somchai to decide," he replied. "It'll depend on how much you want to learn and how long Somchai thinks you need. But keep in mind," Victor added, leaning forward, "if you want to rise in the UFA, you have to stay consistent and always be ready. So even while you're in Thailand, you'll need to fly back when the time comes to compete in UFA Fight Night events."
He paused for emphasis. "You'll work your way up from those to the prelims and beyond. It's all part of the grind, but I'm sure you'll handle it just fine."
Damon felt the weight of it, the challenge, and the opportunity. It was going to be intense, but he knew this was exactly what he needed to grow and make a name for himself in the UFA.
Damon nodded, agreeing with Victor's plan. He didn't mind the idea of staying in Thailand for as long as it took, but he knew he'd have to talk it over with his mother.
The thought of leaving her again, of being away from the people he cared about, weighed heavily on his mind.
He also realized just how many sacrifices he'd have to make if he truly wanted to climb the ranks of the UFA.
Time with his loved ones would be the first thing to go, and no amount of training or simulated preparation could replace those moments.
The simulation made it easy to maximize his training, allowing him to sleep and train simultaneously. But even with that advantage, some things simply couldn't be avoided.
The physical presence, the connection with family and friends—those were things he'd have to give up, and the thought of it stung.
Still, Damon was determined. He had made it this far, and he wasn't about to stop now. The path he'd chosen was never going to be easy, but it was one he was ready to walk, even if it meant making some difficult sacrifices along the way.
Victor noticed the thoughtful, almost somber look on Damon's face and offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry," he said, his voice warm. "You can always fly back whenever you want to visit. Family is important, and you should make time for them."
Then, with a playful grin, he added, "But you'll have to pay for those flights yourself… You're a working man now, after all."
Damon and Edward burst into laughter, the tension in the room easing up.
Damon felt a bit lighter, grateful for Victor's humor and understanding.
Even with the challenges coming, moments like these reminded him that he had a strong support system behind him.