MMA System: I Will Be Pound For Pound Goat-Chapter 833: Back to the Coast

The team packed up quickly after the whirlwind of fight week. LA had been loud, hectic, and draining, but the job was done.

Damon defended his belt, survived the press storm, and now all that was left was the quiet return home.

The flight out was early morning. Damon kept his hood low as they moved through the private terminal, Svetlana pushing Ava's stroller while Victor and Joey handled bags.

Even in a quieter setting, a few fans managed to wave from behind the barriers, shouting Damon's name. He gave them a nod, but he looked eager to get moving.

The flight itself was calm. Ava curled against Svetlana and fell asleep halfway through, while Damon leaned back in his seat, headphones in, replaying moments from the fight in his head.

Joey scrolled through his phone, smiling every time another headline or Chirper clip came up.

By the time the plane touched down, the sun was setting over the California coast. The air in Santa Monica felt different, lighter, calmer.

The drive back wasn't long. As they crossed into the familiar streets, Damon looked out at the ocean, waves breaking gently against the shore. After the noise of Vegas and the chaos of fight week, the view felt like a reset.

They finally pulled up to the apartment. Damon carried Ava in one arm while Svetlana unlocked the door.

Inside, the place was quiet, everything exactly how they had left it.

Damon set the belt down on the counter, exhaling as if the weight of the week had finally left his shoulders.

Home again.

The apartment was quiet after they settled in. Svetlana carried Ava off to bed, leaving Damon and Victor in the living room.

The belt rested on the counter, gleaming under the dim light, but Damon's eyes weren't on it.

Victor leaned against the chair back, arms crossed. "So, you're serious about this boxing talk?"

Damon nodded. "Yeah. I can't just jump in blind though. I've got to switch the game plan. Everything changes, distance, pacing, setups. No takedowns, no kicks. It's a different game."

Victor exhaled, rubbing his jaw. "It's not just different, it's unforgiving. You've got the hands, sure, but those guys, they've been living in that range their whole careers. You've always been best when you had options."

Damon cracked a faint smile. "That's the challenge. I've spent my whole career making sure I could fight anywhere. Now I want to prove I can beat someone at their best, in their world. And I'll need you to build me from the ground up for this."

Victor studied him for a long moment, then gave a single nod. "Alright. If you're gonna do it, we'll do it right. No shortcuts. But once this gets announced, there's no turning back."

Damon leaned back, relaxed but firm. "Then let's announce it."

[[[[[[[[[[[]]]]]]]]]]]

Damon Cross (Official Page)

"Last week, I defended my title and proved once again why I'm the best middleweight in the world. But I've always said this, I'm not here just to defend, I'm here to build, to grow, and to test myself.

MMA has given me everything. Thirty-one fights, thirty-one wins, multiple belts, tournament titles, and history made. But I've never been the type to settle.

I've dominated in mixed martial arts. Now it's time to step into another arena. A new challenge, different rules, but the same fighter.

Yes, I'm crossing into boxing.

This isn't about money, it's not about hype. It's about legacy. It's about seeing if the skills I've sharpened in the cage can carry over into the ring. Many say it can't be done, that being great in MMA doesn't mean you can hang with specialists. Good. That just makes me want it more.

I'm not retiring from MMA. Far from it. I still hold two belts, and I'll defend them as I always have. But the Cross Era doesn't stop here. It expands.

New sport. New battleground. Same result.

Let's make history."

]]]]]]][[[[[[[[[[ 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

The internet exploded within minutes.

Victor leaned forward, his tone steady. "Anyway, for that to get done, we'll have to talk with the UFA. You've still got obligations, and if you're serious about boxing, we need their approval."

Damon nodded. "I figured as much."

Victor continued, "And we'll need to renew your contract. With your status now, you've got leverage, but I know you don't care much about the money. Still—" he paused, smirking faintly, "if we manage to land a boxing fight, you're in for a check. A big one."

Damon chuckled lightly. "That's not why I want it. But if it comes with the territory, I won't complain."

Victor's smile faded back into a serious expression. "Good. Then let me handle the UFA. You just focus on being ready for whatever comes next."

Damon leaned back on the couch, silent for a moment before nodding again. "Deal."

Damon asked, "What about the boxing coaches?"

Victor nodded. "Yeah, I'll line up some skilled ones. Don't worry. Unless you already have someone in mind?"

"Not really," Damon said, leaning back. "It'll be good to have someone experienced, though."

Victor smirked. "Experienced won't be the problem. The problem will be finding someone who understands you. Most boxing guys don't like dealing with MMA fighters, different stance, different rhythm, different habits. But if you're serious, I'll bring in people who can push you without trying to strip everything away."

Damon chuckled. "Sounds like you've been through this argument before."

"Too many times," Victor admitted. "But this is different. You've already proven yourself at the top of MMA. The boxing world's gonna come looking to test you. I want to make sure you're walking in there with no excuses."

Damon gave a slow nod, his expression firm. "Good. Because I'm not going in there just to show up. I'm going in to win."

Joey finally looked up from his phone, grinning. "Okay, everything is good and set. Media's settled, the narratives are running strong, and your name is everywhere, again."

Victor grabbed his jacket from the chair, giving Damon a firm nod. "Alright then, let me head out and prepare for the meeting with the UFA. We'll handle the contract talk and the boxing proposal. You—" he pointed at Damon with a small smirk, "get some rest. Spend time with your family. Tomorrow, we start planning again."

Damon exhaled, leaning back against the couch. "Yeah… sounds good."

Victor gave Svetlana a polite nod, bent slightly toward Ava still in Damon's lap, and then headed for the door. "Don't worry about a thing tonight. Just be Dad and husband for a bit."

The door shut behind him, leaving Damon with Joey, Svetlana, and Ava in the quiet apartment.