Rikiya's legs fail to settle properly beneath him; continuing the trade would be too dangerous. So he takes the risk of stepping in, reaching for the clinch.
But even that moment gives Aramaki a narrow opening to drive a heavy shot into the body.
Bugh!
And even after the clinch is finally established, Aramaki still sneaks in another two short punches to the side of the body.
Thud! Thud!
The referee steps in, trying to break them free. But Rikiya holds Aramaki a moment longer, until the bell ends the round.
Ding!
Rikiya seems to have won another round, but he ends it like a survivor who has just avoided disaster. His breathing is even heavier than before, carrying the physical cost of Aramaki's pressure.
And the sound of the bell does little to calm the arena. Instead, the crowd begins to rise, their voices gathering into a single chant.
"ARA-MAKI!"
"ARA-MAKI!"
"ARA-MAKI!"
