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Chapter 87 - Chapter 86 – Ghost

In the professional arena of the fighting world, the data report showing '0 hits' struck the industry with a shock far beyond any bloody knockout could achieve.

Coaches, fighters, and analysts across the globe repeatedly rewound and replayed the fight footage. They tried to dissect every movement, every feint, every breath, hoping to understand the seemingly impossible distance control, fluid footwork, and devastating counter-attacking system that Yogan had displayed.

But the more they watched, the more despair seeped into their conclusions.

Renowned fight analyst Ariel Helwani, speaking on his live show, captured the collective sense of awe and helplessness perfectly. His voice carried reverence bordering on disbelief:

"We always say MMA is a fusion of different martial arts, a mixture of styles and techniques honed through years of training. But what Yogan has done here... it's something from another dimension altogether. His reaction speed, his dynamic field of vision, his sense of timing—they've surpassed mere technique. It's instinctual. It's primal. It's the way an apex predator controls every move of its prey. You can't hit a ghost you can't see or even touch."

Within hours, "Ghost" became another nickname for Yogan in the fighting world, joining "Lightning" as a title synonymous with unmatched prowess.

But whereas "Lightning" celebrated speed, "Ghost" embodied something deeper—a suffocating defense, a force that crushed hope before a strike was even attempted.

---

Inside the suite, Yogan sat among the core members of AKA, enjoying a late celebratory breakfast. The atmosphere was easygoing. DC Cormier, the veteran fighter and analyst, excitedly scrolled through social media posts, laughing at the exaggerated praise flooding the platforms.

Coach Javier, however, sat more composed, calm but focused. He placed a printed data report gently in front of Yogan, his expression blending pride and instructive gravity.

"'Zero hits', Yogan," Javier said, his tone filled with admiration, "This is perfection. It's the culmination of your discipline, the extreme execution of our training. But I need you to understand what this means moving forward."

He paused, ensuring Yogan absorbed the gravity of his words before continuing.

"This kind of dominance puts unprecedented pressure on your future opponents. They'll study every move, every breath you take, like hunters stalking a ghost. They'll be cautious, desperate, and more prepared than ever before."

Yogan simply nodded, his expression serene and collected.

"I understand, Coach," he replied softly. "They'll be cautious, frantic, reckless… but none of that will change anything."

His composure unnerved some of the room's younger fighters. Few could match such confidence.

Just then, Yogan's private phone rang.

The screen lit up with the name "Dana White."

Without a flicker of excitement, Yogan pressed the answer button and put it on speaker.

"YOGAN! My champion! My superstar!" boomed Dana White's unmistakable voice, filled with excitement that couldn't be restrained.

"Did you see it?! Did you see what's happening out there?! The world's going crazy for you! Stocks are skyrocketing! Pay-per-view shares are off the charts! You're a genius!"

The sheer energy in Dana's voice sent ripples through the room.

"Good morning, Dana," Yogan replied coolly, as if responding to a close friend, unfazed by the global sensation swirling around him.

"Good! Excellent!" Dana exclaimed, now thoroughly entertained by Yogan's calm demeanor.

"Listen, I called to give you the inside scoop," Dana continued, his voice charged with excitement. "Anjos's team just reached out to us. His doctor says his foot injury needs six to eight weeks to recover. So…"

He let the silence stretch for dramatic effect.

"UFC 200! July! The brand-new arena in Las Vegas! It's going to be the biggest event in UFC history! The main event… it's you, Yogan, against Rafael dos Anjos for the Lightweight World Championship! How do you feel about that?!"

The room went quiet. Everyone's eyes locked on Yogan. This was more than a fight—it was a milestone, a spectacle, a career-defining opportunity.

Dana's words were not just promises; they were proof that Yogan's star power extended far beyond the cage.

With practiced ease, Yogan's eyes remained calm. His lips curved in a slight smile.

"I have no problem," Yogan answered simply, "But Dana White… I have one condition."

The silence on the other end of the line was immediate. Dana seemed caught off guard. After all, Yogan, at the peak of his career, could demand anything. But few expected such a direct demand.

"Tell me."

Yogan's voice hardened, cutting through the air like a blade.

"I want a special clause added to the contract."

Dana leaned in on the other end. "Go on…"

"If I win," Yogan continued, "my next fight must be for the Welterweight Championship. It doesn't matter who holds the belt. Whoever wears that gold around their waist—he's my next opponent."

The room froze. It was bold, arrogant, but impossible to ignore.

There would be no transition fight. No climb up the rankings. No handholding. Yogan demanded a direct path to domination.

There was a long pause—ten full seconds—as Dana weighed the implications. The stakes were enormous. But the rewards… staggering.

Then, a burst of laughter and a loud clap echoed through the speaker.

"Deal!" Dana finally shouted, unable to contain his enthusiasm.

"You crazy bastard!" he laughed. "I love it! As long as you beat Anjos, the entire Welterweight Division is yours to challenge! We'll build an unprecedented 'Triple Crown' path for you! It's genius!"

"Very good," Yogan replied with his signature calmness.

Without another word, he ended the call.

---

The energy in the room burst like a dam breaking.

DC Cormier jumped up, roaring in excitement.

Luke Rockhold followed, high-fiving Cormier and unleashing a beast-like howl of triumph.

The future was suddenly mapped out—bold, ambitious, and unstoppable. An empire was being sketched in real time, one fight at a time.

But while others celebrated, Yogan rose slowly and walked to the suite's balcony.

The desert air, cool and crisp, brushed against his face. In the distance, jagged mountain lines shimmered under the morning sun, still cloaked in soft mist.

He stood quietly, gazing outward, as though detached from the clamor around him.

The cheers, the blueprints of glory, the celebrations, the opponent's threats—none of it pierced the calm exterior he wore.

Within him, there was neither anxiety about the upcoming battle nor elation at securing his place atop the world.

Instead, there was a deeper hunger—a relentless craving to see from higher vantage points, to rise beyond limits, beyond records, beyond praise.

He knew that from this moment onward, every fight would carry more weight than merely winning or losing.

He would carry the banner of the Dynasty—a title forged in fire and ambition. He would walk the path of a monarch—destined for isolation, destined for greatness.

The road ahead would be lonely, but that was the price for ruling over all.

Yogan stood in silence, watching the sun rise higher over the mountains, as the world celebrated the birth of a legend.

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