Chapter 91: Chapter 91: Meeting The Coaches
Victor was leaning on the desk, his arms crossed, looking at two men with hard, weathered appearances.
They were both short, with rugged faces that spoke of years of experience in the martial arts world.
José, a world-renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu martial artist from the US, had just watched the spar between Ash and Damon.
He shook his head, his eyes narrowing in disapproval. "Vic, what is that?" he asked, his voice laced with disdain.
Somchai, a man from Thailand, who was also a renowned martial artist, now retired and working as a coach, nodded in agreement.
"His speed is slow, punches are weak, footwork is ridiculous... just everything," he said, his Thai accent thick and rich.
For the first time, the two men seemed to agree on something - Damon sucked.
Victor sighed, rubbing his temples. He knew José and Somchai were two of the toughest critics in the martial arts world. "Okay, I know he's out of touch," he said, trying to placate them.
But José and Somchai glared at him, their faces unyielding. Victor corrected himself, "He has no touch, I know, but you can't deny the talent is there. His endurance is crazy, he can eat up punches... and from what I've seen from his fights, as long as he gets good training, he can be amazing."
José raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Amazing? Vic, you can't be serious. The kid got knocked out cold by Ash. Ash, of all people!"
Somchai nodded, his eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement. "Yes, Vic, you need to be realistic. Damon may have heart, but he lacks technique, speed, and agility. He's a liability in the ring."
Victor leaned back in his chair, his eyes locked on the two men. "I know what I saw, José. Somchai. I saw a kid who's been fighting on the streets, with no formal training, no guidance... and yet, he's still standing. That takes guts, and that takes talent.
We can work with that."
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José and Somchai exchanged a skeptical look, but Victor could see the faintest hint of interest in their eyes.
Maybe, just maybe, they were starting to see Damon in a different light.
José raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "What's your plan then?" he asked, his voice a little softer than before.
Victor nodded, a smile blooming on his face. He leaned forward, his elbows on the desk.
"Okay, first thing first, I want to talk about his weight class," he said, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "On the way here, I talked with him, and I believe middleweight is the best for him. He can perform comfortably while still maintaining some advantage."
Somchai took a step back, his eyes darting towards the door.
He peeked out, looking at Damon, who was still chatting with the others, oblivious to the discussion about his future.
Somchai's gaze lingered on Damon's skinny frame before he turned back to Victor. "This is gonna take months," he said, his voice laced with a hint of doubt. "But I can see it happen."
José nodded thoughtfully, his expression a little more open-minded. "Middleweight, huh? That's a big jump from flyweight. But if anyone can make it work, it's us."
Victor grinned, his confidence infectious. "That's the spirit, José. I knew you'd see it my way. Now, let's talk about his training regimen. We need to work on his strength, his speed, and his agility. We need to transform him into a well-rounded fighter."
Somchai rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I can work on his Muay Thai skills, but we need someone to focus on his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. José, you're the expert in that area."
José nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "I'll take care of it. But Vic, we need to be realistic. This kid's got a long way to go. We can't rush his training."
Victor nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination. "That's why I think three years should be enough for what I have planned."
José nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Three years is good enough..." His voice trailed off, and he looked at Victor with a surprised expression. "Wait, didn't UFA say they are restarting that show in three years?"
José's eyes widened, and he took a step back, his mind racing. "You're planning to send him there?" He asked, his voice laced with a mix of shock and incredulity.
Victor nodded, his face set in a resolute expression. "I know it's a big jump, but I think, with the right training, he can do it. I've already secured his spot on the show, that's why I asked you this - do not hold back."
José and Somchai exchanged a look, their faces a mix of surprise and concern. They took a deep breath, and then nodded, their expressions set in determination.
"I see you're still obsessed with that goal of yours," José said, shaking his head.
Victor moved from the desk, ignoring José's statement. "Let's introduce you two then," he said, gesturing towards the door.
José and Somchai followed him out of the office, making their way towards the group of five that had acquainted itself with Damon.
As they approached, Damon looked up, a smile on his face.
He was chatting with Ash, Svetlana, and the others, laughing and joking like he'd known them for years.
Victor nodded in approval - Damon was becoming a social butterfly, and that was a valuable asset in the martial arts world.
When the group saw the coaches with Victor making their way to them, they stood up, Damon followed suit.
José and Somchai stood behind Victor, their faces stern but not unapproachable.
"Okay, you guys know these two," Victor said, gesturing towards José and Somchai. "Damon, this is José Silva, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu medalist martial artist. He's Ash's coach, and this is Somchai, a Muay Thai specialist with a successful record of 40-2. He's Svetlana's coach."
Damon nodded, stretching his hand to greet José. "Nice to meet you, sir," he said, his voice respectful. José took Damon's hand, squeezing it a bit before letting go.
Damon then looked at Somchai, his eyes wide with excitement. "Nice to meet you, sir, as we-" But Somchai nodded, cutting him off. "Just call me Kru," he said, his Thai accent thick and rich.
Damon nodded, his face set in a determined expression. "Yes, Kru," he said, his voice firm.
Victor smiled, pleased with the way things were going. "These two will be your new coaches, so get accustomed to the place."