The bell rang again, signaling the start of the second round.
Damon took a steady breath as he stood, his body coiled and ready. He realized how easily he had been caught in the last round.
It didn't even make sense, Jon's speed wasn't anything special, nothing he hadn't seen before. But that overhand had come in just right, right when he wasn't expecting it.
He wouldn't let it happen again. Damon had learned enough in that first round to know Jon's power was real. He wouldn't underestimate it a second time.
As the horn sounded again, Damon took the center of the cage quickly, then began circling out, using every inch of space to his advantage.
His footwork was sharper, his guard higher, eyes locked on Jon. He watched for every twitch of Jon's shoulders, every faint drop of his weight.
He moved in and out, testing with quick jabs, tapping at Jon's guard. Each time he stepped in, he made sure his head wasn't there for the counter.
