MMA System: I Will Be Pound For Pound Goat-Chapter 636: The Manager’s Plan
636 Chapter 636: The Manager’s Plan
In an office, two men stood waiting for someone. Ivan sat quietly as his manager kept lecturing him about staying calm and not stirring up trouble.
"Let me talk to him. I'll get you the title shot again," the manager said firmly, his tone carrying a quiet confidence.
Ivan didn't respond. He just watched the door, waiting for the person they were there to meet.
They had come here to try and see if Ivan could get the title shot again.
After losing it because of an injury, it felt only fair for the promotion to offer him the chance to reclaim it. His manager knew this was the best moment to make the case.
"This is the right time, Ivan," he continued, leaning forward. "You're still in shape, the rankings haven't moved that much, and people remember your last performance. It wasn't a loss because of skill, it was the injury. They have to see that."
Ivan nodded slightly but didn't say anything. He didn't trust his own words at the moment. Everything was about staying focused and not showing any frustration.
The manager looked at him, then patted his shoulder. "I'll handle the talking. Just show them you're ready."
Ivan looked at the manager, then at the door again. He clenched his jaw and took a slow breath, silently telling himself he wouldn't leave here without that promise.
The door finally opened, and Ronan Black entered along with another man. likely the matchmaker.
Ronan's bald head glistened under the office lights as he walked in with an air of authority. He was all business, no nonsense.
He stopped in front of the two men, offering a quick, firm handshake. "Alright, let's get to it," he said, his voice loud and sure, like he had already decided how this was going to go.
Ivan's manager quickly returned the handshake, forcing a polite smile. Ivan just watched Ronan, not saying anything.
Ronan gave Ivan a look, a nod that seemed to say I know who you are, let's see if you're worth my time.
"Look, I know why you're here," Ronan said, getting straight to the point. "I know the injury messed up your last shot. So tell me, why should I give it to you again?" His tone was direct and demanding, but not hostile, like he expected Ivan to prove himself right here, in this office.
The manager cleared his throat and began making his case. "Ronan, I'll be straight with you. Ivan didn't lose that fight because he wasn't ready or wasn't good enough. He lost it because of the injury. He's been back in the gym, training harder than ever, and he's been medically cleared for months now."
Ronan folded his arms and looked at Ivan, his face expressionless. "And why should I care? Injuries happen in this business. You know that."
The manager nodded quickly, not backing down. "I get that. But Ivan's name still carries weight. Fans remember how he fought. They want to see him back in the mix, and you know it's going to draw numbers. Give him the shot, he'll deliver."
The matchmaker, who had been silent so far, finally spoke up. "We know he's good, but the division has been moving. There are guys who've been active, putting in the work."
The manager took a breath and looked at Ivan, then back at Ronan. "Ivan has put in the work too. He didn't get the chance to show it because of an injury. Now he's ready to prove it. You give him this shot, you're not just doing what's fair, you're giving the fans what they want. And that's what matters, right?"
Ronan stayed silent for a moment, tapping his finger against his arm.
The room felt tense, but the manager didn't back down. Ivan just waited, eyes locked on Ronan, not saying a word.
He didn't need to, he was ready to let his fighting do the talking.
Ronan shook his head. "You guys don't get it. Ivan has less than ten fights in the UFA. And to be clear about the last failed match? Damon asked for that fight. He gave you that shot. You didn't earn it, and you still messed it up by getting injured. I'd say if Damon was interested in giving you the rematch, that'd be one thing. but he's already signed for a light heavyweight match. He's moving on, and so should you."
The manager tried to argue. "But—"
"I think Ivan should go out there and fight, earn some big wins, make a name for himself before he starts demanding a title shot," Ronan cut in, his voice firm and dismissive.
The manager was about to speak again, but Ivan raised a hand, cutting him off. "I see," he said, his Russian accent thick as he spoke slowly. "That does make sense. I think… it is better to earn it, than to be given it." freēwēbηovel.c૦m
The manager widened his eyes in surprise, but Ivan didn't waver. Ronan smiled, a faint grin pulling at his lips. "Smart man," he said. "It's better to let the fans see you deserve it, than have them say you were handed it."
Ivan gave a short nod, his eyes steady. "I understand. I will fight. I will make my name again."
Ivan left the office happy, despite not getting the title shot. He understood that if Damon hadn't personally asked for that fight, he wouldn't have gotten it so soon. He wanted to earn it now, fight for it, prove he was worthy.
The same couldn't be said for the manager. He walked out of the office looking frustrated, his lips pressed into a thin line.
To him, Ivan had just fumbled a negotiation. He wanted to argue, to push harder, but Ivan had already made up his mind.
In the office, Ronan stood up, glancing at the matchmaker beside him. "I expected more push from Ivan, to be honest," he said, his voice low but still carrying that unmistakable authority.
The matchmaker shrugged. "Maybe he just realized it isn't going to happen, at least not right now," he said.
Ronan grunted and looked back at the door Ivan had just walked out of. "Maybe," he said, his tone neutral, though he looked slightly amused. "Or maybe he's finally starting to figure out how this business really works."
