CARTER
“It’s about time you get out here!” Kase shouted, bouncing on his feet and punching the air. “I thought for sure you’d pussy out.”
I barked out a laugh as my dad and I made our way to him. “Not on your life, cocksucker.” Beside Kase and grinning wide as we approached was Tyler Rushing, Kase’s father and coach, and former heavyweight champion just like my dad. They used to compete against each other over two decades ago. Now it was mine and Kase’s turn to battle it out.
Kase threw his head back, his laugh so loud it was heard above the music in the arena. “Figures. No worries, though. You’re about to get your ass handed to you.”
We fist-bumped, and I slapped his shoulder. “Yeah, keep wishing that, buddy. Let me know how it works out for you.” The shit-talking was my favorite part with him; I was going to miss it.
Kase Rushing had a similar muscular build as his father, and they could even pass for brothers since they had the same blond hair and gray eyes. The same went for my dad and me. We both had dark hair, and our eyes were green, but the only differences were that I was about an inch taller, and my eyes were more of a greenish amber. The similarities between our fathers had garnered Kase and me much attention over the years, mostly from people in the MMA world wanting us to continue with their legacies. It was a lot of pressure, but I think we’d done a pretty damn good job of it. Not only was I about to fight Kase for the UFC heavyweight title, but he was a good friend.
Tyler and my dad caught up for a quick few minutes while Kase and I waited for the announcer to call us out to the ring. Kase smacked his fists together and continued to bounce from one foot to the other. I was already warmed up and ready to fight. The heavyweight title was mine. I won it from Jason Abernathy four years ago, and I’ve defended it ever since. I just had to keep Kase from getting it.
“We need to get them in the ring for a reunion match,” Kase said, nodding toward our fathers. Looking over at them, they were both still in immaculate shape despite being in their mid-fifties. I had no doubt Tyler could kick Kase’s ass, just like I knew my dad could put me through a beating. But if I had to bet on either my dad or Tyler Rushing, it’d be my dad, no doubt whatsoever. He was MMA royalty, a legend, the best of the best. I’d spent the past ten years living up to the Reynolds name.
Kase bumped me on the shoulder, his sly gaze still on his dad. “What ya think? An epic Reynolds and Rushing showdown?”
Even though Tyler and my dad were paying us no mind, I knew they could hear us. “Nah, one of them might break a hip,” I let slip out. “They’re getting kind of old.” Tyler flipped us off, and my dad chuckled, both shaking their heads incredulously.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the main event of the evening!” the announcer shouted into the microphone. “Tonight, here in Las Vegas, we will watch as two legendary fighters compete for the heavyweight title. Are you ready for this!”
The crowd went crazy, the ground trembling from the excitement. I loved the sound, craved it even. It was a high that I looked forward to at every fight.
Kase held out his fist. “Here we go. Don’t hold back.”
I pounded my knuckles on his. “Never.”
Kase joined his father by the curtain, lifting his green and black hood over his head. “Coming out first,” the emcee continued, “is KASE ‘THE BADASS’ RUUUSSSHHHIIINNNGGG!”
Kase winked back at me and pushed through the curtain as his song “Survival of the Fittest” by Mobb Deep boomed through the speakers. Tyler stopped and smiled at my dad and me. “Good luck, you two.”
I nodded, and my dad replied, “Same to you,” before Tyler took off to walk with Kase toward the octagon while the people screamed and cheered for them.
My dad squeezed my shoulder. “Give him one hell of a fight. It’s his last one.”
After stretching out my arms, I rolled my neck from side to side. “Which fucking sucks. I was looking forward to the rivalry.”
“Yeah, so was Tyler,” my dad revealed, “but Kase made a promise to their family friend. Besides, he’ll be making a whole hell of a lot more money running the club than fighting.”
Which was true.
Once Kase hopped into the octagon and made his rounds, the emcee announced my introduction. “And now, ladies and gentlemen, I give you the four-time heavyweight champion, CARTER ‘THE MAN OF STONE’ RRREEEYYYNNNOOOLLLDDDSSS!”
The adrenaline pumped through my veins as I listened to the loud cheers mixed with the energizing beat of my walk-out song, “California Love” by 2Pac and Dr. Dre. Born and bred in California, I had to represent my state.
Lifting the red and black hood over my head, I walked out, the crowd wild and cheering for both my dad and me. Even though it’d been over twenty years since he competed, it was great hearing people holler for him. He’d left his mark in the MMA world, and I wanted to do the same.
As I marched down the aisle to the octagon, women reached out to touch me, demanding my attention. It was one of the things I loved about winning; I could get anyone I wanted. A beautiful blonde with thick pink lips and a curvy ass caught my attention in the crowd. I winked at her, hoping she understood the gesture. Most women did when I showed them my favor. After the fight, the sexy blonde would be fun to play with, a chance for a much-needed release.
Once I got down to the cage, I took off my robe and handed it to my dad. “Hurry up so I can end the fight,” Kase goaded, waving for me to enter.
Stepping into the ring, I pounded my fists together. “I’m here, pansy-ass.”
Smiling, the ref walked up to us, knowing it was all said for fun. It was well known that Kase and I were friends. “I see you two aren’t going to play nice.”
Kase smacked his gloves to mine, his gray eyes twinkling playfully. “Of course not.”
We moved away from each other and the electricity in the air spiked the second I heard the much-anticipated sound of the bell.