WAR THE JOURNEY OF MARTIAL

I was thirteen years old, and this was the moment I had been waiting for all year, the WAR 25 finals, the biggest event in the world.

The TV burst to life as Duke Kensington, the tournament announcer, filled the room with his commanding voice.

“Martial, it’s almost time for bed. Turn that off,” my mother's voice cut through the anticipation as she entered my room, her disapproving tone pulling me away from the WAR broadcast. “You have practice tomorrow.”

“Mum, it’s the finals,” I protested, reluctant to tear my gaze away from the spectacle. The crowd, the lights and the intensity. It was impossible to look away.

My mother despised WAR, but my dad's love for the tournament was unmatched. But they were much like that with everything in life. Where my dad went left, she would say that going right was the better option. It amazed me how they ever managed to agree on anything, let alone raising a child, but they seemed to do a pretty bang up job of it.

One of life’s mysteries, I guess.

“Let him watch, love. It's not every day you get to see a final like this,” my dad said, a grin spreading across his face, his eyes twinkling with the same excitement that I felt.

WAR 25 / Championship final

Team New Zealand

Seven fighters. One nation. One championship.

NZL

C

Leading the nation“Cloud 10” Carter Flynn

Team captain

RosterDivision

1. 01
   Tane Mitchell
   Heavyweight
2. 02
   Archer Cooper
   Super Middleweight
3. 03
   “Cloud 10” Carter Flynn
   Super WelterweightCaptain
4. 04
   Kai Mercer
   Super Lightweight
5. 05
   Jetty Pat
   Super Featherweight
6. 06
   Zara McKenzie
   Women's Super Bantamweight
7. 07
   Kate Rule
   Women's Super Flyweight

Their names rang out and a sense of pride rippled through the arena.

Then it was time for Team USA.

WAR 25 / Championship final

Team USA

Seven fighters. One nation. One championship.

USA

C

Leading the nationRosie “The Real” Steele

Team captain

RosterDivision

1. 01
   Brick Johnson
   Heavyweight
2. 02
   Eli Jones
   Super Middleweight
3. 03
   Bobby Max
   Super Welterweight
4. 04
   Kevin Cruz
   Super Lightweight
5. 05
   Abel Swift
   Super Featherweight
6. 06
   Rosie “The Real” Steele
   Women's Super BantamweightCaptain
7. 07
   Avery Thompson
   Women's Super Flyweight

Team USA had been impressive throughout the tournament, yet their achievements paled in comparison to Team New Zealand’s performance. Team New Zealand's dominance had rewritten the record books with multiple 4 to 0 sweeps.

I watched with bated breath, the excitement coursing through me. I had memorised the tournament format down to every detail, and I rooted passionately for my favourite fighter in each weight class. The weight classes included:

In WAR, each fighter got to compete in their respective weight class against a challenger from the opposing team. The team scoring system was straightforward. Each individual victory contributes one point to the team’s total score. To secure victory in the overall matchup, a team had to accumulate at least four points.

My mum sat down beside me and my dad. The fact that she had never really taken a shine to WAR made that move all the more eye raising to me. Although, to be fair she had once admitted that she was just glad that all the fighting around the world had been pushed through the eye of the WAR needle.

“How does this even work?” she asked, her unexpected curiosity catching me off guard and leaving me scrambling to piece together an explanation that would do the sport justice.

“Well,” I sat up excitedly. “WAR matches play out in a series of seven individual fights, one for each weight class represented by the teams. Fighters showcase their skills and strategy as they battle it out on the WAR canvas.”

“What’s the goal?” Mum asked.

“The aim is to secure victories for their team. Each fight is one round and ends by Knockout or Submission.”

“Just how many teams are there?” she asked bemused.

"32 teams, Mum," I explained with a grin. "They’re divided into 8 groups. Teams fight within their groups, and the best two move on to the knockout stage."

To be exact, WAR has 32 teams that battle their way through qualification. Out of 108 nations, only the best teams make it to the tournament stage.

“That’s when the real pressure begins,” Dad added, “with teams facing off in the Round of 16, the quarterfinals, semifinals, and then the ultimate showdown, the finals.”

“All sounds a bit barbaric if you ask me,” Mum quipped.

She looked up at the far right corner of my bedroom and a faraway look came over her as she assessed the fight medals and trophies that I had collected since childhood. These all hung from shelves alongside posters featuring the legendary fighters of Team New Zealand, my favourite of them all being the one of Carter Flynn. Just below that were shelves lined with books about fighting techniques and biographies of famous fighters. I even had a couple of graphic novels on classic matches. My training gear was neatly stacked in the bottom of the corner, gloves, shin guards, and my prized jiu jitsu gear. Her gaze pulled up and across my desk where a small trophy from my first junior tournament had always sat. They were all reminders of my early days in the sport.

I watched her as she then shifted her eyes to the screen where the camera was panning across the roaring crowd and the grandiose setup. The energy was electric, and the commentators’ voices added to the intensity.

“Well, those two seem excited,” Mum chimed in.

“That’s Duke and Gareth,” I said very matter of factly. “They’ve been announcing for WAR for as far back as I can remember.”

“It’s the way of the legacy, love,” Dad said. “It’s all about sportsmanship and inspiring future generations of MMA fighters.”

“It’s what got me fighting,” I said as I looked around at my trophies.

“I already don’t like it. Don’t rub salt in it,” Mum replied as she followed my gaze and side eyed the medals she had just been looking at prior.

The Haka was a revered tradition that had stood as more than a display of strength. It was a symbol of unity that bound the team together in spirit. While opponents saw it as intimidation, its true power cut much deeper than that. It fortified the grit of Team New Zealand and made them indomitable. I fully got it. The Haka was enough to send chills down your spine so it was no wonder it made the fighters feel insanely powerful.

On the screen, Team New Zealand got into their traditional formation with Captain Carter Flynn leading the charge. From the streets of Auckland to the official arena on Fight Island, the crowds went silent. The arena dazzled with its grandeur, showing just what a large scale event this was. You’d think that 70,000 seats were a lot, and under normal circumstances, it probably would be. But considering this was an event of global proportions, those 70,000 seats filled up quickly. That’s why arena spectatorship was reserved for the elite. This event was all about power and prestige.

As Team New Zealand faced off against Team USA in formation, the atmosphere shifted. The crowd’s roar surged, a tidal wave of sound that threatened to consume the arena. The moment crackled with intensity as if the world held its breath for what was about to unfold.

“Stand as one, warriors of New Zealand!” Captain Carter Flynn thundered, his voice cutting through the noise like a blade. It echoed across the stadium, commanding attention and respect.

In unison, Team New Zealand replied, their voices deep and resonant: “We stand as one! Warriors united!”

“The strength within us endures! The courage in our hearts ignites!” Flynn bellowed, his words a challenge to their adversaries and a promise to their nation.

“Our strength will not falter! Our bravery will not break!” The team's response boomed like thunder, their collective energy surging through the arena.

“For New Zealand! For the black and silver! We fight! We rise!” Flynn roared, his voice shaking the very air.

“BE STRONG! BE UNITED! BE A WARRIOR OF NEW ZEALAND! I AH HA!” Flynn’s battle cry was raw, primal, filled with defiance and resolve. The team mirrored his energy, their voices merging into one, shaking the arena with its force.

A new rhythm erupted as they chanted in a ferocious crescendo: "A warrior! A warrior! We are strong! We are united! We fight for New Zealand! Always and forever!”

Then, with perfect timing, they punctuated each word with a defiant gesture: “TEAM IN BLACK! TEAM IN BLACK! TEAM IN BLACK! TEAM IN BLACK!” Their cries filled the arena as they pounded their chests and delivered the iconic throat slitting gesture, tongues out, eyes blazing.

“HAH!” they shouted as one, their final war cry erupting like an explosion, sending chills through every corner of the stadium.

The crowd erupted in awe, the haka radiating power and unity, leaving Team USA staring into the eyes of warriors ready for battle.

“Crazy,” Dad said. “Gives me chills every time!”

“They seem like a scary bunch,” Mum added.

“That’s kinda the point, Mum,” I chuckled.

As the echoes of the Haka faded, Gareth couldn't contain his awe.

His voice was filled with admiration for the spectacle they had just witnessed.

“Hah!” Dad blurted out with a knee slap. “Looks like we’re not the only ones!”

WAR 25 / Bout 01

Tale of the tape

Super Featherweight Bout

Jetty Pat versus Abel Swift: skill ratings out of 100

New ZealandJetty Pat	VS	United StatesAbel Swift
85 / 100★★★★☆	Striking	75 / 100★★★☆☆
70 / 100★★★☆☆	Wrestling	85 / 100★★★★☆
80 / 100★★★★☆	Jiu jitsu	80 / 100★★★★☆

Skill ratings / Out of 100

The words on the screen read:

Jetty Pat brings devastating striking power combined with a high level jiu jitsu game, making him a formidable threat in every area of the fight. Meanwhile, Abel Swift relies on his exceptional wrestling skills to control the pace of the fight, supported by a solid striking arsenal and a respectable level of jiu jitsu proficiency. With their skills finely matched, this bout promises to deliver fireworks inside the WAR arena.

I was literally on the edge of my seat as the bell tolled.

As it did, the Super Featherweight bout between Jetty Pat and Abel Swift exploded into action. Jetty Pat wasted no time, launching a relentless assault with his lightning fast strikes.

The fight was taking shape as it played out on the famous WAR canvas that was easily 40 yards long and 25 yards wide. The fighters looked fearsome as they went to blows in their rash guards that were adorned with their country flags. Their shorts swished as they landed bare knuckled strike after strike.

Jetty Pat's aggression was terrifying as he closed the distance, peppering Abel Swift with a barrage of punches and kicks. Abel Swift attempted to counter, but he struggled to find an answer to Jetty Pat's speed and precision. Despite Swift’s efforts to initiate grappling exchanges, Pat maintained his distance.

“His footwork is insane,” I said as I watched in awe.

“And those evasive manoeuvres are really keeping him out of danger,” Mum added.

Dad and I looked over at Mum and just managed to keep our jaws from hitting the floor in unison.

Jetty Pat’s striking was relentless. He landed a powerful right hook that staggered Abel, followed by a lightning fast combination of punches and kicks that kept his opponent on the back foot. Abel, though shaken, managed to shoot for a takedown, but Jetty sprawled expertly. He defended the attempt with ease and quickly returned to his striking.

“Pat’s blending his striking with his takedown defence beautifully. Swift’s in trouble.”

In a brief moment of respite, Abel landed a solid jab, but Jetty countered with a brutal leg kick that nearly swept Abel off his feet. The crowd roared as Jetty followed up with a spinning elbow that grazed Abel’s chin.

“Oooooh!” Dad and I grimaced in unison.

The blow sent Abel reeling.

Jetty sensed the end was near and ramped up his aggression. He threw a devastating uppercut that snapped Abel’s head back, followed by a right cross that connected with a resounding thud. Abel wobbled and his legs barely held him up. Jetty didn’t even let up for a second. He landed a crushing left hook that sent Abel crashing to the canvas. Without hesitation, Jetty followed up with a series of hammer fists that forced the referee to step in and stop the fight.

The crowd erupted into cheers as Jetty Pat celebrated his victory. His performance left no doubt as to the outcome of the bout. Abel Swift, though defeated, was helped to his feet by the medical team. He stood courageously in the face of a formidable opponent. We could tell that Jetty Pat was breathing heavily but, in his victorious moment, he raised his arms to the sky and basked in the adulation of the crowd.

WAR 25 / Bout 02

Tale of the tape

Heavyweight Bout

Tane Mitchell versus Brick Johnson: skill ratings out of 100

New ZealandTane Mitchell	VS	United StatesBrick Johnson
80 / 100★★★★☆	Striking	85 / 100★★★★☆
75 / 100★★★☆☆	Wrestling	90 / 100★★★★★
75 / 100★★★☆☆	Jiu jitsu	70 / 100★★★☆☆

Skill ratings / Out of 100

The words on the screen read:

Tane Mitchell has well rounded skills set against Brick Johnson’s imposing wrestling pedigree and equally overwhelming striking power. Mitchell’s striking prowess and jiu jitsu proficiency are put to the test against Johnson’s dominant wrestling and striking precision. With both fighters hungry for victory, the stage is set for an electrifying battle inside the WAR arena.

With the referee’s signal, the bout got underway, and both fighters immediately launched into action. You could see it in Tane Mitchell’s face. He was fuelled by a steely determination to win. He charges forward with an unexpected burst of aggression that caught Brick Johnson off guard and the crowd rose to its feet. Even this early on in the fight, the arena was losing its mind over the scenes unfolding before their very eyes. But Johnson was known for his powerful strikes and took me a moment to realize that he had been completely stunned by Mitchell’s onslaught.

As the fight progressed, both fighters exchanged blows in a furious display of skill and determination. Johnson, who was unfazed by Mitchell’s initial aggression, began to find his rhythm and landed heavy shots that started to take their toll on Mitchell.

“Right, I’m going to pop the kettle on,” Mum said as she stood up.

“How can you possibly think of tea at a time like this?” Dad asked, transfixed to the screen.

Mum replied as she walked out the door, but Dad just scoffed as he always did and went back to watching.

The fight continued with both fighters refusing to back down. Johnson and Mitchell traded blows that could practically be felt all across the globe. Each of them landed strikes in an exhilarating back and forth exchange. And just when we thought Mitchell would be down for the count, he landed a hard roundhouse kick across Johnson’s back.

But just as suddenly as Mitchell seemed to recover, Johnson managed to get him to the ground.

We watched as Johnson unleashed a flurry of punches, rocking Mitchell and leaving him vulnerable.

Mitchell struggled to escape, but Johnson’s technique was flawless. Mitchell’s eyes were filled with panic and they searched the crowd as if looking for answers. But with nowhere to go, he was forced to tap out and conceded victory to Johnson. The crowd erupted into cheers as Johnson stood to celebrate his victory.

WAR 25 / Bout 03

Tale of the tape

Women's Super Flyweight Bout

Kate Rule versus Avery Thompson: skill ratings out of 100

New ZealandKate Rule	VS	United StatesAvery Thompson
70 / 100★★★☆☆	Striking	85 / 100★★★★☆
85 / 100★★★★☆	Wrestling	85 / 100★★★★☆
95 / 100★★★★★	Jiu jitsu	80 / 100★★★★☆

Skill ratings / Out of 100

The words on the screen:

This Women's Super Flyweight clash promised to be yet another battle of contrasting styles, as Kate Rule’s formidable jiu jitsu was set to meet Avery Thompson’s well rounded skills. Rule’s mastery on the ground would be tested against Thompson’s striking prowess and wrestling ability.

Kate Rule dived for the takedown, aiming to utilize her superior jiu jitsu skills. Avery Thompson tried to sprawl and create distance. Then, Thompson scrambled in an attempt to get back to her feet, but Rule stayed glued to her. Rule quickly secured a takedown and towered over Thompson.

As if on cue, Rule continued throwing punches from the top position, but Thompson delivered a sneaky up kick that caught Kate Rule off guard.

Thompson got back to her feet and followed up with big strikes and secured a takedown before landing on top of Rule.

From the top position, Thompson rained down punches on Rule, who desperately tried to defend. She looked for submission opportunities, but they never came.

Then, a moment came that no one expected. Using brute strength, Thompson lifted Rule up and slammed her to the canvas as she broke free from the submission attempt.

“That Rule’s got so much heart,” Dad said. “How she’s managed to get back to her feet after a hit like that is beyond me.”

But Thompson kept the pressure on by landing a switch head kick as Rule got back up.

The referee rushed in to stop the fight as Rule fell unconscious from the vicious high kick.

WAR 25 / Bout 04

Tale of the tape

Super Middleweight Bout

Archer Cooper versus Eli Jones: skill ratings out of 100

New ZealandArcher Cooper	VS	United StatesEli Jones
90 / 100★★★★★	Striking	75 / 100★★★☆☆
80 / 100★★★★☆	Wrestling	95 / 100★★★★★
85 / 100★★★★☆	Jiu jitsu	85 / 100★★★★☆

Skill ratings / Out of 100

The words on the screen:

Archer Cooper's striking prowess meets Eli Jones's wrestling dominance. Cooper's powerful strikes will be put to the test against Jones's grappling skills. With both fighters eager for victory, the stage is set for an intense showdown in the WAR arena.

Cooper started the fight with a flurry of punches and leg kicks, keeping Jones on the defensive. Jones attempted to counter with strikes, but Cooper’s unyielding assault was causing some serious damage. At one point, I could have sworn I saw a tooth fly out across the canvas and land just outside the canvas, but apparently, no one else spotted it because there wasn’t a word from the commentators.

“Anybody for tea?” Mum called from the kitchen.

“Yes, please!” Dad called back.

“No, thanks,” I followed up.

Jones attempted to change the momentum by going for a takedown in desperation to bring the fight to the ground.

Cooper remained composed, defending against Jones’s ground assault and working to get back to his feet.

Cooper fought off the rear naked choke attempt as he refused to give in to Jones’s pressure.

Cooper unleashed a barrage of punches and knees that overwhelmed Jones and forced the referee to step in and stop the fight.

“Here you go,” Mum said as she edged back into the room with two cups of tea, one in each hand. She had a box of biscuits tucked under her arm that looked a little worse for wear having been slightly crushed in its position, but she passed them around just as soon as she had set her cup down on the table and we all tucked in.

“Ahh, now I do want some tea,” I said with tiny crumbs tumbling from the corner of my mouth.

“Oi, I just vacuumed in here today!” Mum protested. “Well, you can make your own cuppa now.”

“Sorry, Mum,” I said as I turned the volume up on the TV to make sure I wouldn’t miss a beat and dashed for the kitchen.

I could hear the commentary from the kitchen.

Better hurry! I thought to myself as I grabbed a cup from the cupboard above the kettle and popped a teabag in. I poured the water in as quickly as I could, lugged in a teaspoon of sugar, and dashed in some milk before bounding the corner with quick but small steps.

“Ah, really? Commercial break. I didn’t need to rush like that!” I said.

“You really should be getting to bed anyway. You have practice tomorrow,” Mum insisted.

“It won’t be long, Mum, please,” I begged.

“Don’t look at me,” she went on. “I’m not the one who’s going to be moody and groggy in the morning.”

“I won’t be moody. I promise,” I replied with a smile.

The commercial break was over just as soon as the words left my mouth and the camera panned to the fighters preparing for the next bout, the tension in the arena was palpable as the anticipation built for the upcoming clash.

WAR 25 / Bout 05

Tale of the tape

Super Lightweight Bout

Kai Mercer versus Kevin Cruz: skill ratings out of 100

New ZealandKai Mercer	VS	United StatesKevin Cruz
90 / 100★★★★★	Striking	85 / 100★★★★☆
70 / 100★★★☆☆	Wrestling	80 / 100★★★★☆
80 / 100★★★★☆	Jiu jitsu	90 / 100★★★★★

Skill ratings / Out of 100

The words on the screen read:

This Super Lightweight bout is a special one as Kai Mercer’s powerful striking takes on Kevin Cruz’s formidable wrestling and jiu jitsu skills. With Mercer aiming to land heavy blows and Cruz seeking to control the fight on the ground, we’re in for the match of a lifetime.

Mercer quickly landed several effective combinations. However, Cruz landed a couple of well timed check left hooks that staggered Mercer and momentarily shifted the momentum.

Mercer’s resilience was truly something to behold. I had taken a hit just once like that in my life and it sent me sprawling. I was down and out. But Mercer, he was like a beast. For a minute it almost looked like Cruz was hitting a brick wall. Mercer just refused to let that shot deter him from his game plan.

Despite being hurt, Mercer had continued to press forward, only to be caught by Cruz in a guillotine choke during Mercer’s takedown attempt.

Mercer was a scene of thrashing arms and legs as panic set in and he tried his hardest to wriggle free from Cruz’s grip.

Mercer’s hand was raised and we could all see the contemplation in his eyes. But it wasn’t long before he slammed his hand onto the canvas and pounded it repeatedly. Just like that, Cruz secured the submission victory and earned a vital point for Team USA in this closely contested matchup.

“No way!” I shouted at the screen, almost tossing my cup of tea in the process.

“Don’t worry, son. We still have a shot at taking the trophy,” Dad added.

“Not with Team USA hammering New Zealand like this. It’s a bloodbath out there,” I replied as I set my cup down on my nightstand.

“Ah, we’re toast!” I groaned as I dropped back on my bed.

WAR 25 / Bout 06

Tale of the tape

Women's Super Bantamweight Bout

Zara McKenzie versus Rosie Steele: skill ratings out of 100

New ZealandZara McKenzie	VS	United States / CaptainRosie “The Real” Steele
75 / 100★★★☆☆	Striking	95 / 100★★★★★
85 / 100★★★★☆	Wrestling	95 / 100★★★★★
90 / 100★★★★★	Jiu jitsu	90 / 100★★★★★

Skill ratings / Out of 100

The words on the screen read:

This Women’s Super Bantamweight clash presents a stark contrast in skill sets, with Zara McKenzie bringing a balanced arsenal of striking and jiu jitsu against Rosie Steele’s dominance in all areas of the fight game. Steele’s unparalleled proficiency in striking, wrestling, and jiu jitsu makes her a force to be reckoned with, while McKenzie’s resilience and technical prowess promise an exciting matchup.

As the energy in the arena set the entire world ablaze, I was covered in goosebumps. Whichever team won; the scenes onscreen were like no other. The rich and powerful elite were on the edges of their seats. It all just fuelled the intensity of the moment. In their corners, both opponents prepared for the impending battle with their determination etched on their faces. For Team USA’s Captain, Rosie Steele, this was more than just a fight. It was a defining moment, a now or never opportunity to lead her team to victory in the WAR finals.

Rosie Steele initially dominated with her aggressive striking. With each calculated move, she sought to assert her dominance and control the pace of the fight. On the other hand, McKenzie, who was known for her resilience and tactical prowess, navigated the open terrain with a strategic mindset. She analysed her opponent’s movements and patiently waited for her opportunity to strike.

McKenzie threw a right cross, unwittingly creating an opening for Steele to exploit. This was just the strategic nature of combat sports like this, where split second decisions can determine the course of a bout. They were wailing on one another and neither of them showed signs of backing down.

As Rosie Steele secured the takedown after seizing the opening created by Zara McKenzie’s right punch, the momentum of the fight shifted in her favour. From top position, Steele wasted no time in asserting her supremacy. She struck McKenzie repeatedly and her stunned opponent was starting to go weak at the knees. With each impactful blow, Steele showcased her striking skill and control over the fight.

Transitioning smoothly through McKenzie’s guard, Steele continued to land significant strikes. She exploited every single opening with precision and power. From half guard, she maintained relentless pressure, peppering McKenzie with strikes that reverberated across the open field arena. And as the fight progressed, Steele’s dominance only grew more pronounced. With calculated precision, she advanced her position and delivered bone crushing elbows as she passed McKenzie’s guard. Each strike carried the weight of her willpower as she sought to overcome her opponent with sheer force.

In a bold display of confidence, Steele looked down at her opponent and shouted, “Stand up. We’re not done!”

Steele found her rhythm once again, unleashing a series of blistering combinations that threatened to overwhelm Zara McKenzie. With precision and ferocity, she targeted McKenzie’s defences. She saw her window and at a critical moment, Steele unleashed a thunderous left hook to the body that found its mark.

As the fight raged on, Rosie Steele’s onslaught intensified as she maintained top position in Zara McKenzie’s guard. With each blow, Steele’s confidence grew. Her face was like stone. She was so zoned into her mission. Victory was within her grasp.

“Come on McKenzie! Get up!” Dad bellowed at the TV spluttering cookie crumbs all over my bedroom floor. He quickly scooped them up. “Ah, your mother’s going to have my head.”

“Just push them under my bed for now,” I chuckled.

As the relentless strikes continued, Zara McKenzie displayed unfathomable grit. She seized an opportunity amidst the chaos. With Rosie Steele’s assault showing no signs of abating, McKenzie saw an opening and expertly transitioned.

Steele summoned every ounce of strength, hoping to power her way out of the precarious situation. But McKenzie’s triangle choke remained locked in tight, refusing to yield even as Steele struggled to break free. Undeterred by Steele’s desperate manoeuvres, McKenzie maintained her composure and shut her eyes as she held onto the submission for dear life.

As Steele’s efforts to escape grew more frantic, McKenzie capitalized on the opening, using Steele’s own momentum against her to tighten the choke even further. With each passing moment, the pressure mounted and the intensity of the hold threatened to overwhelm Steele as she struggled to find a way out. Despite the perilous situation, Steele refused to concede defeat. She just would not back down as she continued to battle against the odds. Yet, even as she attempted to mount a counterattack, McKenzie remained steadfast as she weathered Steele's onslaught.

“YES!!!” Dad boomed as he turned to stand and hug me.

“Yes!!” I returned as I hugged him back.

“We’re still in this thing!” he shouted.

“You two quieten down in there!” Mum yelled. “The neighbours will call the bobbies!”

“Sorry, Mum,” I called back.

“Yeah, sorry, Love,” Dad added.

The aftermath of the Rosie Steele vs. Zara McKenzie bout left the audience in a state of disbelief. Rosie Steele, the crowd favourite and undefeated superstar, falling victim to Zara McKenzie’s relentless determination and cunning submission skills, it was a sight to behold. Many had counted McKenzie out under the assumption that Steele’s dominance would prevail, but the unexpected submission sent shockwaves through the arena.

As the crowd grappled with the reality of Steele’s defeat, whispers and murmurs filled the air. They were punctuated by sporadic gasps and cheers. This unexpected turn of events had completely altered the trajectory of the finals, proving once again that in WAR, anything can happen.

WAR 25 / Bout 07

Tale of the tape

Super Welterweight Bout

Carter Flynn versus Bobby Max: skill ratings out of 100

New Zealand / Captain“Cloud 10” Carter Flynn	VS	United StatesBobby Max
95 / 100★★★★★	Striking	85 / 100★★★★☆
85 / 100★★★★☆	Wrestling	90 / 100★★★★★
90 / 100★★★★★	Jiu jitsu	80 / 100★★★★☆

Skill ratings / Out of 100

The words on the screen:

This Super Welterweight showdown promises to be a battle of contrasting styles, with Carter Flynn's well rounded skill set facing off against Bobby Max's exceptional wrestling prowess. Flynn's striking expertise and jiu jitsu mastery will be put to the test against Max's dominant wrestling and solid defensive jiu jitsu. With both fighters hungry for victory, the stage is set for an electrifying showdown inside the WAR arena.

“I’ve got to use the loo before this one,” Dad said. “That tea is making its way out of me.”

He walked across the hallway to the bathroom and called out from the ajar door.

“What does it say?”

“This Super Welterweight showdown promises to be a battle of contrasting styles, with Carter Flynn’s well rounded skill set facing off against Bobby Max’s exceptional wrestling prowess,” I read the screen stats back to him. “Flynn's striking expertise and jiu jitsu mastery will be put to the test against Max’s dominant wrestling and solid defensive jiu jitsu.”

“Is it starting?” Dad called.

“Just about,” I replied.

I heard the toilet flush and the tap come on just as Gareth began his announcement.

As Carter Flynn and Bobby Max stood across from each other in the centre of the open field arena, there was an undeniable thickness in the air. It was a mixture of tension, apprehension, excitement, and unknowing. The crowd roared and their cheers echoed through the arena. But for a moment, it felt like time had slowed down around the opponents.”

Flynn had a storied career and reputation as one of New Zealand’s finest fighters. He exuded confidence as he gazed across at Max. Flynn was determined to make his final tournament count by bringing home New Zealand’s first WAR championship. On the other side, Bobby Max stood tall and ready to prove himself on the grandest stage. Despite facing setbacks earlier in the tournament, Max knew that a victory against Flynn would not only redeem his performance but also solidify his place in the history of WAR. As the referee signalled for the bout to begin, the crowd reached a deafening crescendo. The eyes all through the arena were dry and peeled wide. No one wanted to blink for fear of missing out on even a sliver of the action. They were all eager to witness the clash between these two warriors as was I. The fate of the championship was hanging in the balance.

As I watched the final moments of the championship match unfold on the screen in front of me, a knot of anticipation tightened in my stomach. Team New Zealand’s fate would soon be sealed, and every punch, every move, felt like a heartbeat echoing in the cavernous depths of the arena. I could hear my heart pounding in my ears as I sat perfectly still.

Carter Flynn, fighting out of the southpaw stance, charged forward with an overhand left followed by a quick right jab. However, Bobby Max, in his orthodox stance, read the attack perfectly. Stepping back with precision, he countered with a devastating right hook that landed flush on Flynn’s chin.

As the referee signalled the end of the match, the arena erupted into an explosion of sound and colour. Bobby Max stood victorious, breathing heavily but with a triumphant smile on his face. The crowd’s cheers reached a fever pitch, filling the open field arena with a deafening roar. Fireworks exploded in the night sky, casting brilliant colours across the ecstatic faces of the fans. People were in tears and felt my heart sink. The living legend went out without a final win.

“Shit,” I grunted.

“Language!” Dad snapped.

“Sorry, Dad,” I quickly chimed in with a lowered gaze.

“But, yes,” he said softly. “Seconded.”

As Bobby Max raised his arms in victory, the arena lights dimmed and a spotlight focused on the victorious fighter. Confetti began to fall from the rafters and created a shimmering cascade of red, white, and blue that blanketed the arena floor.

The giant screens around the arena replayed the decisive moment in slow motion, capturing Max’s perfect counterpunch and the referee’s final call. Fans waved flags and banners as they chanted Max’s name in unison. The sound of the crowd was heightened by the rhythmic pounding of drums and the blare of trumpets. The celebratory ambience was magnificent.

Max was still elevated by his teammates as he took a moment to soak in the atmosphere. He pointed to the sky in a gesture of gratitude and triumph before being handed his country flag. He wrapped it around his shoulders with pride and bowed his head as a single tear fell from his eye.

As the celebration continued, the fireworks intensified and painted the sky in vibrant hues. The crowd’s energy showed no signs of waning as their cheers blended with the music that now filled the arena.

As the celebrations for Team USA’s victory began to subside, Dad and I were left feeling a little deflated as we sat watching the outcome of the match unfold on the screen. I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me and my eyes welled up with tears as I watched the victorious Team USA. But Dad noticed my distress and gently placed a hand on my shoulder.

“That's the fight game, son,” he said softly. “Sometimes you're the hammer, and sometimes you're the nail.”

I sniffled, trying to hold back my tears, but Dad’s comforting words provided some solace.

“It's time to go to bed, Martial. You have to wake up early for training tomorrow.”

Before leaving the room, my dad turned back and looked at me with a reassuring smile.

“One day, you'll be a great fighter,” he said with conviction. “I believe in you.”

I nodded and smiled through tears as he grabbed both of our cups and headed out of the room.

As I lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling that night, the events of the fights replayed in my mind like a broken record. It was a night I would never forget, a night that had left a permanent mark on my soul. As sleep finally claimed me, I couldn’t help but wonder what the future would bring…not for them, but for me.