Hi everyone, I am still posting even though it's taking me longer to write thanks to the fact that I've just gone back to school so I have a lot less free time. I'd like to thank celesse201 for the idea of this story. It's about the UFC of which I know very little about so I apologize if I get anything wrong. I'm going to try and post a chapter at least once a month maybe sooner if I get some extra free time.
Good Fighter
"Good punch Pierce, keep this up and you'll be fighting in the UFC in no time." Sam, his best friend and training partner says.
"I hope so, you know how Lee is though he won't let me fight until he things I'm ready." Brett sighs.
"Lee will never thing you're ready man." Sam says patting his friend's back. "You've been training with him for ten years and he's only ever let you fight in small time bouts as long as I've known you."
"You're telling me, I love Lee like a father but he just doesn't want me to grow anymore." Brett complains as they head into the locker room to change.
"Well you know Mario Lopez is stopping by tomorrow to look for some new fighters to join his team." Sam tells him. "You should make sure you're training then. I'm sure he'd pick you."
"You really think so?" Brett asks.
"You're the best fighter here." Sam says smiling at him.
"I hope so, my family could really use the extra income." Brett says changing into his mechanic's uniform.
Brett Pierce has been training at Lee's Gym for ten years since he was fourteen and Lee helped him out after he beat up fighting on the street. Lee whose last name even after all these years he didn't know had been a boxer years and years ago. Now he owns a gym where he most teaches self-defense and some boxing to only the most dedicated fighters. Lee took Brett under his wing and has been training him in everything he knows. But even after ten years of perhaps some of the best training Lee still won't let him try to fight in the UFC which is all he wants. No instead he's been in small matches most to the benefit of the other fighters. But Sam telling him about Mario "the smasher" Lopez coming tomorrow, how he didn't know about it before is beyond him, to look for new fighters has his spirts up. Maybe he'll finally get his big break though he would be sad to leave Lee's training.
"Mom I'm home!" he yells several hours later after his shift at the garage he works at.
"We're in the living room honey." Susan Pierce yells.
He walks through the kitchen, grabbing a beer and makes his way over to the only spot available next to his older sister. At twenty-four he's the second oldest, his sister Jana is two years older than him. They also have two younger sisters, Vicky who's twenty and Mary who just turned nineteen. The four siblings are very close with Brett always going out of his way to protect them and their mom when needed. He's been the man of the house since their dad died when Brett was ten. Their mom had done her best to raise them alone, but money was something they could always use more of.
"I'm shocked you're not down at the gym training." Jana says scooting over to give him more room.
"Mario Lopez is coming to the gym tomorrow so I have to get extra rest." Brett says putting his feet up.
"Don't put your feet on my table." Susan says swatting at his feet. "Who is this Mario guy?" she asks.
"How do you not know who Mario "the smasher" Lopez? He's one of the best UFC fighters who after he retired opened his own gym that has turned into his own brand. He sells all sorts of UFC gear, owns several gyms and trains hundreds of fighters. To join his team is an honor." Brett rattles off.
"Honey you know none of us want to see you get hurt." Susan tells her son.
"Yeah B, none of us want to see you get hurt." Mary says.
It's true his sisters and mom would prefer that he not fight. He's always suspected that it's part of the reason why Lee won't let him join the UFC or get any real fights. Even though his family isn't a fan of his fighting, they do like the money it brings in. The nice thing is even though they don't like it, they still support him one hundred percent.
"I take it this is a huge opportunity for you." Jana says understanding her brother the best.
"Yes it's a chance that I might be able to break into the UFC and stop being used as a stepping stone for other fighters." Brett explains. "It's what I've been working towards for the last ten years."
"You know we support you." Mary softly says getting up and giving her big brother a hug. "If anyone deserves a break you do. You always watch out for us and were willing to give up your lunch and dinner so we could eat."
"Thanks Mary," Brett says smiling at his younger sister's words.
After that the family is quiet all thinking back a number of years when only Susan was working and they had a hard time making ends meets.
"But now we're better off and Mary's right you deserve to go after your dreams. We can take care of things here while you focus on making your dreams a reality." Susan tells her son.
"Mom I'm not-"
"Honey we'll take care of things okay." Susan sternly says.
"Okay mom," Brett sighs knowing he won't be able to change her mind now.
"Good now tell us more about this Mario guy." Susan says wanting to know more.
"And if you'll actually start dating someone?" Vicky asks wiggling her eyebrows at him.
"Dating is just a distraction." Brett counters.
"Oh he's still sore that Sara didn't want anything to do with him after she found out he had no money and wasn't going to be on TV." Jana says smirking.
"Didn't he used to have so many girls chasing after him?" Mary asks.
"Leave your brother alone girls." Susan sternly says. "If he doesn't want to date then leave it."
"But mom," all three girls whine.
Susan levels a glare at them that has them all turning to look away.
"Cool, I'm going to head upstairs." Brett says knowing he'll need the extra sleep if he wants to impress Mario "the smasher" Lopez.
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Brett whistles to himself as he walks into Lee's gym extra early wanting to get a few hours of training in before everyone starts arriving, trying to impress Mario so they'll be asked to join the Lopez Inc. team. What shocks him is that two people, a guy and girl are already here and he doesn't recognize them at all. Instead of going over to them and trying to make small talk which he's horrible at he heads into the locker room. After changing and locking his wallet up, he heads out to start warming up.
He notices that the couple is still working out together. Sitting in his favorite corner, he starts stretching while watching the couple. He can't help but smile at the fact that the woman is instructing her boyfriend, he assumes on his jabs and blocks. She's a natural beauty that he honestly can't take his eyes off of. From here it's hard to see details without staring too much, but even with the distance he can tell she's drop dead gorgeous. He loves her long black hair that she's currently putting up in a messy burn. She turns to look at him causing him to look away.
Once he finishes stretching which was really just staring at the gorgeous woman who has beautiful brown eyes, he found out when she walked closer to him to grab her bottle of water and their eyes met, he starts working on the speed bad. Even though his fighting style is Thai kickboxing and wrestling, Lee drilled into him that the speed bag will help with quickness and not getting knocked out as fast. It isn't until he's done when he looks up and notices that the guy is standing in front of him and the woman is nowhere to be found.
"Hi," the guy says. "My name is Antonio are you trying out for Mario Lopez later?" he asks.
"I am," Brett says looking this guy up and down.
They're about the same height six foot three and the same build some muscles, but not too much. They both an arm sleeve of tattoos. Honestly he thinks that if they were to fight it would be pretty even in Brett's eye. Though he's not sure what this guy wants.
"Good, a lot of guys get too nervous to actually do their best and my dad passes them by." Antonio says.
"Your dad?" Brett asks his eyes going wide.
"Yeah," Antonio says mentally slapping himself for saying that.
Every time he tries to make friends with other fighters they always freak out or try to use him when he tells them who his dad is. Now before he even gets to try to be friends, he's gone and ruined it.
"Wow that must be cool." Brett says. "I'm Brett Pierce." he says holding his hand out.
"It's nice to meet you." Antonio says shaking his hand.
"I bet you get the best training and get to fight whoever you want." Brett says leading him over to the heavy bag.
"Not really, my dad doesn't want me to have special treatment just because I'm his son. He's not the one training me." Antonio tells him as they start working on the bag together like they had been training for years together.
"I get that, Lee used to train me a lot but lately he's been more into helping the younger guys. I don't think he wants me fighting as a profession." Brett says understanding how this young man feels.
"I'm going to show my dad though, I have another trainer who works me and is giving me a chance." Antonio says. "Just do your best and I'm sure my dad will sign you."
"I hope so, I need some help to break into the UFC." Brett sighs as they switch positions.
The two men continue to talk about their training, their dreams of being in the UFC, finding that they have a lot in common. Even though they've only known each other for a few hours they each know that they've found a friend in the other.
Santana Lopez, Antonio's older sister by two years watches the two men from Lee's office. The man was nice enough to offer it to her to use while her and her dad are here scouting out new talent. As long as she can remember she's loved everything to do with fighting. Of course she favors watching the UFC since her dad used to fight. Since she graduated from college five years ago, she's worked for her dad. She didn't get any special treatment having to start from the bottom, but quickly worked her way through the ranks. Currently she's her dad's number two also known as the vice president of Lopez Fighting. She just got the promotion and her dad has set up a challenge for her.
She's having to build her own team of fighters to go against her dad's in four months. And right now she thinks she's found her second fighter, the first being her brother. She knows this is all a test by her dad to see if she's really ready to be his VP.
"Mommy," a little girl says tugging on Santana's pants.
"Sofie I'm trying to work." Santana tries to say sternly but her daughter's pout wins and she ends up smiling.
"But mommy I want to play." Sofie whines.
"And we will in a few minutes okay." Santana says.
Her daughter is five years old and the light of her life.
A few hours later Mario has shown up and the gym is packed. Antonio has left with Sofie promising Santana that they'll head home and he'll make her take a nap since she woke up so early. Santana is standing next to her father.
"Well this is a huge turnout." Santana says staring at the several hundred guy and women here ready to fight. "Do you always have this big of a turnout?" she asks looking over at her dad.
"Yes and you'd better get used to it." Mario tells her.
He's looking forward to seeing her in action, to see who she picks for her team. Just a few days ago he told her that they're going to have a tournament his best six fighters against six fighters she picks and trains. He wants to see if she has the same kind of eye for talent as he does. One day he plans on leaving her the business.
"Do we have any other gyms that we're stopping at before I start training my team?" Santana asks her dad.
"Yes two other gyms tomorrow and Friday, then on Monday you'll start training and you'll have three months." Mario tells her.
"Okay," Santana says taking a deep breath. "So since I've already chosen Antonio on my team do I only get to pick five other fighters or can I pick a few extra?" she asks.
"You can pick two extra just to be fairer since I have been training my fighters for three plus years now." Antonio says.
"No UFC fighters and the winner gets a fight in the UFC." Santana says just to clarify.
"Yep," Mario says. "Now let's get this show on the road."
Santana carefully watches as the fighters each get five minutes of working out in groups of fifteen to show their stuff for fifteen minutes. Most she doesn't really care about, two about an hour in catch her eye as possibles. After that it takes two hours and twenty minutes before she sees the man her brother had been working out with. in the first two minutes she knows that she wants him on her team, he has raw talent and with some training he'll become really good. Good enough to fight and win in the UFC without needing the tournament.
"Him dad," Santana says pointing at the tall, blonde hair, blue eye man. "I want him on my team."
"Okay anyone else?" Mario asks very proud that she's picked the one man he would sign and train personally without this tournament.
"That guy from a few hours ago, Jeremy." Santana says. "And I'd like to to rey out that girl Nicky. We are including some women fighters right?"
"Three women and four men okay." Mario tells her. "Now let's go invite them to train with us."
Brett waits for Mario to come over to him, Lee had told him the other man wants to talk. He's excited since only two others were asked to stay, he's sure it's an invite to train with the Lopez brand fighters. The only bad thing is Lopez Fighting headquarters are five hours away in Columbus, Ohio.
"Brett Pierce," Mario says walking over.
"Yes sir," Brett says shaking his idols hand.
"My daughter, Santana has an offer for you." Mario says moving to the side.
That's when Brett notices the beautiful Latina from earlier.
"Hi Brett," Santana says trying not to just stare at him.
Brett nods his head, not trusting his voice.
"I'd love it if you'd be willing to come train and fight for me." Santana starts. "I'm putting together a team of six fighters to go against a team of my dad's top six amateur fighters. The winner will get a fight in the UFC."
"Heck yes," Brett says.
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"Mom!" Brett shout running into the house and picking up Mary, spinning her around.
"B," Mary giggles. "Put me down."
"Where's mom and our other sisters?" Brett asks looking around.
"Mom's at work and Jana and Vicky are out shopping." Mary says smiling at her brother when he puts her back down on the ground.
"Well then you get to hear the news first." Brett says all smiles. "I'm joining Lopez Fighting and in three months I could have a chance to fight in the UFC." he happily says the smile not leaving his face.
For several minutes Mary is in shock and completely silent. She doesn't know wither to cheer or cry. She hadn't actually realized that her brother was that good at fighting.
"I'm really proud of you." Mary finally says.
"Thanks sis," Brett says throwing an arm around her shoulder.
"Mom might not like it." Mary points out.
"I know, but she will be happy after telling me how dangerous it is." Brett chuckles. "The only down side is that I'll have to move to Columbus, Ohio."
"Damn," Mary says. "I didn't realize you'd have to move."
"Honestly I'm dreading having to move, but the opportunity is too good to turn down." Brett sighs.
"Yes it is, my big brother is going to be on TV and famous one day." Mary says wrapping her arms around him in a hug.
"Hopefully," Brett says trying not to smile.
They end up watching Blue Bloods for two hours before their sisters and mom all arrive home at the same time. Mary has to stop herself from jumping up and shouting out his news.
"Brett honey, you're already home?" Susan says shocked that he's home.
She had expected him to go out with Sam afterwards and didn't think he would be home until late.
"Yeah I wanted you guys to hear the news first." Brett says picking his mom up.
"You got it didn't you." Jana excitedly says.
"Yes I did." Brett says trying to bite back his smile.
All four women hug him even Mary again at the same time causing him to topple over. They're all talking over each other congratulating him.
"Mom, Jana, Vicky, Mary could you all get off of me. It's getting hard to breath." Brett says as someone's knee is in his chest.
They scramble off of him and sit down trying not to get up and tackle him again.
"So does this mean you have to move?" Vicky asks being the only one who has researched Lopez Fighting and knows their headquarters are in Columbus, Ohio. Some three hours away from them.
"Yes," Brett simply says, no point in trying to lie.
Susan gets a little sad, but keeps a smile on her face. She understands that this is his one big shot and he can't turn it down. Though she will be very sad not to have him nearby.
"I'm going to have to move to Columbus, Ohio. Brett tells them.
"When?" Susan softly asks.
"In two days, that's when training starts." Brett says.
"This sucks," Jana groans flopping back on the couch.
"I know, I wish I could stay here and help out financially-" Brett starts.
"No you don't." Susan quickly says cutting him off. "You are going to focus on being the best fighter. We can make ends meet on our own."
"Are you sure mom? I'm sure I can find something that will fit in with my training schedule." Brett asks her.
"Yes I am." Susan reassures him. "We'll be fine, don't worry about us."
"I'm going to miss you." Mary says and Vicky echoes the sentiment.
"You'd better call us at least once every day." Jana says.
"I will,"
