Tch, this is a bunch of bullshit! Katsuki thought as he stepped into the cage. His manager had called him the other day to tell him that the organizers of the next match wanted a fighter from the men's league to face off against a fighter from the women's league in a sparring match. A lot of fighters had already turned the match down, not wanting to fight against a woman.

{Flashback}

"Why are you losers asking me?" Katsuki asked his manager.

"They figured with your reputation you would have a problem with fighting a woman," his manager said.

"My reputation? You assholes think I would enjoy beating up a girl?" Katsuki growled, his temper flaring.

"Not beat her up. I would just be a sparring match! It's basically just a publicity stunt to show equality between the men's and women's leagues," his manager said. "I thought that it would be good publicity for you if you could make a show of fighting seriously against a woman."

"Make a show? I don't do anything half-assed, especially fighting, I won't hold back against anyone," Katsuki glared. "I don't see the benefit of me fighting some chick." He turned to leave the office.

"The two fighters that participate will get three new sponsorships from top-of-the-line businesses in athletic wear, sports equipment and sports drinks," his manager informed him.

Katsuki paused and looked back at his manager. "I'm listening."

{End Flashback}

Katsuki started moving around the cage, keeping his muscles warm and loose as he waited for his opponent. The stands were packed and he could see signs with his name on the crowd.

They had better not matched me up with some weakling, he thought.

Just then the announcer started introducing his opponent. A short young woman stepped into the ring. She had short brown hair that framed her face. Her cheeks were round and her body looked soft and curvy but she moved with the confidence and grace of a seasoned fighter.

"She is tanked in the top two of the women's league," Katsuki's read haired friend Eijiro said from where he stood outside the cage. Eijiro was another MMA fighter and he had been Katsuki's friend since they were rookies. "Her name is Ochaco Uraraka and she is known for her defensive moves," Eijiro explained.

"Tch, it doesn't matter. I'm gonna win," Katsuki declared.

"Just don't underestimate her, dude," Eijiro warned.

Ochaco took her spot of the other side of the cage. A small group of female fighters stood outside the cage cheering her on.

Katsuki stared the female fighter down. He watched as she took a deep breath and met his gaze with determination. He smirked at her before stripping off his warmup clothes. Squeals erupted from the stands as he pulled off his shirt, bearing his torso. He flexed his muscles and was pleased to see a small blush across his opponent's cheeks. Ochaco then pulled off her warmup gear showing that she wasn't as soft as she looked at first glance.

The bell sounded and she moved immediately. Katsuki sunk into a defensive position and watch her movements as she came at him.

She was quick but not fast enough to catch Katsuki by surprise. She swung a punch for his face, which he deflected and countered with a large right hook at her side. Ochaco blocked his punch with her arm just in time. She stepped back and quickly darted in again. Katsuki held his ground defending against her attacks and getting a feel for her fighting style.

Katsuki was impressed by the strength behind her hits. She was quick and precise with her fighting style. He stayed where he was, never letting his guard down and making sure to keep her at bay. Ochaco was starting to get frustrated. Her plan had been to get him to go after her and give her an opening to throw him. She dodged in for a feint and surprised Katsuki by sweeping his legs out from under him. He quickly flipped over, righting himself onto his feet. He lunge in at Ochaco but she was ready for him. She grabbed his wrist and pulled, knocking him off balance and crashing him into the floor. She place a knee in his back and tried to grab his other hand to pin it behind his back. Katsuki twisted his legs successfully knocking Ochaco off of him.

They both got to their feet and faced one another again. I can't let her knock me off my balance. She is good at using another person's momentum against them, Katsuki thought

He is so much stronger than me. I can't let him get ahold of me. My only choice is to wear him down, Ochaco thought.

She continued to attack him, looking to make an opening in his defense. She was relentless but he always seemed to be able to counter her moves. They exchanged blows neither one gaining an advantage over the other. Ochaco was able to break his holds and Katsuki was able to dodge her moves. They were so absorbed in their fight that the almost didn't hear the buzzer.

"And that is it Ladies and Gentleman! What a show!" the announcer called over the loud speaker.

Ochaco put her hands on her knees panting hard. Damn it! I couldn't get him, she scolded herself. She looked up to see Katsuki still standing. He was breathing heavy but not as bad as she was. Gritting her teeth she hung her head in defeat. She stood up straight and was surprised to see her opponent walking over towards her. When he reached her he held out his hand to her. She grasped his hand and he gave it one shake before letting go.

"Good fight, Pink Cheeks," he said.

Pink Cheeks? she thought. "Thanks, you too, I couldn't get past your defense," she said.

"Don't kid yourself. I said you put up a good fight and I meant it, damn it!" he growled.

"Thanks," Ochaco blushed. "How do you move so fast? I couldn't keep up."

"A lot of training," was his short answer.

"Maybe you could give me training tips?" she asked with a smile.

"How about over dinner?" Katsuki asked nonchalantly.

"What?!" Ochaco exclaimed.

"Did I stutter? I asked you to dinner," Katsuki scowled.

"S-sure, I would love to," she stammered.

Katsuki nodded and headed to the gate on his side of the cage. Eijiro met him there and handed him a towel. "Sooo, what's got you blushing?" he asked.

"Go to hell!" Katsuki snapped and rubbed the towel over his face to hide the pink on his cheeks.

Ochaco could feel her face burning as she made her way out of the cage. Her friends met her at the bench as she sat down and got a drink from her water bottle.

"Who would have thought that this match would result in you getting a date?" Mina purred at her friend.

Ochaco spit her water out and her face turned even redder. "I have no idea what you are talking about!"

"Try to hide it Ochaco but we heard every word," Tohru giggled.

"Drop it you guys!" Ochaco pleaded, turning away from them. She glanced at the other side of the cage to see Katsuki looking at her. Maybe this fight wasn't so bad after all.