The Cage (2024) s01e05 Episode Script
Episode 5
1
[ominous music playing]
THE CAGE
[music fades out]
[somber music playing]
THREE MONTHS LATER
[knock on door]
[Taylor sighs]
[music fades out]
Sorry to bother you, but it's important.
[Bilal sighs]
So
You recognize this guy?
Is that the one?
I think so.
How'd they find him?
With the, uh the CCTV cameras. Outside.
They thought he didn't look Swedish.
They looked into him
and realized he was from France.
Like you.
So they made the connection.
They tried to get into contact with you,
but you don't pick up anymore.
[Taylor sighs]
So they know who he is?
No, they don't.
That's why they sent us the photo.
Tell him.
Well, I thought the guy looked familiar.
I knew I'd seen him somewhere before.
I knew the guy's face.
And you know me.
So I did my own investigation.
And I found this.
Same guy, 100%, right?
Yeah, I'd say so.
Where'd you get the photos?
[exhales]
Ibrahim's social media platforms.
This guy is at all his fights.
All of them.
Hang on a second.
Ibrahim's an asshole.
Obviously, he's a bad guy.
But you're saying that he might have
been involved with what happened to Boss?
[Bilal] Actually,
it's it's even more complicated.
Boss had a huge file on Ibrahim.
Going back all the way to when
he was still training at MMA Fighters.
[dark music playing]
So, one night,
we were at the club with Boss.
And this woman came in.
And her face was all smashed up.
She looked awful.
She was bruised, broken nose,
uh, swollen face, her lip was split.
It was horrible.
And this woman was,
uh, going out with Ibrahim.
And she told us Ibrahim was the one
who had beaten her up that night.
[dramatic stinger]
Boss, you know, he wanted to help.
He tried to get her
to go to the police but
she didn't want to.
She was terrified of him.
You can imagine.
She thought he'd find out,
and that he'd hurt her again.
Or he might make her
look nuts on his socials.
Boss went crazy after that. He went off.
He kicked Ibrahim out of the club.
And he took photos of her.
You know,
that way he was basically saying,
"Ibrahim, I got you."
"If you do this again, I'm going
straight to the cops. And the media."
[Taylor inhales]
So you're saying
it was Ibrahim who got this guy
to follow us and stab Boss.
As far as we're concerned.
- Then we should go to the cops.
- [Bilal] Yeah. Of course.
Yeah, for sure we'll go to the police.
But you know how long this
sort of thing takes? Hm?
An investigation, evidence, prosecution?
- And what are we doing?
- [dramatic music playing]
Huh?
This guy's living his best life
while Boss is in a coma!
This shitbag's fighting at ARES now!
If he wins the belt, it's over!
Bam! To the UFC!
What's he gonna do? Huh?
Every single day. Every single interview.
He'll be disrespecting the club. And Boss!
[shouting] Look at me! This is important!
He'll be disrespecting Boss!
And we're just sitting around?
We should go.
We should go.
I ruined your night, guys.
I'm really sorry about that. Forgive me.
But I thought you should know.
You had to know, Taylor.
[music fades out]
[door closes]
[zipping]
You didn't forget anything?
You've got your passport?
[chuckles softly]
Yeah, I'm good.
I really hope things work
out for you over there.
[sighs]
The truth is
I don't know what to expect.
But it's what Boss had planned for me.
I know, yeah.
Come here.
- [Elena] Mm.
- I have to keep training.
He booked me in with
one of the best coaches in the world.
[Elena] I know. And Bilal's right.
We can't let Ibrahim get away with it.
Thanks, Elena.
Take care of yourself, okay?
[chill electronic beat playing]
I'm gonna miss you.
[chuckles softly]
I'm gonna miss you too.
I'M PROUD OF YOU
IT'S TOO SOON TO SAY THA
[horn honking]
- [in Spanish] Thank you.
- You're welcome.
[music fades out]
[in Spanish] Hello.
- Hi. Are you here for the class?
- Yes.
Go ahead.
AUGUST 17, SPECIAL CLASS
SIX GUN GIBSON, COACH OF JON JONES
[people chattering]
[Gibson in English] Welcome, Taylor.
I'm glad you're here.
Thank you so much for having me.
Don't thank me, thank Boss.
He's very important in my life.
He'd always planned for
the three of us to train together.
Unfortunately, he can't be here today.
We're going to honor him, okay?
I hope I'm up to the challenge.
[both grunting]
[panting]
Good. Hips. Hips. Hips. Hips.
[Taylor groaning]
Let me see some head movement.
[in Spanish] Let's go.
[Taylor falling to floor]
[in English] Good! That's it, guys!
- Circle up. Circle up.
- [grunting angrily]
[Gibson] Thank you
for a good day of training.
I'll see you guys tomorrow. Get some rest.
- Have a good night.
- [all thanking]
Good night.
Thank you, guys.
Good night, guys.
Sorry, coach.
It's probably the jetlag.
Uh
I was not my best today.
It's okay. Come back
in better shape tomorrow.
Yeah. Thanks.
- Good night.
- Bye.
[tense music playing]
- [music fades out]
- [Taylor] Hey, babe.
Figured I'd send a voice memo. Uh,
you know, I better try to stay focused.
So anyway, I just
I wanted to say it's been amazing.
Uh, super good session.
And tomorrow, it's gonna be even better.
Yeah, so
I'm thinking of you and making you proud.
Anyhow, I'll call you when I can.
I'm sending a kiss. I miss you.
Talk soon.
- [breathes deeply]
- [emotional music playing]
Hey, Bilal! So I'm all safe in Mexico.
In fact, I'm gonna send photos of the gym.
You're gonna You're gonna lose your shit.
And
You should know I'm thinking about Boss.
'Cause I know it's because of him
that I'm here.
I'm doing this for him.
I can't stop, I
I have to do this. I don't have a choice.
It'll be okay.
It'll be okay. [shuddering breath]
Well, I should, uh,
send you the photos. Okay?
Later, man.
[sniffs]
[emotional music builds]
[music fades out]
- [sound distorts]
- [clanging]
[stabbing]
[shouting]
[high-pitched ringing]
I need help!
[panting]
[somber music playing]
[pensive music playing]
[Gibson] It's hands up,
more head movement, work off your jab.
Sorry, coach?
- You guys go on.
- Can we talk?
Of course.
I wanna apologize.
I'm ashamed.
But
I think it's over for me.
I can't fight anymore.
I can't return to a good level anymore.
[melancholy music playing]
It's very hard to admit,
but
I don't think I'm a fighter anymore.
Okay. I'm sorry to hear that.
But, if your mind is made up,
and you're comfortable with your decision,
there's nothing else I can say.
I'm really sorry.
Would you wait a moment?
I'll have somebody
drop you off at the airport.
I promised Boss I'd take care of you.
Okay. Thanks.
[melancholy music continues]
[music fades out]
Hello. The airport, please.
Bro, you sure you wanna do that?
Yeah.
I'm going back to France.
[man] Hm.
If you ask me,
we've got two choices.
Either we can just
start this car right now.
I'll take you back to the airport.
You'll be giving up on all of your dreams,
what you promised to your coach,
or you could follow me.
Let me take you to a different gym.
But if I do that, you better go hard, man.
You gotta give it all you got.
Even if it feels impossible.
Uh, excuse me
who are you?
I'm Jon Jones.
[uplifting music playing]
My coach told me your story.
I really think I can help you out.
But you gotta want it, man.
The choice is yours.
So what is it gonna be?
[chuckles]
[upbeat music playing]
GOLDEN GYM
PANCHO ROSALES
[fighters grunting]
Well, Taylor.
Welcome to the gym.
You ready for this?
Yeah.
Come on.
[fighters chattering in Spanish]
[ominous music playing]
Taylor.
I want you to look around.
Look these guys in the eyes.
Do you see it?
That's what you lost, Taylor.
Something we call the Eye of the Tiger.
You ever watched those Rocky movies?
No.
Just Creed.
- Just Creed?
- Yeah.
You're a youngster.
[chuckles]
Well, that's what Apollo Creed
said to Rocky anyways.
And he was right.
You look around this gym,
you see a bunch of
young men and women with that rage,
with that dawg, that fire in their eyes.
It's an obligation to fight.
But not only fight,
these guys got an obligation to win.
This gym is their only chance
at a good life.
It's their only choice.
That's why I brought
you here today, Taylor.
We gotta find that look again.
We gotta get it back.
Yeah, but
I'm not sure I can.
[Jon] Mm.
I'm not even sure I ever had that look.
Come with me. All right?
[music fades out]
Right now, what you're going through,
is only a test.
And unfortunately, it's something
that we all have to go through in life.
Right now, you probably feel
like your world's coming to an end.
Like there's really nothing you can do to
get out of this situation and
just start making yourself feel better.
Let me tell you.
There's always
light at the end of the tunnel
for people
who don't give up on themselves.
Almost always.
[heartfelt music playing]
I've been through some crazy stuff
in my career and in my life.
My mom died at a young age.
My sister died when she was really young.
I made some huge mistakes throughout
my life, man. Big public mistakes, man.
Lost friends and
coaches and teammates, and
And sometimes in my life
I felt like the whole world hated me.
Like you today, man.
I was filled with doubt.
There's times
I thought I'd never make it back.
But we all saw how that went down.
Yeah.
You came back.
I did.
You won.
You're the greatest champion
in UFC history.
That's right, man.
It doesn't have to be over.
[music fades out]
We all know what today is.
Favorite day of the week.
Today is spar day.
I want each of you gentlemen
to go with Taylor.
Alex, you're gonna be round one.
Round two, three, and four.
You all know my rules.
I expect you guys to fight hard,
and fight smart.
Gentlemen, ready?
All right, let's have a good fight.
Round one, let's go.
[dramatic music playing]
[Jon] Hands up, Taylor.
Watch the shot.
Keep it creative.
Time. Break, break, break.
Michael, you're in.
- [man shouting encouragement]
- [Jon] Good job, Taylor.
Taylor, you gotta keep moving.
Finish that shot! Finish that shot!
Good job.
Alex, you're in.
Nice, work that jab.
Nice shots. Nice shots.
That's what I'm talking about!
Great job!
Great job!
Here we are!
Keep it going.
Good job. Good job.
[both grunting]
Wonderful! That's the Eye of the Tiger!
- [all cheering]
- [Jon] Good job!
That's what I'm talking about, Taylor!
Woo!
That's what I'm talking about!
Nice shot! Finish that shot! Finish!
Ground and pound! Finish him!
- That's what we're talking about!
- Come on!
- [fighter panting]
- Nice! Nice!
Lock it up. Elbow.
- [grunting]
- Two elbows.
Beautiful. Three.
Beautiful.
Combo.
One, two. Okay, go one, two, one, two.
Nice!
All right, gentlemen. Here we go.
Round one. Train smart. Go.
[all cheering]
Open up those kicks, Taylor.
Nice.
Hands up.
Keep that jab going.
Nice.
Here it is, Taylor.
The shot's open. Finish that shot!
Nice. Beautiful work, man.
That's what I'm talking about.
That's the look.
That's the Eye of the Tiger.
That's what we need.
Open up that ground and pound now.
Watch that leg.
[dramatic music continues]
Awesome job. Awesome job.
Beautiful, Taylor.
Beautiful.
Break.
[music ends]
- Wow.
- [all cheering]
That's what I'm talking about.
That's the look that we need.
Beautiful round. You're on the right path.
Keep up the good work, Taylor.
- Awesome job. Awesome job.
- Thank you. Thank you.
[Antoine] What an incredible opening
for Taylor Keita! The spinning back fist!
[Taylor L] He's getting close.
Picking up speed.
[Antoine] Giving it all he's got.
[Taylor L] He's got Ibrahim
on the ropes, Antoine!
[Taylor panting on video]
- [Antoine] He can't take much more!
- [Taylor L] Oh my goodness! What a round!
[Taylor and fighter grunting]
Yo, Taylor!
That's good for today, bud.
[Taylor] Thank you so much.
[breathing heavily]
[exhales]
It's great watching you train.
I really think you're on the right track.
Gotta stay at it, though.
You've got a lot more work to do.
Okay.
Thank you so much.
- You're welcome, Taylor.
- Thank you.
- Keep at it.
- [chuckles]
Thank you.
[uplifting music playing]
I'm excited to face Ibrahim.
I'm gonna stay and train a few more days.
And when I get back, I'll be ready.
I love you. Talk to you soon.
[Antoine] This is the long-awaited fight.
The battle for the belt.
Taylor Keita has his eyes on the title,
- but first he has to face off once again
- [Taylor L] The Destroyer.
against Ibrahim Ibara, the most
dangerous fighter on the French circuit.
[dramatic stinger]
[music ends]
- [man] How are you?
- [Taylor] Great, thanks.
- Could I have your autograph, please?
- Of course.
It's great to see you again.
I'm sure the comeback's
going to be awesome.
- I guarantee it.
- Thanks. That's great.
Excuse me, buddy. Sorry.
So? You at weight?
We're good, I'm at weight.
Nice, that's great.
Here. Tickets for your mom.
Oh! You're the best!
- Did your bud come through or what?
- Thanks, man. Happy to!
Hey, this is something else, yo!
That's some legendary shit.
- You want me to sign it?
- Of course. What're you talking about?
Sofiane, you can't be serious.
The face-off's in ten minutes
and I need my shorts.
Apologies, we're behind schedule.
There are like 300 people
waiting out front.
Wait, wait. I'll show you.
Ta-da!
Your own personalized fight pack!
- Not too shabby.
- Look at his face.
- Yeah, they're great, don't you think?
- [all laughing]
- [Niko] Well, bad news.
- What?
- Face-off's canceled.
- Canceled?
- Ibrahim doesn't wanna do it.
- That's impossible.
- It's a full house, what's he playing at?
- I know, but
Ibrahim, tomorrow the UFC matchmaker
is going to be at the fight,
and word on the street is that the winner
is probably going to get a contract.
That must be pretty good motivation, no?
No. My only motivation is to
beat the shit out of him.
If it gets me to the UFC, even better.
But what I want is to humiliate him.
I'm going to the UFC anyway.
[reporter] Just a few minutes from now
you'll see Taylor again for the face-off.
- How do you think it's going to go?
- No, there won't be a face off.
I wouldn't be able to hold back.
So for his safety, I'm not going.
When we're face to face for real,
I'll show that son of a bitch who's boss.
Okay, well, that's something.
Hey.
You know he's just talking smack?
Come on, man.
You know what he's all about.
No, no. I know.
He's just bragging, as usual.
[Niko] Exactly.
- Stay focused on the fight.
- That's what I'll do.
Come on! Focus, champ, focus. Okay?
Well, why don't we say 9:00
for the last training session?
- See you at nine.
- See you there.
Hey, Mom. So, uh,
I've been trying to call you all day.
No luck yet.
Anyway, I've, uh, got two VIP tickets.
For you and Régis.
Front row, next to the cage,
you know, it's the very best seats.
So let me know if you wanna pick
them up at the front desk or,
you know, if you'd rather I send
someone over to drop them off.
So, yeah.
Look, I'm
Well, I'm happy you'll be there. Okay?
You can call me back whenever.
No worries, Mom.
Love you.
[lock beeping]
[somber music playing]
[phone dings]
MOM: THANKS, SON.
I'LL PICK THEM UP TOMORROW NIGHT.
[chuckles softly]
[exhales contentedly]
- [punches impacting]
- [Taylor exhaling sharply]
One. Let's go. One. Come on. Knee up.
- Yes. Keep going, combo.
- Guard up.
[Taylor grunting]
Yeah, that's great, man. Nice.
[Taylor continues striking]
[coach] Yeah! Yeah, good. Looking good.
Hey! Can you stop with that?
You're the one with the fight.
I can do whatever I want.
[coach] Hey, stay focused.
Guard up, man. Let's do this.
All right. Two.
And one. Let's go. Looks good. Come on.
Combo, go. Again.
Yeah. Yeah. Nice.
Hup. Good.
Come on. Right, then elbow.
- [dramatic music playing]
- Knee.
Ooh, nice.
You look in good shape.
But you should take it easy
before you hurt yourself.
[gasping]
[laughs softly]
You came all this way
just to watch the fight?
I'm not here to watch.
- But to be in your corner.
- [gasps]
That is, if you'll have me.
[scoffs] Of course I will.
Thanks, coach.
Hey, everyone.
- I'm gonna start crying.
- Georges, hi.
[GSP chuckles]
I love you, Georges.
Right.
- I've admired you forever.
- [laughs awkwardly]
I love you too. Okay.
- [GSP] Georges, hi.
- Elena.
- Georges.
- Niko.
[GSP] Hey, man! How are you?
- [coach] Doing great.
- [GSP] It's been a long time.
- Same here.
- [GSP] Wow. How you been?
All right. Breathe.
[tense stinger]
[door opens]
So?
Nobody's picked up the tickets.
MOM
Maybe she's showing up later.
I need your bike.
What are you, crazy?
Your fight's in two hours!
You're not even allowed out.
Hey! I've been trying to get a hold of
her since this morning, and nothing.
Maybe those guys
went back to beat her up, Niko!
We'll call again and keep trying.
We can send someone over,
but don't go anywhere.
- I'm not gonna wait, not gonna do nothing.
- You can't leave!
I need to know what's going on.
- Just please, give me your keys.
- Taylor.
Give me your keys, please.
I'm begging you.
[dramatic music playing]
Thanks.
What about GSP? And Elena?
What do I tell them?
I had an emergency.
I'll be back before the fight.
[intense music playing]
[music ends]
The plan is The key for Taylor tonight
is to use his mobility and speed.
To not stay in front of Ibrahim's face.
Come on Taylor, pick up
[GSP] Ibrahim's the kind of fighter
who gets very emotional.
He gets carried away very often.
- Hello?
- Taylor.
You understand that if
something happens to you, it's over.
I can't just get back in the cage
like nothing happened.
- [GSP] Taylor's got incredible heart.
- Unbelievable.
What're you gonna do if you get to your
mom's, and there's a whole crew waiting?
- I think we should call the police.
- [Taylor] No, no. We can't call the cops!
I'm gonna be careful, I promise!
But I have to know what's going on.
- Just watch yourself, okay?
- Okay.
[intense music playing]
- [GSP] Taylor's at the top of his game.
- [Bilal] So?
What's the deal?
[music ends]
Oh! How's it going?
What are you doing here?
Where's my mom?
Isabelle! Your kid's here!
Mom?
Mom?
I've been calling you all day.
Where are you going? What is all this?
Keep it down, would you?
Your mother will explain, calm down.
Hey! Don't talk to me right now!
Mom, you better explain
or I'm gonna lose it!
Yeah, I know! Just calm down! Okay?
You wanna know? I'll tell you everything!
Majorca?
What is this, Mom? What are you doing?
- You were gonna disappear?
- Don't start, Taylor!
[melancholy music playing]
I was really looking forward to tonight,
seeing you there.
Do you know how proud
I'd have been if you'd come?
But you wanted to use the fight
to get away so I couldn't bother you?
Right?
- What did I ever do to you?
- [sighs]
You don't have to be so dramatic, okay?
It just happened.
Don't make a bigger fool
of yourself than you already have.
Régis has a lot of problems
with people here, you know that.
We didn't say anything
so we could protect you.
How are you paying for this?
Well, we put some money aside,
we've been saving up.
- You always told me you had nothing.
- Hey!
You think it's easy for a mother
to ask her son for money?
I always gave you everything I had.
Those little bills you'd drop off?
You think that's enough for us?
You know how much this house costs?
Of course you don't.
You never paid for anything.
Be honest.
The 30,000, would you have found it
if we hadn't pushed you?
[dark music playing]
Pushed me?
You got beat up by those guys?
Right?
You get it now?
Do you understand how far I had to
go to get you to help your mother?
Do you understand that I had to ask Régis
to make sure that
you wouldn't doubt my story?
- You hit my mom?
- Hey!
Take it easy!
I asked him to make it look real!
Are you insane?
Why'd you
- Why'd you do that to me?
- Aren't you ashamed of yourself?
I put a roof over your head. I fed you.
Do you know how much I sacrificed
so you could have a life?
When you couldn't even be bothered
to get a passing grade?
I was just so embarrassed by my kid!
You were nothing but trouble, Taylor!
So if you wanna think I'm a bad mother,
go ahead, I don't care.
But it wasn't easy having you as a son.
Yeah.
- [scoffs softly]
- I lied about the money. So what?
We had our problems
and we needed them gone.
It's not like I had
a son with a good education
who could help me get outta here.
You and your boxing.
- It's all you're ever good for.
- [sniffs]
I just had to motivate you.
That's what I did.
- You see? It worked.
- [sighs]
And your whining's all the thanks I get?
In the end, you helped your mother out.
No point in gettin' angry.
[phone dings]
ELENA: WHERE ARE YOU? I'M WORRIED.
CALL ME BACK. LOVE YOU
Go on, just let us finish packing up.
Won't you be late to your fight?
[sniffs]
[dark music rises]
[music ends]
I'm fine, I'm coming.
[engine turns on, revs]
["Lord Knows" (feat. Tory Lanez)
[by Meek Mill playing on headphones]
All I wanted was a new Mercedes ♪
Bending off the corner
Whipping out the lot, I got it ♪
Women love me but the niggas hate it ♪
But how can I lose
When I came from the bottom? ♪
Lord knows ♪
Nigga, Lord knows, nigga, Lord knows
Nigga, Lord knows ♪
[coach] Relax.
That's right,
keep your hands high up. Good.
Nigga, Lord knows, nigga, Lord knows
Nigga, Lord knows ♪
[grunting]
Uh, Lord knows I'm filthy rich ♪
All this ice is like fifty bricks
Rap niggas throwing hissy fits ♪
I give my bitch a stack
Just for a Christmas gift ♪
And my bitch so bad ♪
And breathe
Go. Breathe. Yes.
♪crib with the maid
And with the picket fence ♪
I'm with niggas that mad
We taking risks for this ♪
I'm talking risky business
Flick the wrist ♪
Lord knows that I repent for this ♪
But Lord knows if I get penned for this
I prolly won't get home until I'm 56 ♪
They say I'm the Messiah
You rappers is liars ♪
I sign up at church
Just to rap at the choir ♪
- [grunting loudly]
- Again!
The middle of the church at your wake
I'm lying, I just came from jail ♪
[coach] Good!
Hard!
Sharpened my iron, I did my push-ups
I roared with the lions, like hold up ♪
Yes! Again!
I'm back in this bitch
And I'm back on my shit ♪
Man, they tell me be humble
I'm cocky as hell ♪
- [grunting]
- [coach] Yes.
Good!
- Ha!
- [music ends]
[Antoine] Here we go!
Tonight's main event.
The fight everyone's been waiting for.
This is a fight between two men
who clearly hate each other's guts.
They've got a score to settle,
and they're going to settle it
tonight in the ARES cage.
[Taylor L] Facing off in that cage are
two men who want to hurt each other.
This is a deeply personal fight.
[MC] Taylor "The Outsider" Keita!
[dramatic stinger]
[Antoine] I don't know if it feels the
same way at home, but the energy in here
[Taylor L] The energy is
crackling between the fighters.
Their animosity in the cage
right there with them.
- [MC] And now, his opponent
- [fan chanting] Taylor!
[MC]fighting out of the red corner.
He holds a flawless record of 12 wins,
no losses and a draw.
He stands at six feet one inches tall.
Weighed in at the limit of 171 pounds.
Your reigning, defending,
welterweight ARES champion,
Ibrahim "The Destroyer'' Ibara!
[mixed cheering and booing]
[woman] Yeah!
It's a title on the line.
Your main referee for this fight
[Taylor L] The contenders are moving to
the center for their face-off, overseen
Gentlemen, you're fighting for the world
title for five rounds of five minutes.
- You're not making it past the first.
- We'll see.
[Antoine] The look
in their eyes is ferocious.
Respect the rules.
Touch gloves. Back to your corners.
[Taylor L] The ferocity
looks good on Taylor.
[Antoine] He's been criticized
for lack of aggression.
[Taylor L] Right,
for being a bit too gentle.
Is it possible that he found his inner
demon during his time with Jon Jones?
[Antoine] Not to mention
that he's got Georges St-Pierre
in his corner tonight too.
The fight will take place
over five five-minute rounds.
[GSP] Grab your leg and turn!
[Antoine] An incredible kick from Taylor!
Another one! Another one!
[both grunting]
[Taylor L] Incredible technique.
Ibrahim's brought him down to the ground.
[dramatic music playing]
Keep going, push harder! Push!
You stay tight! Keep it tight!
[Antoine] Things are moving quickly.
Roll! Right now, Taylor.
[Antoine] Taylor's attempting
to get out of there. Good!
[Taylor L] Oh, the knee!
Incredible!
- It's a very strong start.
- [GSP] Hands up!
[Taylor L] Ibrahim isn't being left out,
he's returning the hits.
Keep going! Do it again Ibra!
[Antoine] A massive uppercut sends
Taylor reeling!
[Taylor L] That was good.
[Taylor L] Taylor counters.
Both fighters are performing
quite admirably in there.
[Antoine] Ibrahim is being careful
now with a high guard.
He's finally showing some
respect for Taylor's reach and power.
Stay away from the fence! No!
[Antoine] Oh, careful!
[Taylor L] Ibrahim going for the takedown.
[Antoine] That's not good.
Not looking good for Taylor.
[crowd cheering]
[Taylor L] Crashing down to the mat!
Ibrahim put him flat on his back!
- [Antoine] Now, a side triangle choke.
- Grab your leg and turn!
[Antoine] Taylor's going for
leverage here with his leg.
[Taylor L] Now that's very interesting!
Very nice indeed.
Protect your neck!
[Antoine] He's got his back.
Great transition from Ibrahim.
I don't think we considered him
this good on the ground.
[Taylor L] Yes, not bad at all.
[Antoine]
And now it's an armlock. Careful!
[Antoine] Ibrahim's got Taylor
in a terrible position! That's
- Ooh! He could break his arm!
- Rip it off!
[Taylor L] Taylor attempting to escape.
Okay, roll, roll.
Roll, Taylor.
He has to roll out. And he's done it!
Go, go, go, Taylor!
[Taylor L] Great defense.
That's incredible to see.
Wow. This match just keeps
getting better and better.
- [Bilal] Yeah! Again! Get in there!
- [both grunting]
[Antoine] Taylor's picking up
the pace, striking faster!
All right, yes!
[horn sounds]
[Antoine] End of the round.
Oh my goodness.
- It ain't over, you little shit!
- Back to your corners.
[Taylor L] You can feel the electricity
in the air. Just incredible.
[Antoine] The ref was forced
to break them up.
[Taylor L] Let's hope we
don't see anything nasty.
Although anything's possible
in this fight.
[crowd chattering excitedly]
[Taylor L] In this fight,
anything could happen.
[trainer] Get it together.
Hey! Look at me. Listen, Ibrahim.
Next round, take him out.
You're the champ.
Drink a bit. Drink.
[GSP] Stick to the game plan.
Don't put our back against the fence.
Stay in motion. Keep moving.
Make sure you stay up.
It's working well.
Stay in movement. Movement!
- Good, champ?
- Come on, Taylor!
Go out there and kick his ass now.
- [ref] Coaches out!
- [grunts]
Let's go.
[crowd cheering]
- Come on, Taylor!
- Let's go!
You got this champ, go!
[Taylor L] It's a high-stakes fight.
One with history.
[Antoine] The second round is underway.
Okay. Five rounds, five minutes each.
This is a title match.
Remember, the belt is up for grabs.
Ibrahim's the first to strike here.
[Taylor L] True, but Taylor's not
letting himself get pushed around.
[Antoine] There it is.
Big hook to the head.
[trainer] Keep on him.
[Antoine] But he's back on his feet,
looking good.
Control the center!
[Antoine] He's got to keep moving,
or else he's dead.
Yeah, come on!
[Antoine] Good. He's taking space.
And there's the hook.
- [Taylor L] They're both boxing.
- [GSP] Good, Taylor!
[trainer] Keep your hands up, Ibra.
Come on!
[Niko] Don't let him get you!
- [GSP] Yes!
- Get him, Taylor! All right!
Get in there! You're in charge!
[GSP] Keep moving!
Don't back up in a straight line!
[Elena] Get outta there!
[Antoine] Taylor cannot stay there
a second longer.
[Taylor L] He's got him up
against the cage now.
Yeah! Go, go, go!
- [Taylor L] A flurry of blows.
- Get outta there, go!
[Taylor L] Taylor's defending
himself well. But for how long?
He's gotta get out of there
if he's gonna have a chance.
Oh!
- [Elena] Yeah!
- [Antoine] Whoa! Down to the ground!
[Taylor L] Incredible! A follow-up kick.
[Antoine] Not much power behind that kick.
- [Taylor L] All right.
- [Antoine] Beautiful transition.
- [Bilal] Legendary!
- [Taylor L] Intense!
Very nice! He rolled over.
[Antoine] Taylor's going for his ankle,
changing tactics.
[Taylor L] Trying to break the ankle.
It's looking tight.
[Antoine] Ibrahim's coming up now.
Careful!
Harder, Taylor! Try again!
[Antoine] on the ground has opened him up
to a new attack from Ibrahim.
[trainer shouting]
- [Taylor L] Very nice defense.
- [Antoine] Both looking to get up now.
- [trainer] Kill him!
- [horn sounds]
[all gasping]
- [Antoine] Illegal hit by Ibrahim!
- [Taylor L] And he's at it again!
[Antoine] Why would
he do that in this fight?
Get back! Medic! Medic, now!
Yes, Ibrahim! Good job!
[Antoine] He should've been
disqualified the first time.
- [Taylor L] What's he thinking?
- In a fight with these stakes?
Stay down!
Back to your corner now!
What the hell is happening?
He can't do this!
- Medic!
- [crowd booing]
[Antoine] Taylor Keita was
in the process of getting up.
Three points of contact with the ground,
no knee strikes or kicks to the head.
- And that's exactly what happened.
- Total bullshit.
[medic] Right. Sit up. Nice and easy.
[Taylor L] Let's see if the medic will
allow Taylor to continue the fight.
Take your time.
Are you experiencing any intense
pain in your neck or your head?
Any blurred vision?
- [grunts]
- No?
[Taylor L] He'll need a second
to recover before he gets up.
If it's obvious he's stunned.
The medic could put a stop to the fight.
Do you feel any weakness
or burning sensation
in your legs, or in your arms?
- Mm-mm.
- Okay.
- Total piece of shit, man.
- [Elena scoffs]
I wanna keep fighting.
Apart from the bleeding,
you aren't showing any signs
that would make me stop the fight.
But I advise against continuing.
[Antoine] If Taylor doesn't continue,
and the referee determines the hit was
illegal, Ibrahim could be disqualified.
And that would be a win for Taylor.
[Taylor L] Honestly, as a fighter,
I would have to say
there's a case for quitting.
For walking away.
And that's because now,
clearly, Taylor's in bad shape.
A knee strike like that is
gonna have consequences.
Even if he continues,
the hit probably took
a couple of years off his life.
Can he risk another?
Taylor!
You don't have to continue.
If he's disqualified, you'll win.
How're you feeling?
I'll keep going.
Okay.
Okay. Don't move. Stay there.
- You! Come here!
- What's this?
- One point off!
- What's the issue?
- One point deducted.
- What the hell? He's knocked out.
- One point. One point off!
- Come on! What the hell is that?
- [Taylor L] The decision's come down.
- There it is, a penalty point for Ibrahim.
- [Taylor L] Clearly deserved.
- Of course! The knee cut Taylor open!
Like you said, not only is
he stunned, he's injured!
[Taylor L] Not only that. The open
wound's gonna hamper his visibility.
Definitely at a disadvantage now.
[tense music playing]
Taylor. Why're you doing this?
You won. The belt, all of it. You had it.
What more do you want?
I don't wanna win like this.
[panting]
It's not about the belt.
I'm here to finish him. Okay?
[Taylor panting]
He'd just say
He'd probably say we stole the fight.
I can beat him now.
- Well, let's get to it.
- Yeah.
The fight can go on when
the bleeding stops.
- [trainer] What do we do?
- I'm gonna kill this fuck.
- There.
- I'm gonna mess him up.
He's already done. Yeah?
You messed up his head pretty good.
You get it? He's not coming back.
- Next round, he'll be done.
- Yeah.
You run at him, you knock him out.
He won't be able to finish. Look.
- I got him.
- Yeah.
[groaning] He'll get it.
One minute. Just a minute.
[groaning]
- Okay, that's good for me.
- I'm good?
Taylor, listen to me.
Stay off the ground,
protect your eye, and give him hell!
[Bilal] You got this, champ! Get him!
[breathing deeply]
Okay.
And don't forget what he did to Boss.
We're back, all right!
Let's go! Get in there, Taylor!
[breathing intensely, roaring]
Ready? Ready?
Fight.
- [Antoine] That side knee was too close!
- [Taylor L] Great dodge by Taylor.
[Antoine] They're trading blows.
Ibrahim strikes again.
[Taylor L] The fight's personal,
you can feel it!
- [Antoine] Trading hits! Blow for blow!
- You'll never win, you son of a bitch.
He's already done! Just knock him out now!
[Antoine] I think Taylor should be
looking to limit damage here.
- Otherwise he won't be able to keep going.
- [Taylor L] Good defense.
- [Antoine] Good defense.
- Great work from Taylor.
I know what you did to Boss.
And I know why.
- [Antoine] Great jab from Taylor.
- [Taylor L] Nice!
- [Taylor L] Hit on Taylor.
- [Antoine] Power of Ibrahim on display.
[Taylor L] It's hit after hit in there!
Let's go, Taylor!
- [Taylor L] Whoa!
- [Antoine] A massive kick!
[trainer] Finish him off!
[Antoine] He has to get back up.
Kick up now!
[Elena] Yeah!
[Antoine] Taylor's bringing
the aggression now!
[Taylor L] Good reason.
It seems to be working for him.
I'm gonna knock you out,
then call the cops.
- Another one!
- [Antoine] Huge body shot!
[Taylor L] Wow!
And there's the knee strike!
Oh! The counter! What a counter!
Finish him! Finish him!
That's it! Take him out! Make him bleed.
- "The Destroyer!"
- [ref] Put up your guard!
Stop! That's the round.
[Antoine] Saved by the bell! Unbelievable!
[Taylor L] Oh my goodness, Antoine!
What a fight!
[Antoine] Taylor saved at the last second!
[Taylor L] I don't know. Incredible.
At this point, they've got
to be sweating in Taylor's corner.
It's not over. It's not over.
Come on. Come on.
Come on, Taylor. Let's go.
Taylor! Taylor! Taylor! Taylor!
- [scattered chanting begins] Taylor!
- Yeah, Taylor.
[chanting increases] Taylor! Taylor!
Taylor! Taylor! Taylor!
Let's go, yeah!
- [all chanting]
- Let's go! Yeah, come on!
The crowd is going absolutely wild.
[chatting indistinctly]
[ref] Ready? Fight!
[Antoine] We're off! Round four,
and you can see the fatigue setting in.
Keep pushing forward.
[Antoine] Whoa! Hit him with a front kick.
- [Bilal] Don't stand in front of him!
- [Elena] Get out of there! Move, Taylor!
[Antoine] Wow! Taylor's
back is up against the cage.
- Get your back off the fence, Taylor!
- [Elena] Now!
[Antoine] Taylor's lost his focus.
You can see it.
- [Niko] Move!
- [Antoine] Tough break.
[Taylor L] I wonder if he recovered.
- [Antoine] Doesn't look like it.
- [Bilal] Don't let him in close!
Hey! Stay aggressive. Stay aggressive!
[Antoine] He needs to keep his guard up!
- [Taylor L] Yeah.
- [Antoine] Another hit!
Ibrahim's got him on the back foot.
He needs to hold out.
Yeah, come on! Another one!
[Antoine] He can do it.
Taylor, come on! Let's go!
Pummeled by Ibrahim,
he has to do something.
Yeah! Yeah!
[Antoine] He has to get back on
the offensive or it's over!
- Grab him! Grab him! Yes!
- [Antoine] Good move from Taylor.
[Bilal] That's it! He's got him!
[Antoine] It looks like
he's trying to hold him!
Let some of his rage burn out.
[Taylor L] Right.
That famous Ibrahim aggression.
They're neck and neck
despite Ibrahim's power.
- [horn sounding]
- [ref] Stop! That's the round.
[Antoine] So much heart.
[Taylor L] The man is running on
force of will. It's beautiful to see.
That said,
I'm not sure Taylor can come back.
Hey. Listen, Taylor.
We're losing the fight. We're losing!
But we can make it work.
Taylor, look at me! He's tired too.
He's exhausted. It's not over yet.
He'll make a mistake. Watch for it.
Find the opening.
Forget Ibrahim! You're fighting yourself.
It's you against you. You against you!
What are you playing at? What's going on?
Some amateur, some nobody,
going four rounds with you?
Why're you letting him go four rounds,
huh? Normally, you'd KO in one.
You're embarrassing us!
You hear that? You're embarrassing me!
Your performance is shit!
I can't believe this shit, man!
You hear me? You're no fuckin' champ!
The fuck is this? What do you want?
You with me or against me?
- I'm your coach!
- I don't give a fuck! Get out of here!
- The war's out there, for fuck's sake!
- I don't need you!
Get the fuck outta here!
[Antoine] Unbelievable scene in the cage.
Ibrahim screaming at his coach.
[Taylor L] The tension is palpable.
I can't imagine that energy
is gonna be good for his chances.
Especially for this fight
when there's so much to lose.
[GSP] You've got five minutes.
Five minutes to change your life, Taylor.
Look at me!
You're stronger than him.
Tell me you're the champion!
- I'm the champion. I'm the champion.
- You're the champion! You're the champ!
- I'm the champion!
- Yes!
This is war, Taylor! Hey, Taylor.
Now bring him in hell.
[ref] Coaches, leave the cage!
[Bilal] Come on, Taylor. You got this!
[Antoine] The fifth and final round
is about to start.
A fight that's been
absolutely incredible so far.
I don't know if
it's possible to communicate
what these two men have been through
over the past 20 minutes.
I'm curious to see what they have left.
- [Bilal] Come on, Taylor!
- Fifth and final round. Fight!
[Antoine] And we're back!
These are the last five minutes.
[Taylor L] This is the moment
anything could happen.
[GSP] Less than five minutes, Taylor!
It's now or never!
[Antoine] This round
is going to be psychological.
No strength left in their arms.
[Taylor L] Whoever wins,
it'll be force of will.
[Antoine] Just look at that kick
from Taylor. Totally without conviction.
[Taylor L] The fatigue is taking over.
Knock him down, he's gonna fall!
[Antoine] Ibrahim's arms
are just as tired.
[Taylor L] Evenly matched
and evenly exhausted.
Oh yeah
You can tell, their tanks are both empty.
[Antoine] That's not good.
Taylor's getting sloppy, making mistakes.
- [Bilal] Move!
- [GSP] Get out of there!
[Antoine] Ibrahim's got him up against
the cage. Raining blows down on Taylor.
[Taylor L] Taylor's defending himself,
but without much conviction.
[Antoine] And now, Ibrahim stops?
- [Taylor L] Wild.
- Unbelievable!
He's finished! Now, knock him out!
Engage, gentlemen. Engage.
[Antoine] Both men, face to face
in the cage. Title match, last round.
They're completely drained.
[Taylor L] They've got nothing left.
Neither of them.
[ref] Show me some movement, Taylor.
[trainer] Finish him!
[Taylor L] Ibrahim's back.
Picking up the pace.
Taylor's still defending.
He doesn't wanna go down.
[Antoine] He doesn't want
it to end like this.
[Taylor L] Taylor's holding out,
no matter what.
Look at this, unbelievable!
I can't believe it.
- This is the fifth and final round!
- [trainer] Fuck yeah, Ibrahim!
- [Antoine] A massive one-two from Ibrahim!
- [GSP] You got it!
Come on! 30 seconds, Taylor!
[ref] Gentlemen, you need to fight!
Engage!
[Antoine] Ibrahim simply cannot
finish the job. It's wild!
[GSP] That's it.
Stay tight. Protect yourself. Keep moving!
[Antoine] All in. They've both given it
their all. And they're still there.
[Taylor L] They've both given so much in
this fight that they've got nothing left.
Oh!
[Antoine] Did you see that? Incredible!
With a kick to the head,
Taylor sends Ibrahim crashing down!
- Whoa!
- Yeah!
- [crowd cheering]
- [triumphant music playing]
- [GSP] Yes!
- [Bilal] Whoo-hoo! Taylor! Yeah!
[Antoine] No one could have predicted
that kick! It came out of nowhere!
[Taylor L] Outta nowhere! Exactly!
[Antoine] Ibrahim didn't see it coming
either and took the full force of it.
He's laid out on the mat.
- [GSP] You did it!
- [Bilal] Legendary!
[all cheering wildly]
- [Bilal] Yeah!
- [both] Yeah!
[Taylor L] This fight is going
into the ARES history books!
Two incredible performances
from the fighters!
There was so much heart in
the cage tonight! Absolutely incredible!
This is legendary, man.
What you did, this is crazy!
[MC] Ladies and gentlemen
And Boss is gonna be so proud! So proud!
[MC] Please welcome former
UFC heavyweight interim champion,
Ciryl ''Bon Gamin" Gane.
[Antoine] Here comes Ciryl Gane
with the champion's belt.
He'll present the belt to
the category's new champion, Taylor Keita!
Congratulations, guys.
Hey.
[MC] After five rounds of epic battle,
the story has unfolded.
And your winner, by way of knockout!
And new ARES welterweight champion!
- [screaming joyfully]
- Taylor "The Outsider" Keita!
- [triumphant music continues]
- [chanting] Taylor! Taylor!
[crowd cheering wildly]
[no audible dialogue]
I've only got two things to say.
And the first,
is that I'm never dealing with him again.
We all saw what happened tonight.
Second, burn this into your memories.
You remember my name.
Because this is the beginning!
- Let's go, Taylor!
- Make some noise! Come on!
My victory tonight is for Boss.
And
I wanna thank my whole team. And
And let them know I love them.
[crowd continues cheering]
[all] Taylor! Taylor! Taylor! Taylor!
[Bilal] Taylor! Taylor! Taylor! Taylor!
[shouting] Let's go!
[triumphant music rises]
- [music ends]
- Yeah!
Yeah! [laughing]
[all chanting] Taylor! Taylor! Taylor!
Whoa!
[Elena laughing]
I'm so proud of you.
Great job, bro.
Thanks, man.
- Hey!
- What you did tonight, man? Legendary!
- [laughs] Thanks, bro.
- Boss is gonna be proud of you.
- I did it for him.
- Yeah.
[room falls silent]
Sorry to bother you after such a fight.
Mike Hamilton, UFC matchmaker.
Yeah, I know. Nice to meet you.
You dropped some bombs tonight. Well done.
- [chuckles] Thanks.
- Nice job.
I kinda wanna have you fight
at the UFC France.
What do you think?
- Okay. Okay.
- Yeah?
All right, I'll call Georges.
I'm gonna make it happen. All right?
Okay. Thank you.
- Well done.
- Thanks. Thank you. Thanks.
[all murmuring]
Did he say what I think he said?
I'm going to the UFC.
- Ah!
- [all cheering]
- Champagne for everyone! Yeah!
- [all cheering]
No, thanks. None for me. But
if you've got any water, I'd have that.
- Yeah, I can get you some.
- You sure?
- Ah, you're the man.
- Of course.
- I appreciate it.
- Anything for the champion.
[both laughing]
[man] Fantastic.
[all chattering]
[somber music playing]
Taylor Keita's dressing room is that way?
- What's this about?
- Anti-doping test.
Yeah, it's there.
Hey, wait a sec!
Look, I'm sorry to ask,
but would you mind giving him a minute?
All his friends are with him,
he's celebrating his big win.
We're so happy for him.
Wait. It's his first time winning a belt.
That's huge.
Come on.
It's not every day a guy wins a belt.
Fine. Okay.
We'll start with the others
and come back to him.
Thanks. He'd really appreciate it.
Thanks, you guys.
[somber music continues]
[pills rattling]
[ominous music playing]
[man] How you doing? So when
do we start training tomorrow?
[Taylor laughing]
Ah man, you're the best.
[Elena laughing]
Everyone.
To Boss.
- [Bilal] To Boss.
- To Boss
And to you.
[ominous music continues]
Ah.
- Thanks for everything.
- No, thank you.
We're in this together. Always.
Together, bro. Always.
[Bilal] You'll see.
I'm right about your brow ridge.
At least two stitches, my friend.
[Taylor] And I'm saying zero.
You wanna bet? You're on, man.
- Bet you a kebab.
- A kebab, yeah.
[Bilal] Hey, listen up. Hey!
I've got a bet with Taylor.
- I know he's gonna need two stitches
- [ominous music rises]
[music ends]
[ominous music playing]
THE CAGE
[music fades out]
[somber music playing]
THREE MONTHS LATER
[knock on door]
[Taylor sighs]
[music fades out]
Sorry to bother you, but it's important.
[Bilal sighs]
So
You recognize this guy?
Is that the one?
I think so.
How'd they find him?
With the, uh the CCTV cameras. Outside.
They thought he didn't look Swedish.
They looked into him
and realized he was from France.
Like you.
So they made the connection.
They tried to get into contact with you,
but you don't pick up anymore.
[Taylor sighs]
So they know who he is?
No, they don't.
That's why they sent us the photo.
Tell him.
Well, I thought the guy looked familiar.
I knew I'd seen him somewhere before.
I knew the guy's face.
And you know me.
So I did my own investigation.
And I found this.
Same guy, 100%, right?
Yeah, I'd say so.
Where'd you get the photos?
[exhales]
Ibrahim's social media platforms.
This guy is at all his fights.
All of them.
Hang on a second.
Ibrahim's an asshole.
Obviously, he's a bad guy.
But you're saying that he might have
been involved with what happened to Boss?
[Bilal] Actually,
it's it's even more complicated.
Boss had a huge file on Ibrahim.
Going back all the way to when
he was still training at MMA Fighters.
[dark music playing]
So, one night,
we were at the club with Boss.
And this woman came in.
And her face was all smashed up.
She looked awful.
She was bruised, broken nose,
uh, swollen face, her lip was split.
It was horrible.
And this woman was,
uh, going out with Ibrahim.
And she told us Ibrahim was the one
who had beaten her up that night.
[dramatic stinger]
Boss, you know, he wanted to help.
He tried to get her
to go to the police but
she didn't want to.
She was terrified of him.
You can imagine.
She thought he'd find out,
and that he'd hurt her again.
Or he might make her
look nuts on his socials.
Boss went crazy after that. He went off.
He kicked Ibrahim out of the club.
And he took photos of her.
You know,
that way he was basically saying,
"Ibrahim, I got you."
"If you do this again, I'm going
straight to the cops. And the media."
[Taylor inhales]
So you're saying
it was Ibrahim who got this guy
to follow us and stab Boss.
As far as we're concerned.
- Then we should go to the cops.
- [Bilal] Yeah. Of course.
Yeah, for sure we'll go to the police.
But you know how long this
sort of thing takes? Hm?
An investigation, evidence, prosecution?
- And what are we doing?
- [dramatic music playing]
Huh?
This guy's living his best life
while Boss is in a coma!
This shitbag's fighting at ARES now!
If he wins the belt, it's over!
Bam! To the UFC!
What's he gonna do? Huh?
Every single day. Every single interview.
He'll be disrespecting the club. And Boss!
[shouting] Look at me! This is important!
He'll be disrespecting Boss!
And we're just sitting around?
We should go.
We should go.
I ruined your night, guys.
I'm really sorry about that. Forgive me.
But I thought you should know.
You had to know, Taylor.
[music fades out]
[door closes]
[zipping]
You didn't forget anything?
You've got your passport?
[chuckles softly]
Yeah, I'm good.
I really hope things work
out for you over there.
[sighs]
The truth is
I don't know what to expect.
But it's what Boss had planned for me.
I know, yeah.
Come here.
- [Elena] Mm.
- I have to keep training.
He booked me in with
one of the best coaches in the world.
[Elena] I know. And Bilal's right.
We can't let Ibrahim get away with it.
Thanks, Elena.
Take care of yourself, okay?
[chill electronic beat playing]
I'm gonna miss you.
[chuckles softly]
I'm gonna miss you too.
I'M PROUD OF YOU
IT'S TOO SOON TO SAY THA
[horn honking]
- [in Spanish] Thank you.
- You're welcome.
[music fades out]
[in Spanish] Hello.
- Hi. Are you here for the class?
- Yes.
Go ahead.
AUGUST 17, SPECIAL CLASS
SIX GUN GIBSON, COACH OF JON JONES
[people chattering]
[Gibson in English] Welcome, Taylor.
I'm glad you're here.
Thank you so much for having me.
Don't thank me, thank Boss.
He's very important in my life.
He'd always planned for
the three of us to train together.
Unfortunately, he can't be here today.
We're going to honor him, okay?
I hope I'm up to the challenge.
[both grunting]
[panting]
Good. Hips. Hips. Hips. Hips.
[Taylor groaning]
Let me see some head movement.
[in Spanish] Let's go.
[Taylor falling to floor]
[in English] Good! That's it, guys!
- Circle up. Circle up.
- [grunting angrily]
[Gibson] Thank you
for a good day of training.
I'll see you guys tomorrow. Get some rest.
- Have a good night.
- [all thanking]
Good night.
Thank you, guys.
Good night, guys.
Sorry, coach.
It's probably the jetlag.
Uh
I was not my best today.
It's okay. Come back
in better shape tomorrow.
Yeah. Thanks.
- Good night.
- Bye.
[tense music playing]
- [music fades out]
- [Taylor] Hey, babe.
Figured I'd send a voice memo. Uh,
you know, I better try to stay focused.
So anyway, I just
I wanted to say it's been amazing.
Uh, super good session.
And tomorrow, it's gonna be even better.
Yeah, so
I'm thinking of you and making you proud.
Anyhow, I'll call you when I can.
I'm sending a kiss. I miss you.
Talk soon.
- [breathes deeply]
- [emotional music playing]
Hey, Bilal! So I'm all safe in Mexico.
In fact, I'm gonna send photos of the gym.
You're gonna You're gonna lose your shit.
And
You should know I'm thinking about Boss.
'Cause I know it's because of him
that I'm here.
I'm doing this for him.
I can't stop, I
I have to do this. I don't have a choice.
It'll be okay.
It'll be okay. [shuddering breath]
Well, I should, uh,
send you the photos. Okay?
Later, man.
[sniffs]
[emotional music builds]
[music fades out]
- [sound distorts]
- [clanging]
[stabbing]
[shouting]
[high-pitched ringing]
I need help!
[panting]
[somber music playing]
[pensive music playing]
[Gibson] It's hands up,
more head movement, work off your jab.
Sorry, coach?
- You guys go on.
- Can we talk?
Of course.
I wanna apologize.
I'm ashamed.
But
I think it's over for me.
I can't fight anymore.
I can't return to a good level anymore.
[melancholy music playing]
It's very hard to admit,
but
I don't think I'm a fighter anymore.
Okay. I'm sorry to hear that.
But, if your mind is made up,
and you're comfortable with your decision,
there's nothing else I can say.
I'm really sorry.
Would you wait a moment?
I'll have somebody
drop you off at the airport.
I promised Boss I'd take care of you.
Okay. Thanks.
[melancholy music continues]
[music fades out]
Hello. The airport, please.
Bro, you sure you wanna do that?
Yeah.
I'm going back to France.
[man] Hm.
If you ask me,
we've got two choices.
Either we can just
start this car right now.
I'll take you back to the airport.
You'll be giving up on all of your dreams,
what you promised to your coach,
or you could follow me.
Let me take you to a different gym.
But if I do that, you better go hard, man.
You gotta give it all you got.
Even if it feels impossible.
Uh, excuse me
who are you?
I'm Jon Jones.
[uplifting music playing]
My coach told me your story.
I really think I can help you out.
But you gotta want it, man.
The choice is yours.
So what is it gonna be?
[chuckles]
[upbeat music playing]
GOLDEN GYM
PANCHO ROSALES
[fighters grunting]
Well, Taylor.
Welcome to the gym.
You ready for this?
Yeah.
Come on.
[fighters chattering in Spanish]
[ominous music playing]
Taylor.
I want you to look around.
Look these guys in the eyes.
Do you see it?
That's what you lost, Taylor.
Something we call the Eye of the Tiger.
You ever watched those Rocky movies?
No.
Just Creed.
- Just Creed?
- Yeah.
You're a youngster.
[chuckles]
Well, that's what Apollo Creed
said to Rocky anyways.
And he was right.
You look around this gym,
you see a bunch of
young men and women with that rage,
with that dawg, that fire in their eyes.
It's an obligation to fight.
But not only fight,
these guys got an obligation to win.
This gym is their only chance
at a good life.
It's their only choice.
That's why I brought
you here today, Taylor.
We gotta find that look again.
We gotta get it back.
Yeah, but
I'm not sure I can.
[Jon] Mm.
I'm not even sure I ever had that look.
Come with me. All right?
[music fades out]
Right now, what you're going through,
is only a test.
And unfortunately, it's something
that we all have to go through in life.
Right now, you probably feel
like your world's coming to an end.
Like there's really nothing you can do to
get out of this situation and
just start making yourself feel better.
Let me tell you.
There's always
light at the end of the tunnel
for people
who don't give up on themselves.
Almost always.
[heartfelt music playing]
I've been through some crazy stuff
in my career and in my life.
My mom died at a young age.
My sister died when she was really young.
I made some huge mistakes throughout
my life, man. Big public mistakes, man.
Lost friends and
coaches and teammates, and
And sometimes in my life
I felt like the whole world hated me.
Like you today, man.
I was filled with doubt.
There's times
I thought I'd never make it back.
But we all saw how that went down.
Yeah.
You came back.
I did.
You won.
You're the greatest champion
in UFC history.
That's right, man.
It doesn't have to be over.
[music fades out]
We all know what today is.
Favorite day of the week.
Today is spar day.
I want each of you gentlemen
to go with Taylor.
Alex, you're gonna be round one.
Round two, three, and four.
You all know my rules.
I expect you guys to fight hard,
and fight smart.
Gentlemen, ready?
All right, let's have a good fight.
Round one, let's go.
[dramatic music playing]
[Jon] Hands up, Taylor.
Watch the shot.
Keep it creative.
Time. Break, break, break.
Michael, you're in.
- [man shouting encouragement]
- [Jon] Good job, Taylor.
Taylor, you gotta keep moving.
Finish that shot! Finish that shot!
Good job.
Alex, you're in.
Nice, work that jab.
Nice shots. Nice shots.
That's what I'm talking about!
Great job!
Great job!
Here we are!
Keep it going.
Good job. Good job.
[both grunting]
Wonderful! That's the Eye of the Tiger!
- [all cheering]
- [Jon] Good job!
That's what I'm talking about, Taylor!
Woo!
That's what I'm talking about!
Nice shot! Finish that shot! Finish!
Ground and pound! Finish him!
- That's what we're talking about!
- Come on!
- [fighter panting]
- Nice! Nice!
Lock it up. Elbow.
- [grunting]
- Two elbows.
Beautiful. Three.
Beautiful.
Combo.
One, two. Okay, go one, two, one, two.
Nice!
All right, gentlemen. Here we go.
Round one. Train smart. Go.
[all cheering]
Open up those kicks, Taylor.
Nice.
Hands up.
Keep that jab going.
Nice.
Here it is, Taylor.
The shot's open. Finish that shot!
Nice. Beautiful work, man.
That's what I'm talking about.
That's the look.
That's the Eye of the Tiger.
That's what we need.
Open up that ground and pound now.
Watch that leg.
[dramatic music continues]
Awesome job. Awesome job.
Beautiful, Taylor.
Beautiful.
Break.
[music ends]
- Wow.
- [all cheering]
That's what I'm talking about.
That's the look that we need.
Beautiful round. You're on the right path.
Keep up the good work, Taylor.
- Awesome job. Awesome job.
- Thank you. Thank you.
[Antoine] What an incredible opening
for Taylor Keita! The spinning back fist!
[Taylor L] He's getting close.
Picking up speed.
[Antoine] Giving it all he's got.
[Taylor L] He's got Ibrahim
on the ropes, Antoine!
[Taylor panting on video]
- [Antoine] He can't take much more!
- [Taylor L] Oh my goodness! What a round!
[Taylor and fighter grunting]
Yo, Taylor!
That's good for today, bud.
[Taylor] Thank you so much.
[breathing heavily]
[exhales]
It's great watching you train.
I really think you're on the right track.
Gotta stay at it, though.
You've got a lot more work to do.
Okay.
Thank you so much.
- You're welcome, Taylor.
- Thank you.
- Keep at it.
- [chuckles]
Thank you.
[uplifting music playing]
I'm excited to face Ibrahim.
I'm gonna stay and train a few more days.
And when I get back, I'll be ready.
I love you. Talk to you soon.
[Antoine] This is the long-awaited fight.
The battle for the belt.
Taylor Keita has his eyes on the title,
- but first he has to face off once again
- [Taylor L] The Destroyer.
against Ibrahim Ibara, the most
dangerous fighter on the French circuit.
[dramatic stinger]
[music ends]
- [man] How are you?
- [Taylor] Great, thanks.
- Could I have your autograph, please?
- Of course.
It's great to see you again.
I'm sure the comeback's
going to be awesome.
- I guarantee it.
- Thanks. That's great.
Excuse me, buddy. Sorry.
So? You at weight?
We're good, I'm at weight.
Nice, that's great.
Here. Tickets for your mom.
Oh! You're the best!
- Did your bud come through or what?
- Thanks, man. Happy to!
Hey, this is something else, yo!
That's some legendary shit.
- You want me to sign it?
- Of course. What're you talking about?
Sofiane, you can't be serious.
The face-off's in ten minutes
and I need my shorts.
Apologies, we're behind schedule.
There are like 300 people
waiting out front.
Wait, wait. I'll show you.
Ta-da!
Your own personalized fight pack!
- Not too shabby.
- Look at his face.
- Yeah, they're great, don't you think?
- [all laughing]
- [Niko] Well, bad news.
- What?
- Face-off's canceled.
- Canceled?
- Ibrahim doesn't wanna do it.
- That's impossible.
- It's a full house, what's he playing at?
- I know, but
Ibrahim, tomorrow the UFC matchmaker
is going to be at the fight,
and word on the street is that the winner
is probably going to get a contract.
That must be pretty good motivation, no?
No. My only motivation is to
beat the shit out of him.
If it gets me to the UFC, even better.
But what I want is to humiliate him.
I'm going to the UFC anyway.
[reporter] Just a few minutes from now
you'll see Taylor again for the face-off.
- How do you think it's going to go?
- No, there won't be a face off.
I wouldn't be able to hold back.
So for his safety, I'm not going.
When we're face to face for real,
I'll show that son of a bitch who's boss.
Okay, well, that's something.
Hey.
You know he's just talking smack?
Come on, man.
You know what he's all about.
No, no. I know.
He's just bragging, as usual.
[Niko] Exactly.
- Stay focused on the fight.
- That's what I'll do.
Come on! Focus, champ, focus. Okay?
Well, why don't we say 9:00
for the last training session?
- See you at nine.
- See you there.
Hey, Mom. So, uh,
I've been trying to call you all day.
No luck yet.
Anyway, I've, uh, got two VIP tickets.
For you and Régis.
Front row, next to the cage,
you know, it's the very best seats.
So let me know if you wanna pick
them up at the front desk or,
you know, if you'd rather I send
someone over to drop them off.
So, yeah.
Look, I'm
Well, I'm happy you'll be there. Okay?
You can call me back whenever.
No worries, Mom.
Love you.
[lock beeping]
[somber music playing]
[phone dings]
MOM: THANKS, SON.
I'LL PICK THEM UP TOMORROW NIGHT.
[chuckles softly]
[exhales contentedly]
- [punches impacting]
- [Taylor exhaling sharply]
One. Let's go. One. Come on. Knee up.
- Yes. Keep going, combo.
- Guard up.
[Taylor grunting]
Yeah, that's great, man. Nice.
[Taylor continues striking]
[coach] Yeah! Yeah, good. Looking good.
Hey! Can you stop with that?
You're the one with the fight.
I can do whatever I want.
[coach] Hey, stay focused.
Guard up, man. Let's do this.
All right. Two.
And one. Let's go. Looks good. Come on.
Combo, go. Again.
Yeah. Yeah. Nice.
Hup. Good.
Come on. Right, then elbow.
- [dramatic music playing]
- Knee.
Ooh, nice.
You look in good shape.
But you should take it easy
before you hurt yourself.
[gasping]
[laughs softly]
You came all this way
just to watch the fight?
I'm not here to watch.
- But to be in your corner.
- [gasps]
That is, if you'll have me.
[scoffs] Of course I will.
Thanks, coach.
Hey, everyone.
- I'm gonna start crying.
- Georges, hi.
[GSP chuckles]
I love you, Georges.
Right.
- I've admired you forever.
- [laughs awkwardly]
I love you too. Okay.
- [GSP] Georges, hi.
- Elena.
- Georges.
- Niko.
[GSP] Hey, man! How are you?
- [coach] Doing great.
- [GSP] It's been a long time.
- Same here.
- [GSP] Wow. How you been?
All right. Breathe.
[tense stinger]
[door opens]
So?
Nobody's picked up the tickets.
MOM
Maybe she's showing up later.
I need your bike.
What are you, crazy?
Your fight's in two hours!
You're not even allowed out.
Hey! I've been trying to get a hold of
her since this morning, and nothing.
Maybe those guys
went back to beat her up, Niko!
We'll call again and keep trying.
We can send someone over,
but don't go anywhere.
- I'm not gonna wait, not gonna do nothing.
- You can't leave!
I need to know what's going on.
- Just please, give me your keys.
- Taylor.
Give me your keys, please.
I'm begging you.
[dramatic music playing]
Thanks.
What about GSP? And Elena?
What do I tell them?
I had an emergency.
I'll be back before the fight.
[intense music playing]
[music ends]
The plan is The key for Taylor tonight
is to use his mobility and speed.
To not stay in front of Ibrahim's face.
Come on Taylor, pick up
[GSP] Ibrahim's the kind of fighter
who gets very emotional.
He gets carried away very often.
- Hello?
- Taylor.
You understand that if
something happens to you, it's over.
I can't just get back in the cage
like nothing happened.
- [GSP] Taylor's got incredible heart.
- Unbelievable.
What're you gonna do if you get to your
mom's, and there's a whole crew waiting?
- I think we should call the police.
- [Taylor] No, no. We can't call the cops!
I'm gonna be careful, I promise!
But I have to know what's going on.
- Just watch yourself, okay?
- Okay.
[intense music playing]
- [GSP] Taylor's at the top of his game.
- [Bilal] So?
What's the deal?
[music ends]
Oh! How's it going?
What are you doing here?
Where's my mom?
Isabelle! Your kid's here!
Mom?
Mom?
I've been calling you all day.
Where are you going? What is all this?
Keep it down, would you?
Your mother will explain, calm down.
Hey! Don't talk to me right now!
Mom, you better explain
or I'm gonna lose it!
Yeah, I know! Just calm down! Okay?
You wanna know? I'll tell you everything!
Majorca?
What is this, Mom? What are you doing?
- You were gonna disappear?
- Don't start, Taylor!
[melancholy music playing]
I was really looking forward to tonight,
seeing you there.
Do you know how proud
I'd have been if you'd come?
But you wanted to use the fight
to get away so I couldn't bother you?
Right?
- What did I ever do to you?
- [sighs]
You don't have to be so dramatic, okay?
It just happened.
Don't make a bigger fool
of yourself than you already have.
Régis has a lot of problems
with people here, you know that.
We didn't say anything
so we could protect you.
How are you paying for this?
Well, we put some money aside,
we've been saving up.
- You always told me you had nothing.
- Hey!
You think it's easy for a mother
to ask her son for money?
I always gave you everything I had.
Those little bills you'd drop off?
You think that's enough for us?
You know how much this house costs?
Of course you don't.
You never paid for anything.
Be honest.
The 30,000, would you have found it
if we hadn't pushed you?
[dark music playing]
Pushed me?
You got beat up by those guys?
Right?
You get it now?
Do you understand how far I had to
go to get you to help your mother?
Do you understand that I had to ask Régis
to make sure that
you wouldn't doubt my story?
- You hit my mom?
- Hey!
Take it easy!
I asked him to make it look real!
Are you insane?
Why'd you
- Why'd you do that to me?
- Aren't you ashamed of yourself?
I put a roof over your head. I fed you.
Do you know how much I sacrificed
so you could have a life?
When you couldn't even be bothered
to get a passing grade?
I was just so embarrassed by my kid!
You were nothing but trouble, Taylor!
So if you wanna think I'm a bad mother,
go ahead, I don't care.
But it wasn't easy having you as a son.
Yeah.
- [scoffs softly]
- I lied about the money. So what?
We had our problems
and we needed them gone.
It's not like I had
a son with a good education
who could help me get outta here.
You and your boxing.
- It's all you're ever good for.
- [sniffs]
I just had to motivate you.
That's what I did.
- You see? It worked.
- [sighs]
And your whining's all the thanks I get?
In the end, you helped your mother out.
No point in gettin' angry.
[phone dings]
ELENA: WHERE ARE YOU? I'M WORRIED.
CALL ME BACK. LOVE YOU
Go on, just let us finish packing up.
Won't you be late to your fight?
[sniffs]
[dark music rises]
[music ends]
I'm fine, I'm coming.
[engine turns on, revs]
["Lord Knows" (feat. Tory Lanez)
[by Meek Mill playing on headphones]
All I wanted was a new Mercedes ♪
Bending off the corner
Whipping out the lot, I got it ♪
Women love me but the niggas hate it ♪
But how can I lose
When I came from the bottom? ♪
Lord knows ♪
Nigga, Lord knows, nigga, Lord knows
Nigga, Lord knows ♪
[coach] Relax.
That's right,
keep your hands high up. Good.
Nigga, Lord knows, nigga, Lord knows
Nigga, Lord knows ♪
[grunting]
Uh, Lord knows I'm filthy rich ♪
All this ice is like fifty bricks
Rap niggas throwing hissy fits ♪
I give my bitch a stack
Just for a Christmas gift ♪
And my bitch so bad ♪
And breathe
Go. Breathe. Yes.
♪crib with the maid
And with the picket fence ♪
I'm with niggas that mad
We taking risks for this ♪
I'm talking risky business
Flick the wrist ♪
Lord knows that I repent for this ♪
But Lord knows if I get penned for this
I prolly won't get home until I'm 56 ♪
They say I'm the Messiah
You rappers is liars ♪
I sign up at church
Just to rap at the choir ♪
- [grunting loudly]
- Again!
The middle of the church at your wake
I'm lying, I just came from jail ♪
[coach] Good!
Hard!
Sharpened my iron, I did my push-ups
I roared with the lions, like hold up ♪
Yes! Again!
I'm back in this bitch
And I'm back on my shit ♪
Man, they tell me be humble
I'm cocky as hell ♪
- [grunting]
- [coach] Yes.
Good!
- Ha!
- [music ends]
[Antoine] Here we go!
Tonight's main event.
The fight everyone's been waiting for.
This is a fight between two men
who clearly hate each other's guts.
They've got a score to settle,
and they're going to settle it
tonight in the ARES cage.
[Taylor L] Facing off in that cage are
two men who want to hurt each other.
This is a deeply personal fight.
[MC] Taylor "The Outsider" Keita!
[dramatic stinger]
[Antoine] I don't know if it feels the
same way at home, but the energy in here
[Taylor L] The energy is
crackling between the fighters.
Their animosity in the cage
right there with them.
- [MC] And now, his opponent
- [fan chanting] Taylor!
[MC]fighting out of the red corner.
He holds a flawless record of 12 wins,
no losses and a draw.
He stands at six feet one inches tall.
Weighed in at the limit of 171 pounds.
Your reigning, defending,
welterweight ARES champion,
Ibrahim "The Destroyer'' Ibara!
[mixed cheering and booing]
[woman] Yeah!
It's a title on the line.
Your main referee for this fight
[Taylor L] The contenders are moving to
the center for their face-off, overseen
Gentlemen, you're fighting for the world
title for five rounds of five minutes.
- You're not making it past the first.
- We'll see.
[Antoine] The look
in their eyes is ferocious.
Respect the rules.
Touch gloves. Back to your corners.
[Taylor L] The ferocity
looks good on Taylor.
[Antoine] He's been criticized
for lack of aggression.
[Taylor L] Right,
for being a bit too gentle.
Is it possible that he found his inner
demon during his time with Jon Jones?
[Antoine] Not to mention
that he's got Georges St-Pierre
in his corner tonight too.
The fight will take place
over five five-minute rounds.
[GSP] Grab your leg and turn!
[Antoine] An incredible kick from Taylor!
Another one! Another one!
[both grunting]
[Taylor L] Incredible technique.
Ibrahim's brought him down to the ground.
[dramatic music playing]
Keep going, push harder! Push!
You stay tight! Keep it tight!
[Antoine] Things are moving quickly.
Roll! Right now, Taylor.
[Antoine] Taylor's attempting
to get out of there. Good!
[Taylor L] Oh, the knee!
Incredible!
- It's a very strong start.
- [GSP] Hands up!
[Taylor L] Ibrahim isn't being left out,
he's returning the hits.
Keep going! Do it again Ibra!
[Antoine] A massive uppercut sends
Taylor reeling!
[Taylor L] That was good.
[Taylor L] Taylor counters.
Both fighters are performing
quite admirably in there.
[Antoine] Ibrahim is being careful
now with a high guard.
He's finally showing some
respect for Taylor's reach and power.
Stay away from the fence! No!
[Antoine] Oh, careful!
[Taylor L] Ibrahim going for the takedown.
[Antoine] That's not good.
Not looking good for Taylor.
[crowd cheering]
[Taylor L] Crashing down to the mat!
Ibrahim put him flat on his back!
- [Antoine] Now, a side triangle choke.
- Grab your leg and turn!
[Antoine] Taylor's going for
leverage here with his leg.
[Taylor L] Now that's very interesting!
Very nice indeed.
Protect your neck!
[Antoine] He's got his back.
Great transition from Ibrahim.
I don't think we considered him
this good on the ground.
[Taylor L] Yes, not bad at all.
[Antoine]
And now it's an armlock. Careful!
[Antoine] Ibrahim's got Taylor
in a terrible position! That's
- Ooh! He could break his arm!
- Rip it off!
[Taylor L] Taylor attempting to escape.
Okay, roll, roll.
Roll, Taylor.
He has to roll out. And he's done it!
Go, go, go, Taylor!
[Taylor L] Great defense.
That's incredible to see.
Wow. This match just keeps
getting better and better.
- [Bilal] Yeah! Again! Get in there!
- [both grunting]
[Antoine] Taylor's picking up
the pace, striking faster!
All right, yes!
[horn sounds]
[Antoine] End of the round.
Oh my goodness.
- It ain't over, you little shit!
- Back to your corners.
[Taylor L] You can feel the electricity
in the air. Just incredible.
[Antoine] The ref was forced
to break them up.
[Taylor L] Let's hope we
don't see anything nasty.
Although anything's possible
in this fight.
[crowd chattering excitedly]
[Taylor L] In this fight,
anything could happen.
[trainer] Get it together.
Hey! Look at me. Listen, Ibrahim.
Next round, take him out.
You're the champ.
Drink a bit. Drink.
[GSP] Stick to the game plan.
Don't put our back against the fence.
Stay in motion. Keep moving.
Make sure you stay up.
It's working well.
Stay in movement. Movement!
- Good, champ?
- Come on, Taylor!
Go out there and kick his ass now.
- [ref] Coaches out!
- [grunts]
Let's go.
[crowd cheering]
- Come on, Taylor!
- Let's go!
You got this champ, go!
[Taylor L] It's a high-stakes fight.
One with history.
[Antoine] The second round is underway.
Okay. Five rounds, five minutes each.
This is a title match.
Remember, the belt is up for grabs.
Ibrahim's the first to strike here.
[Taylor L] True, but Taylor's not
letting himself get pushed around.
[Antoine] There it is.
Big hook to the head.
[trainer] Keep on him.
[Antoine] But he's back on his feet,
looking good.
Control the center!
[Antoine] He's got to keep moving,
or else he's dead.
Yeah, come on!
[Antoine] Good. He's taking space.
And there's the hook.
- [Taylor L] They're both boxing.
- [GSP] Good, Taylor!
[trainer] Keep your hands up, Ibra.
Come on!
[Niko] Don't let him get you!
- [GSP] Yes!
- Get him, Taylor! All right!
Get in there! You're in charge!
[GSP] Keep moving!
Don't back up in a straight line!
[Elena] Get outta there!
[Antoine] Taylor cannot stay there
a second longer.
[Taylor L] He's got him up
against the cage now.
Yeah! Go, go, go!
- [Taylor L] A flurry of blows.
- Get outta there, go!
[Taylor L] Taylor's defending
himself well. But for how long?
He's gotta get out of there
if he's gonna have a chance.
Oh!
- [Elena] Yeah!
- [Antoine] Whoa! Down to the ground!
[Taylor L] Incredible! A follow-up kick.
[Antoine] Not much power behind that kick.
- [Taylor L] All right.
- [Antoine] Beautiful transition.
- [Bilal] Legendary!
- [Taylor L] Intense!
Very nice! He rolled over.
[Antoine] Taylor's going for his ankle,
changing tactics.
[Taylor L] Trying to break the ankle.
It's looking tight.
[Antoine] Ibrahim's coming up now.
Careful!
Harder, Taylor! Try again!
[Antoine] on the ground has opened him up
to a new attack from Ibrahim.
[trainer shouting]
- [Taylor L] Very nice defense.
- [Antoine] Both looking to get up now.
- [trainer] Kill him!
- [horn sounds]
[all gasping]
- [Antoine] Illegal hit by Ibrahim!
- [Taylor L] And he's at it again!
[Antoine] Why would
he do that in this fight?
Get back! Medic! Medic, now!
Yes, Ibrahim! Good job!
[Antoine] He should've been
disqualified the first time.
- [Taylor L] What's he thinking?
- In a fight with these stakes?
Stay down!
Back to your corner now!
What the hell is happening?
He can't do this!
- Medic!
- [crowd booing]
[Antoine] Taylor Keita was
in the process of getting up.
Three points of contact with the ground,
no knee strikes or kicks to the head.
- And that's exactly what happened.
- Total bullshit.
[medic] Right. Sit up. Nice and easy.
[Taylor L] Let's see if the medic will
allow Taylor to continue the fight.
Take your time.
Are you experiencing any intense
pain in your neck or your head?
Any blurred vision?
- [grunts]
- No?
[Taylor L] He'll need a second
to recover before he gets up.
If it's obvious he's stunned.
The medic could put a stop to the fight.
Do you feel any weakness
or burning sensation
in your legs, or in your arms?
- Mm-mm.
- Okay.
- Total piece of shit, man.
- [Elena scoffs]
I wanna keep fighting.
Apart from the bleeding,
you aren't showing any signs
that would make me stop the fight.
But I advise against continuing.
[Antoine] If Taylor doesn't continue,
and the referee determines the hit was
illegal, Ibrahim could be disqualified.
And that would be a win for Taylor.
[Taylor L] Honestly, as a fighter,
I would have to say
there's a case for quitting.
For walking away.
And that's because now,
clearly, Taylor's in bad shape.
A knee strike like that is
gonna have consequences.
Even if he continues,
the hit probably took
a couple of years off his life.
Can he risk another?
Taylor!
You don't have to continue.
If he's disqualified, you'll win.
How're you feeling?
I'll keep going.
Okay.
Okay. Don't move. Stay there.
- You! Come here!
- What's this?
- One point off!
- What's the issue?
- One point deducted.
- What the hell? He's knocked out.
- One point. One point off!
- Come on! What the hell is that?
- [Taylor L] The decision's come down.
- There it is, a penalty point for Ibrahim.
- [Taylor L] Clearly deserved.
- Of course! The knee cut Taylor open!
Like you said, not only is
he stunned, he's injured!
[Taylor L] Not only that. The open
wound's gonna hamper his visibility.
Definitely at a disadvantage now.
[tense music playing]
Taylor. Why're you doing this?
You won. The belt, all of it. You had it.
What more do you want?
I don't wanna win like this.
[panting]
It's not about the belt.
I'm here to finish him. Okay?
[Taylor panting]
He'd just say
He'd probably say we stole the fight.
I can beat him now.
- Well, let's get to it.
- Yeah.
The fight can go on when
the bleeding stops.
- [trainer] What do we do?
- I'm gonna kill this fuck.
- There.
- I'm gonna mess him up.
He's already done. Yeah?
You messed up his head pretty good.
You get it? He's not coming back.
- Next round, he'll be done.
- Yeah.
You run at him, you knock him out.
He won't be able to finish. Look.
- I got him.
- Yeah.
[groaning] He'll get it.
One minute. Just a minute.
[groaning]
- Okay, that's good for me.
- I'm good?
Taylor, listen to me.
Stay off the ground,
protect your eye, and give him hell!
[Bilal] You got this, champ! Get him!
[breathing deeply]
Okay.
And don't forget what he did to Boss.
We're back, all right!
Let's go! Get in there, Taylor!
[breathing intensely, roaring]
Ready? Ready?
Fight.
- [Antoine] That side knee was too close!
- [Taylor L] Great dodge by Taylor.
[Antoine] They're trading blows.
Ibrahim strikes again.
[Taylor L] The fight's personal,
you can feel it!
- [Antoine] Trading hits! Blow for blow!
- You'll never win, you son of a bitch.
He's already done! Just knock him out now!
[Antoine] I think Taylor should be
looking to limit damage here.
- Otherwise he won't be able to keep going.
- [Taylor L] Good defense.
- [Antoine] Good defense.
- Great work from Taylor.
I know what you did to Boss.
And I know why.
- [Antoine] Great jab from Taylor.
- [Taylor L] Nice!
- [Taylor L] Hit on Taylor.
- [Antoine] Power of Ibrahim on display.
[Taylor L] It's hit after hit in there!
Let's go, Taylor!
- [Taylor L] Whoa!
- [Antoine] A massive kick!
[trainer] Finish him off!
[Antoine] He has to get back up.
Kick up now!
[Elena] Yeah!
[Antoine] Taylor's bringing
the aggression now!
[Taylor L] Good reason.
It seems to be working for him.
I'm gonna knock you out,
then call the cops.
- Another one!
- [Antoine] Huge body shot!
[Taylor L] Wow!
And there's the knee strike!
Oh! The counter! What a counter!
Finish him! Finish him!
That's it! Take him out! Make him bleed.
- "The Destroyer!"
- [ref] Put up your guard!
Stop! That's the round.
[Antoine] Saved by the bell! Unbelievable!
[Taylor L] Oh my goodness, Antoine!
What a fight!
[Antoine] Taylor saved at the last second!
[Taylor L] I don't know. Incredible.
At this point, they've got
to be sweating in Taylor's corner.
It's not over. It's not over.
Come on. Come on.
Come on, Taylor. Let's go.
Taylor! Taylor! Taylor! Taylor!
- [scattered chanting begins] Taylor!
- Yeah, Taylor.
[chanting increases] Taylor! Taylor!
Taylor! Taylor! Taylor!
Let's go, yeah!
- [all chanting]
- Let's go! Yeah, come on!
The crowd is going absolutely wild.
[chatting indistinctly]
[ref] Ready? Fight!
[Antoine] We're off! Round four,
and you can see the fatigue setting in.
Keep pushing forward.
[Antoine] Whoa! Hit him with a front kick.
- [Bilal] Don't stand in front of him!
- [Elena] Get out of there! Move, Taylor!
[Antoine] Wow! Taylor's
back is up against the cage.
- Get your back off the fence, Taylor!
- [Elena] Now!
[Antoine] Taylor's lost his focus.
You can see it.
- [Niko] Move!
- [Antoine] Tough break.
[Taylor L] I wonder if he recovered.
- [Antoine] Doesn't look like it.
- [Bilal] Don't let him in close!
Hey! Stay aggressive. Stay aggressive!
[Antoine] He needs to keep his guard up!
- [Taylor L] Yeah.
- [Antoine] Another hit!
Ibrahim's got him on the back foot.
He needs to hold out.
Yeah, come on! Another one!
[Antoine] He can do it.
Taylor, come on! Let's go!
Pummeled by Ibrahim,
he has to do something.
Yeah! Yeah!
[Antoine] He has to get back on
the offensive or it's over!
- Grab him! Grab him! Yes!
- [Antoine] Good move from Taylor.
[Bilal] That's it! He's got him!
[Antoine] It looks like
he's trying to hold him!
Let some of his rage burn out.
[Taylor L] Right.
That famous Ibrahim aggression.
They're neck and neck
despite Ibrahim's power.
- [horn sounding]
- [ref] Stop! That's the round.
[Antoine] So much heart.
[Taylor L] The man is running on
force of will. It's beautiful to see.
That said,
I'm not sure Taylor can come back.
Hey. Listen, Taylor.
We're losing the fight. We're losing!
But we can make it work.
Taylor, look at me! He's tired too.
He's exhausted. It's not over yet.
He'll make a mistake. Watch for it.
Find the opening.
Forget Ibrahim! You're fighting yourself.
It's you against you. You against you!
What are you playing at? What's going on?
Some amateur, some nobody,
going four rounds with you?
Why're you letting him go four rounds,
huh? Normally, you'd KO in one.
You're embarrassing us!
You hear that? You're embarrassing me!
Your performance is shit!
I can't believe this shit, man!
You hear me? You're no fuckin' champ!
The fuck is this? What do you want?
You with me or against me?
- I'm your coach!
- I don't give a fuck! Get out of here!
- The war's out there, for fuck's sake!
- I don't need you!
Get the fuck outta here!
[Antoine] Unbelievable scene in the cage.
Ibrahim screaming at his coach.
[Taylor L] The tension is palpable.
I can't imagine that energy
is gonna be good for his chances.
Especially for this fight
when there's so much to lose.
[GSP] You've got five minutes.
Five minutes to change your life, Taylor.
Look at me!
You're stronger than him.
Tell me you're the champion!
- I'm the champion. I'm the champion.
- You're the champion! You're the champ!
- I'm the champion!
- Yes!
This is war, Taylor! Hey, Taylor.
Now bring him in hell.
[ref] Coaches, leave the cage!
[Bilal] Come on, Taylor. You got this!
[Antoine] The fifth and final round
is about to start.
A fight that's been
absolutely incredible so far.
I don't know if
it's possible to communicate
what these two men have been through
over the past 20 minutes.
I'm curious to see what they have left.
- [Bilal] Come on, Taylor!
- Fifth and final round. Fight!
[Antoine] And we're back!
These are the last five minutes.
[Taylor L] This is the moment
anything could happen.
[GSP] Less than five minutes, Taylor!
It's now or never!
[Antoine] This round
is going to be psychological.
No strength left in their arms.
[Taylor L] Whoever wins,
it'll be force of will.
[Antoine] Just look at that kick
from Taylor. Totally without conviction.
[Taylor L] The fatigue is taking over.
Knock him down, he's gonna fall!
[Antoine] Ibrahim's arms
are just as tired.
[Taylor L] Evenly matched
and evenly exhausted.
Oh yeah
You can tell, their tanks are both empty.
[Antoine] That's not good.
Taylor's getting sloppy, making mistakes.
- [Bilal] Move!
- [GSP] Get out of there!
[Antoine] Ibrahim's got him up against
the cage. Raining blows down on Taylor.
[Taylor L] Taylor's defending himself,
but without much conviction.
[Antoine] And now, Ibrahim stops?
- [Taylor L] Wild.
- Unbelievable!
He's finished! Now, knock him out!
Engage, gentlemen. Engage.
[Antoine] Both men, face to face
in the cage. Title match, last round.
They're completely drained.
[Taylor L] They've got nothing left.
Neither of them.
[ref] Show me some movement, Taylor.
[trainer] Finish him!
[Taylor L] Ibrahim's back.
Picking up the pace.
Taylor's still defending.
He doesn't wanna go down.
[Antoine] He doesn't want
it to end like this.
[Taylor L] Taylor's holding out,
no matter what.
Look at this, unbelievable!
I can't believe it.
- This is the fifth and final round!
- [trainer] Fuck yeah, Ibrahim!
- [Antoine] A massive one-two from Ibrahim!
- [GSP] You got it!
Come on! 30 seconds, Taylor!
[ref] Gentlemen, you need to fight!
Engage!
[Antoine] Ibrahim simply cannot
finish the job. It's wild!
[GSP] That's it.
Stay tight. Protect yourself. Keep moving!
[Antoine] All in. They've both given it
their all. And they're still there.
[Taylor L] They've both given so much in
this fight that they've got nothing left.
Oh!
[Antoine] Did you see that? Incredible!
With a kick to the head,
Taylor sends Ibrahim crashing down!
- Whoa!
- Yeah!
- [crowd cheering]
- [triumphant music playing]
- [GSP] Yes!
- [Bilal] Whoo-hoo! Taylor! Yeah!
[Antoine] No one could have predicted
that kick! It came out of nowhere!
[Taylor L] Outta nowhere! Exactly!
[Antoine] Ibrahim didn't see it coming
either and took the full force of it.
He's laid out on the mat.
- [GSP] You did it!
- [Bilal] Legendary!
[all cheering wildly]
- [Bilal] Yeah!
- [both] Yeah!
[Taylor L] This fight is going
into the ARES history books!
Two incredible performances
from the fighters!
There was so much heart in
the cage tonight! Absolutely incredible!
This is legendary, man.
What you did, this is crazy!
[MC] Ladies and gentlemen
And Boss is gonna be so proud! So proud!
[MC] Please welcome former
UFC heavyweight interim champion,
Ciryl ''Bon Gamin" Gane.
[Antoine] Here comes Ciryl Gane
with the champion's belt.
He'll present the belt to
the category's new champion, Taylor Keita!
Congratulations, guys.
Hey.
[MC] After five rounds of epic battle,
the story has unfolded.
And your winner, by way of knockout!
And new ARES welterweight champion!
- [screaming joyfully]
- Taylor "The Outsider" Keita!
- [triumphant music continues]
- [chanting] Taylor! Taylor!
[crowd cheering wildly]
[no audible dialogue]
I've only got two things to say.
And the first,
is that I'm never dealing with him again.
We all saw what happened tonight.
Second, burn this into your memories.
You remember my name.
Because this is the beginning!
- Let's go, Taylor!
- Make some noise! Come on!
My victory tonight is for Boss.
And
I wanna thank my whole team. And
And let them know I love them.
[crowd continues cheering]
[all] Taylor! Taylor! Taylor! Taylor!
[Bilal] Taylor! Taylor! Taylor! Taylor!
[shouting] Let's go!
[triumphant music rises]
- [music ends]
- Yeah!
Yeah! [laughing]
[all chanting] Taylor! Taylor! Taylor!
Whoa!
[Elena laughing]
I'm so proud of you.
Great job, bro.
Thanks, man.
- Hey!
- What you did tonight, man? Legendary!
- [laughs] Thanks, bro.
- Boss is gonna be proud of you.
- I did it for him.
- Yeah.
[room falls silent]
Sorry to bother you after such a fight.
Mike Hamilton, UFC matchmaker.
Yeah, I know. Nice to meet you.
You dropped some bombs tonight. Well done.
- [chuckles] Thanks.
- Nice job.
I kinda wanna have you fight
at the UFC France.
What do you think?
- Okay. Okay.
- Yeah?
All right, I'll call Georges.
I'm gonna make it happen. All right?
Okay. Thank you.
- Well done.
- Thanks. Thank you. Thanks.
[all murmuring]
Did he say what I think he said?
I'm going to the UFC.
- Ah!
- [all cheering]
- Champagne for everyone! Yeah!
- [all cheering]
No, thanks. None for me. But
if you've got any water, I'd have that.
- Yeah, I can get you some.
- You sure?
- Ah, you're the man.
- Of course.
- I appreciate it.
- Anything for the champion.
[both laughing]
[man] Fantastic.
[all chattering]
[somber music playing]
Taylor Keita's dressing room is that way?
- What's this about?
- Anti-doping test.
Yeah, it's there.
Hey, wait a sec!
Look, I'm sorry to ask,
but would you mind giving him a minute?
All his friends are with him,
he's celebrating his big win.
We're so happy for him.
Wait. It's his first time winning a belt.
That's huge.
Come on.
It's not every day a guy wins a belt.
Fine. Okay.
We'll start with the others
and come back to him.
Thanks. He'd really appreciate it.
Thanks, you guys.
[somber music continues]
[pills rattling]
[ominous music playing]
[man] How you doing? So when
do we start training tomorrow?
[Taylor laughing]
Ah man, you're the best.
[Elena laughing]
Everyone.
To Boss.
- [Bilal] To Boss.
- To Boss
And to you.
[ominous music continues]
Ah.
- Thanks for everything.
- No, thank you.
We're in this together. Always.
Together, bro. Always.
[Bilal] You'll see.
I'm right about your brow ridge.
At least two stitches, my friend.
[Taylor] And I'm saying zero.
You wanna bet? You're on, man.
- Bet you a kebab.
- A kebab, yeah.
[Bilal] Hey, listen up. Hey!
I've got a bet with Taylor.
- I know he's gonna need two stitches
- [ominous music rises]
[music ends]