THE CAGE
What's going on?
Where am I?
You got knocked out badly.
Everything you're feeling is normal. Don't worry.
We're going to the hospital, okay?
I'm not feeling well.
I know.
3 WEEKS LATER…
It's a dramatic knockout.
He was doing it. He was getting back into the fight!
Damn.
What a mistake! He's hit!
Come here.
Shame you didn't show your face after the fight.
You must've been pretty swollen given that he fucked you up so bad.
When are we doing this again?
This time, I'll finish the job. No more talking.
That's what Ibrahim "The Destroyer" just posted on his social media.
It's clear he won't leave Taylor Keita alone,
whom we haven't heard from since he got knocked out at the KSW…
-You okay? -Fine, and you?
-Thanks. -You won it on your own.
Do you have any fight proposals?
Taylor. Listen, let's not rush.
-The knockout you took was pretty nasty. -No.
I'm losing my mind. I want to come back and shut everyone up.
Okay.
If it'll make you happy, I'll tell you.
ARES called to set up a fight.
That's great.
Why the long face? Let's go for it.
-What do you think will happen? -What do you mean?
It's not just any fight.
-They want a rematch with Ibrahim. -Great.
We do the rematch, I beat him, we forget him and move on.
Taylor, that's not how you build a career. We've done it backwards.
We should've accepted fights you could win.
Increase your wins, make a name for yourself.
You just recovered from a KO.
If you lose against Ibrahim, it'll be hard to get back to that level.
I need this fight.
I need it. Do you understand?
Yes, but I don't want anything to happen to you.
We'll talk after you've seen the doctor.
I'll drop you off at your mom's.
It's right there.
-Should I come with you? -No, I won't be long.
I would like to meet her.
Okay.
Thanks.
Mom. Régis.
-My coach, Boss. -Hello.
"Boss"?
That's what the guys at the gym call me.
You're looking better.
He's a tough one.
Here's the money from the tournament.
With the 7,000 from the fight against Ibrahim, it adds up to 33,000.
I hope it's enough.
It's a start, yeah.
It will help a little.
I hope it helps a lot.
It was very hard for him to get that money.
You have a good son.
He could become a great champion.
But he needs to be looked after.
Of course.
-We're proud of him. Right? -Yeah.
We're very proud.
Look at that!
Nice going!
-Hey. -You good?
-This is Anissa Meksen. -Hi.
-I'm a big fan. -Thanks.
So, should we take turns?
No. Morgan Charrière's here for you today. He's super hyped.
-Come on, Taylor. I'm waiting. -I'm coming.
How are you, bro?
-All good? -Yeah.
-Feeling good? -Yeah.
-So… Should we take it easy? -Yeah.
-I'm not warmed up. -It's okay.
Too bad about that KO.
You did well in that tournament.
-Yeah. -Sure…
they'll make a great highlights clip.
Are you okay?
Yeah, don't worry. I'm fine.
-Hang on. -You okay?
-Yeah, I'm fine. -Sure?
Hold on.
It's not you. It's… I'm just tired.
-Sorry. You sure? -Yeah, don't worry.
I'll stop.
-I'm sorry, champ. -No, I'm sorry.
You okay, Taylor?
Yeah.
Come on, focus. He'll agree to the fight. He doesn't have a choice.
Let's go. Come on. Faster. As fast as you can go.
That's it. Faster!
That's it. Harder!
Come on. Let's go.
Come on, 15 seconds left.
Come on, don't stop. Keep the fluidity.
That's it. Keep going. Harder. Give it your all.
Don't stop. Speed it up now, faster.
How are things with you?
I'm fine. My rib hurt a bit, but the pain's gone now.
It's all good.
Alright. But that's the physical aspect.
Knockouts usually have psychological aftereffects.
After a violent shock like the one your body suffered,
it's common to observe what we call post-traumatic syndromes.
They can include headaches, blurred vision, tremors,
confusion, and tinnitus.
Flashbacks of the moment right before the incident are common too.
Have you experienced symptoms like these?
Sir.
If you have, it's crucial that we talk about them.
It's very important to take a break and get some help.
Do you understand?
There.
-What did he say? -All good. We're going back to war.
-Really? -Yeah, we're good.
CONFERENCE CENTER WEIGH-IN - ARES
That's good. Good job.
-You know what he'll do. -Yeah.
He'll try to provoke you.
Yeah, I know.
-He won't succeed. -That's the mindset.
Let's go, champ.
He's the one under pressure, not you.
I hope you enjoyed the spotlight. Tomorrow I'm gonna fuck you up.
-You'll fuck me up? -Take it easy, man. I'm good.
-You ready for that? -I'll smash your face.
-Oh, yeah? You'll see. -I'll smash your face. You'll see.
I'll rip your face off. You think you're ready?
-Are you sure? -Oh, yeah?
You think you're ready, you piece of shit?
You'll see what I'll do.
Hey!
What are you doing?
What's your problem?
Stop! Taylor, calm down!
What?
-What? -Calm down, Taylor!
What's the matter? You fell into his trap!
Let go of me!
-Calm your guys! -All good! They're calm.
Let's go!
-I'll fuck you up. -Yeah?
-Hey! Enough! -Stop!
-What the hell was that? -What do you mean?
It's a face-off. I wanted to show him that tomorrow means war.
It's all a show. It's entertainment.
-Oh, yeah? -Yeah.
Fighters act like that when they are not too confident deep down.
-Yeah? -Yeah.
Did you think that too of McGregor and Nate Diaz?
You're not like those guys! What you did today isn't you.
Listen to me, I'm worried about you.
You're wrong. You have nothing to worry about.
Seriously, Boss. Where is he? What's he doing? We're gonna be late.
-Taylor, where's your buddy? -He's coming. Two more minutes.
Hey!
I know he's your friend, but I have a bad feeling.
He always tries to stir shit up.
No.
He can be blunt, but he's like my brother.
We started MMA together, we're both passionate about it, and…
it makes him happy being here with us.
He might be glad today.
But if you progress more than him, things will change.
What's up, team?
It's my bro's fight tonight. Taylor!
-Say something. -We need to go, bro.
-Excited? -We gotta go.
Coach. Any predictions?
-Get in the car. You're making us late. -Whatever.
You want this track for your entrance?
It's not too great.
-I can show you another one. -No.
I love that track.
It's already set up.
Well, when I fight in a big venue, I'll make my entrance to a better track.
One that gives you goosebumps.
You know?
Yeah!
Taylor!
Come on, make some noise!
Are you excited about tonight's fight?
Everybody with Taylor!
Tonight is for Taylor.
Thanks.
Boss, can you hold this for me?
Go talk to him.
Yeah.
Can we talk?
-What's your game? -What do you mean?
You're shadowboxing for the cameras. Is it your fight or mine?
Look at you all, with your long faces!
I'm livening things up for the cameras.
You're not here to liven things up. You're here for me.
-That's all. -What are you saying?
-Am I stealing your spotlight? -I never said that.
Don't worry. I'll blow shit up when it's my turn. Much more than you.
That's great. But for now, know your place.
"Know your place."
Is that what you said?
You're the one who needs me, not the other way around.
You're on your own.
It was a one-sided battle in favor of Baki.
He mastered everything about this fight, both standing and on the ground,
and even the wrestling part.
His aggressiveness sets him apart.
Watch him roughing Escudero up, the UFC veteran.
He did a lot of damage.
He does a great job with his hooks, as we've just seen.
Very nice work by Baki…
He's on his last legs. Another win for Baki in this tournament.
He's a real prodigy of French MMA.
We'll need to follow him closely in the years to come.
…one of the stars of this organization.
It's time.
It's on.
You'll make everybody happy if you finish him off.
You're the only one who's ever challenged him.
From now on, that's all you think about.
That's all that matters.
Forget everything else.
Stay focused.
The fight is all that matters.
Here we go, the main event. The fight everybody has been waiting for.
Mesdames et messieurs.
Don't blink, it'll be quick.
I'll destroy this fraud's career. He'll be done.
Ibrahim Ibara is back on French soil
after a very long absence and his run-ins with KSW.
-Yes. -It's a rematch against Taylor Keita.
The fight the public has been waiting for for many months.
This battle has become very personal.
Look at his impressive stature. He has such a presence.
I never liked that guy.
…his weight after the weigh-in. Crazy.
He's still very aggressive.
He's very intimidating.
Beyond that and his attitude, he has such power,
such aggressiveness in the cage.
It really suits his style.
We now welcome his challenger, Taylor Keita.
Hi. My name is Taylor Keita, and I train at MMA Fighters.
It's my second fight against Ibrahim.
The first time, I put him in danger.
Tonight, I'll finish him.
It's great to see Taylor in action.
He's looking for a comeback after the knockout he suffered in the KSW finals.
He was off to a good start there.
Okay, let's go.
A KO like that can definitely leave a mark.
Taylor Keita is now entering.
All these people are here for you. Come on, Taylor. This is your time.
Taylor, you're on.
Taylor. You're on. Come on!
Why isn't he going?
Taylor, what's wrong?
I can't.
Alright. It's normal to be scared, champ. Okay?
Every fighter gets scared before they go in.
In the cage, you'll forget all that. Trust me.
You don't get it.
After a violent shock…
It's common to observe what we call post-traumatic syndromes.
They can include tremors, confusion, and tinnitus.
It's weird, isn't it?
-He's taking his time. -Yeah.
Flashbacks of the moment right before the incident are common too.
Taylor, you need to go. You can't stay here like this.
I can't.
Damn it. I can't.
-Once you're in there, it'll be okay. -I can't!
I can't do it.
I can't.
You're not going in?
I'm sorry.
It's not that I don't want to, it's…
It's not that I don't want to.
It's not that I don't…
-Why isn't he going in? -Weird.
Come with me, Taylor.
Let's go.
Boss, do something, handle it.
It's okay, champ, it happens.
It happens.
Come on, let's go.
Come.
I had a feeling he hadn't recovered.
-You think that's it? -What else could it be?
What's going on?
This is the main event. I can't believe this is happening.
-The whole event relies on this fight. -Look.
Here comes Boss.
You need to go.
He's a quitter!
What is he doing?
Wait, there's Boss. Listen.
He's heading for Fernand Lopez, the organizer.
I think there's something wrong with this entrance.
Exactly.
-…an injury or something… -What's going on?
-Why is the kid not coming out? -Sorry, he can't fight.
What is it? Is it psychological? Is he injured?
Yes, it's psychological. He can't get in the cage.
I'm sorry.
Go tell the press it's an injury.
-Sure. -Thanks.
I can see their faces, I'm scared.
All long faces, it doesn't look good.
-It doesn't look good. -No expressions.
Let's hope it's just a false alarm.
The fight is canceled. He's injured.
But I'm a bit worried about this fight now.
-Fuck! -It's official.
It's been announced, the fight is canceled. No!
Fuck!
-It's a real disaster for the fans. -What is Ibrahim doing?
Ibrahim! No! No!
-He's going to do it again. -It's unbelievable.
-That motherfucker! -Calm down.
Not now, after everything that's happened.
He's back after being suspended for the same behavior.
-I think he wants to go after Taylor. -Give me the mic!
Let's hear what he has to say.
I just wanted to say,
I'm sorry you won't see me finish off this piece of shit.
He knew exactly what was going to happen.
He knew what I would do.
Now everybody knows he's a fraud.
I've put an end to him, and I'll do the same to his gym
and his rotten coach who can't get his fighter into the cage.
And anyone who still wants to train there will become my enemy,
and I'll roast you online.
Now that I've wiped out his protégé, I'll wipe out his gym.
He's got a vendetta now.
Earlier, we talked about whether it had become personal.
It's become personal. He's clearly got a grudge against Taylor and his gym.
He sent them a message.
Damn, bro.
He's insane, I can't believe it!
BOSS VOICE MESSAGE
Turn the music off, bro.
You know what I've got on you.
So let me be clear, if you try to hurt me again,
hurt my guys or my gym,
I'll post your story on social media, including photos and videos.
And you'll face the consequences.
I'm sure you get it. Right?
What now?
Hey! What's wrong?
Nothing.
Want me to explain?
No need. I know all about it.
You were so scared you felt sick.
Your legs went numb, your hands started shaking.
Am I right?
Yeah.
Yeah, that's it.
It's called trauma.
I'm sorry, it's a bit early to ask, but…
what do you want to do now?
What can you do with a guy who…
who dreams of becoming an MMA champion but is scared to step into the cage?
I don't want to feel like this.
We need to find a solution. I'll do anything.
Help me get out of this state.
I'm not a shrink, so I can't guarantee anything, but…
I have an idea.
It is very risky, though.
-I'd feel terrible if it went wrong. -Yeah.
MMA is the only thing I'm good at.
So I've got no choice.
Alright, we'd better get going then.
STOCKHOLM SUBURBS SWEDEN
MOM
Don't answer it.
You won't tell me what we're doing?
No, it's all part of the plan.
And if I pass this test?
What's next?
We'll train with someone special.
Jon Jones's coach.
Don't think about that now.
Okay, we're here.
Come on.
Is it here?
Hi.
Show me your invitation.
I pictured a lot of things, but I didn't think we would go this far.
You sure about this?
I'm not sure of anything. But we're here.
Either you face your fear or we go back to Paris and it all stops.
That's up to you.
But it's now or never.
Okay, let's go.
Look at me.
Hey!
All you need to know to do well
is that you're the best.
It's not a bluff, it's true.
They're rookies, they suck. You're a champion. Okay?
Did you understand him?
Are you sure?
Listen to me.
Your mother has never believed in you.
But we don't care. Do you know why? Do you?
-Because I'm the best. -Yes!
Your dad isn't here, he never was.
-But we don't care. Why? -I'm the best.
-Louder. -The best!
That's it!
Taylor.
If you're scared today, you'll die. So tell me you're not scared.
Tell me you're not scared.
Or I won't let you do this.
Taylor?
Come on, Taylor.
Yes! Come on!
No, Taylor! Don't!
Accept the fact that you're fighting. Take the strikes. That's why you're here.
Fight back! You're better than him!
There you go! Come on!
There, you've got him!
Good job. Keep going.
Get back up!
Come on, now!
Now!
There you go! Grab him.
Take him down!
Yes! Now, finish it, on the ground!
You've got him! That's enough.
Taylor!
-Let go of me! -We need to go!
Come here!
Stop!
Taylor, come.
Come with me.
Boss!
-Come! -Wait. I need a few seconds.
No! Fuck, you're injured. What happened?
-I'm fine. -Come on.
No, we've got to go.
-Wait a second. -We don't have a second.
Okay.
Good job, kid. I'm proud of you.
Put pressure on it.
You're back, that's good. Huh?
We need to go!
We'll go far together, you and I.
Put your hand back there.
Breathe.
Come on. Just like me.
Look at me.
You'll be fine. Right?
You'll be fine.
Fuck. We need to go.
We can't stay here.
You'll be okay, right? Tell me you're okay.
Subtitle translation by: Amaury Pinos