Chapter 22

A month later I was in Rio De Janeiro with Master Garcia training at a Ju Jit Su Academy that he had worked with several times. It was evident quickly this was a no-nonsense training facility. After my morning workout with weight, I would then train on and off for twelve to fourteen hours with three different teachers. I was being force fed Ju Jit Su and MMA at a rapid pace.

I was living with Master Garcia in a home he owned in the city. His sister lived there as well and she was a very nice lady and an excellent cook. Although we had a language barrier, we always figured each other out.

I still had not receive one phone call from Lexie and perhaps she did not even realize I was gone. I had spoken to Jennifer a few times but not since I had arrived in Brazil. According to Jen, Lexie was not seeing anyone else as far as she knew. Jennifer admitted she tried to talk to her daughter a few times, but Lexie refused every conversation attempt.

When you’re training fourteen hours a day, six days a week the time flies by. I had been in Brazil for over four months when Master Garcia finally approached me with his idea. There was an MMA event being held in Las Vegas in two months. They were looking for some new blood in the light heavy weight division. I would have to lose a little weight, but it was possible. Apparently, according to Master Garcia and my teachers, I was ready. The only way to see where I was really at was to fight in an all-out contest. I would receive ten thousand dollars to fight and another ten thousand if I won. Not a bad payday for an event that was over in twenty minutes. I took a few days to think it over but I agreed.

For the next month, I fought anyone that they brought into the gym. Several guys had fought in the United States before. I had beaten most of the competition with only two legitimate losses during that time. Two weeks before the fight they eased up and stop bringing people in. We were heading to Las Vegas the following day, and everything had been set. I was in bed that night when my cell phone rang. It was Jennifer once again.

“Hey Chris, I wanted to let you know that Lexie stopped by your house a few times. It seems that they need you to testify in the case next month. No can seem to find you.” Jennifer laughed.

“I’m in Brazil right now Jen. But no one has called other than you.” I replied.

“Why are you in Brazil?” she asked.

“I came here with Master Garcia from the gym. I have been training with three new teachers in MMA.” I explained.

“That Octagon thing ... UFC?” she asked.

“Yes, sort of like that. In fact, I have a fight in Las Vegas in two weeks.” I answered.

“You’re kidding?” she shouted.

“Nope, it will be on television as well.” I explained.

“Oh, please call me so Jim and I can watch it.” she begged.

“Sure, no problem.” I promised.

Before I could blink an eye, I was weighing in on stage in Vegas. I weighed in 203.6 pounds out of a maximum of 205 pounds. My opponent Jorge Gonzalez weighed in at 192.8 pounds. He tried to stare me down the entire time which I thought was quite amusing. I had a good time on stage laughing and joking with the MMA people. I really thought this would be a once in a lifetime thing for me, so I wanted to enjoy it.

I had called Jennifer and told her the time and channel that the fight would be carried. I would be the second fight of four bouts. I was sitting on the training table getting my hands taped for the fight when Master Garcia and Leonel Chacon, my teacher came in. They went over everything again making sure I understood. There would be three five-minute rounds with a minute between each round. The only way to win an outright decision was to get your opponent to tap out or you had to knock him out. If the fight went the distance, the judges would pick the winner.

Several minutes later, they gave me a black satin hoodie with my name of the back. We walked together to the entrance and stood waiting. Finally, the music started playing and we began walking in a straight line to the ring.

“Now approaching the ring in his first UFC competition fighting from Dallas, Texas weighing in at 203.6 pounds, Chris Williams”, the announcer stated.

I climbed in the ring to very light applause and went over to my corner and began talking to Master Garcia and Leonel. The announcer started in on my opponent.

“Now approaching the ring with a record of twenty-one wins and two losses fighting from Sao Paulo, Brazil weighing in at 192.8 pounds, Jorge “The Judge” Gonzalez.” he announced.

I couldn’t help to think how does a guy get a nickname like “The Judge”? The referee called us to the center of the ring and once again my opponent started his stare down technique. I couldn’t hold it in as I broke out laughing. When the rules had been explained and we touched gloves, he leaned in slightly towards me.

“I fuck you up now...” he said in broken English.

I went back to my corner and received last minute instructions. I then stepped up to my mark as the referee asked if we were both ready. We both nodded in turn signaling we were ready.

“Let’s get it on.” he yelled, signaling the fight had started.

We each circled each other a few times before Gonzalez threw a wicked right leg into my thigh. I had to admit, it was the hardest strike I had ever been hit with. He followed up with a couple of right-hand jabs which I deflected easily. He then made an attempt at another kick which I was able to trap his leg with my arm. He was now on one leg as I pulled him toward me. I landed a solid right hand to his face which staggered him for a minute. I dove down at his waist and took him down to the ground.

I quickly positioned myself to his right side as I heard Leonel screaming at me for the arm bar. The arm bar was basically a joint lock that I had been taught. I quickly moved across his chest and placed my legs there. One of his arms was between my thighs with the elbow joint against my hips. I took the second arm with both of mine and placed his forearm on my chest. Once the arm was locked, I leaned back and arched my hips. This hold created intense pressure in the elbow joint. Even though he resisted, I knew I had him beat. If he did not tap out soon, he was risking torn ligament and tendons in the elbow joint.

Several seconds later, he began tapping on the mat as the referee quickly stepped him. I released him immediately as I had been instructed to do. I rolled over and got up immediately going over to my corner. Both Master Garcia and Leonel Chacon were elated with my victory.

After a few minutes the referee called us both back to the center of the ring one on each side of him. The announcer stepped back into the ring and grabbed the microphone.

“At three minutes forty-eight seconds in the first round the winner by submission from Dallas, Texas ... Chris Williams”, he announced, the referee holding my hand up.

Master Garcia and I returned home two days later. I took a taxi home from the airport and arrived about two o’clock in the afternoon. I unlocked and went inside and dropped all my luggage in the living area. I had a slot in the front door for my mail, so I went in the hallway and retrieved it. All of my bills were on direct pay, so it was mostly junk mail. Also included with the mail was a card from Detective Gautreaux with the police department. Written on the back of the card were the words “Call me” written in ink.

I sat down on the sofa and called the number listed as his cell phone. He answered after about four or five rings.

“Detective Gautreaux, this is Chris Williams. I just got home and saw your card asking me to call you.” I stated.

“Yes Mr. Williams, thanks for calling. We have three trials that may be going to court if they don’t plead out. The district’s attorney office wants to speak with you. We have been trying to locate you for a while now. Where have you been?” he asked.

“I was in Brazil for over four months and just recently in Vegas for a week.” I replied.

“Strange, we asked Officer Thomas about your whereabouts and she stated she didn’t know.” he immediately began his interrogation.

“That’s because about an hour after you and Detective Diaz let my house that night, she broke up with me and left. I have not talked to her since.” I answered.

“What happened?” he inquired.

“It was over that night and what went on between me and the two of you.” I answered quickly.

“Again, I talked to her several times, and she made no mention of that.” he argued.

“Sounds like you need to talk to her again, I guess. Either way it doesn’t matter ... what do you need from me?” I asked.

“I will have the district attorney contact you for a meeting.” he said.

“That’s fine.” I said, hanging up.

Later that evening, I went to the grocery store and bought groceries, I was basically out of everything. I was in the checkout lane when Chrissy Haynes walked up beside in the adjacent lane.

“Hey Chris, long time no see.” she said.

“Yes, it had been a while. How are you doing?” I asked.

“I’m ok, thanks. Hey, I watched you on UFC a couple of weeks ago. The whole town is buzzing about your fight.” she said.

At that point everyone is the line began to stare at me when they heard UFC. They were whispering around each other trying to figure out what was going on.

“Thanks Chrissy, it was fun.” I replied.

I checked out and went to my car to load up the groceries. I headed straight home and was putting everything away when my phone rang. It was Jennifer Thomas.

“Hey Chris, are you home yet?” she asked.

“Yes Jen, just got in this afternoon.” I responded.

“Jim and I watched your fight ... You were great even though I was worried a bit.” she admitted.

“Thanks Jen, I was worried a bit too.” I replied, causing her to giggle.

“Are you going to fight again?” Jennifer inquired.

“I don’t know Jen. It might just be a one-time thing.” I replied.

“Oh ok ... well anyway, I just wanted to congratulate you. And um ... stop by and say hi to Jim and I, when you’re near here.” she hinted.

“I think it would be awkward if Lexie was there.” I answered.

“If her unit is not in the driveway, she’s not here.” Jennifer replied.

“Ok, sounds good.” I promised.

I decided to take a week off from the gym and get a few things done around my house. I woke up the following morning and cleaned up inside and began to wash all my clothes. I was outside cleaning the pool when I heard a faint voice say hello. I looked in that direction but didn’t see anyone over the wooden six-foot fence.

“Yes?” I replied.

Suddenly, a young blonde hair woman appeared obviously standing on some object. I started walking in her direction.

“Do you live here?” she asked.

“Yes, I do. I’m Chris.” I answered.

“Hi, I’m Tabitha but everyone calls me Tabby.” she admitted.

“Nice to meet you, Tabby.” I replied.

“I was beginning to think this house was vacant. I moved in about two months ago. First time I have seen you.” she admitted.

“Oh, I have been out of the country for a while. Just got back yesterday.” I responded.

“Love your pool...”. Tabby remarked.

“Use it anytime you like. No one gets much use out of it anymore.” I offered.

“I will definitely take you up on that.” she admitted.

I went back to cleaning the pool which took me close to an hour. I finished up and went inside to fix some lunch. I had finished lunch and was watching television when my phone rang. It was Detective Gautreaux. According to him, all three looked like they were going to take a plea deal for less time to be served. It was written in stone yet, but it looked that way. Josh Klein and Darren Miller had recovered but Leo Klein was having problems. He was due to have shoulder surgery to repair the injury he received.

Later that day since I had cleaned the pool I decided to go out and get some use of it. I took several towels out to the back and set them on one of the lounge chairs. I jump in and pool and swam around for a few minutes then got out and sat in one of the chaise loungers. I had been sitting for about thirty minutes when I heard something from my next-door neighbor’s backyard.

“Hey, what are you doing over there.” said the voice.

“Not much, just swimming a little. I replied, recognizing the voice.

“Uh ... would you like a little company?” she asked.

“Sure, come on over.” I answered.

“Ok, be over in a bit.” she shouted.

Less than fifteen minutes later the side gate opened, and I got my first glimpse of Tabby. Since I had only seen her from the neck up, I was extremely surprised. Tabby was five foot eight inches or so with dirty blonde hair. She was wearing a white lace cover up shirt with a white bikini under it. It didn’t take long to notice she had an amazing body. She walked over to me slowly and stopped next to my chaise lounge extending her small hand.

“Hi, I’m Tabitha Clarke, it’s nice to finally meet you in person.” she said smiling.

“I’m Chris Williams, it’s nice to meet you as well. Please have a seat.” I offered.

She laid a towel down on the chaise lounge chair then slid in gracefully. She leaned back and turned in my direction.

“Soooo ... What do you do for a living?’, she asked.

“I work at The Powerhouse Gym training people in martial arts and have some clients I train in weightlifting.” I replied.

“Well, the weightlifting is obvious.” she giggled.

“How about you Tabitha?” I asked.

“Ok, first off is Tabby. Secondly, I work for my father. I’m the accountant and CPA for his law practice. He owns the Clarke, Clarke and Wilson Law Firm.” she answered.

“Sounds like a good job.” I stated.

“Oh, it’s a very good job.” she laughed.

“When did you move in?” I inquired.

“A little over three months’ ago when my divorce was finalized. We had been separated for two years prior, but my ex wanted the condo, so I let him have it. Found this place and bought it. How about you ... divorced, married or girlfriend?” she asked.

“No never been married and as of now ... no girlfriend although I was engaged a few months ago.” I admitted.

“What happened?” she quickly asked.

“It’s a long story.” I confessed.

“I have all day.” she giggled.

Don’t ask me why but I went on to tell this woman who I had known for about ten minutes the entire story of my life. How I had lost my mom and how it happened. How I had come to train in the gym and then train with Master Garcia. Then meeting Lexie and our on and off again relationship. Then going to Brazil and Vegas which brought me up to date.

“So, you’re a real MMA fighter?” she asked.

“Well, I’m not sure. It was only one fight.” I laughed.

“I might need you to kick my ex-husband’s ass one day.” she stated.

“That’s why I’m not engaged anymore.” I laughed.

“Oh yea, right.” she laughed.

She talked about her family for the next hour or so. Tabby’s grandfather started the law practice many years ago. Her father simply moved into his father’s role. Tabby’s grandfather retired from the practice several years ago. Her brother just graduated from law school and joined his father at the firm. Tabby’s mother was a stay-at-home housewife and mother. She had a younger sister who was still in college and stayed home with her mother. She referred to her as the brat. Tabby was almost four years older than I was. When she finished, she stood up and removed her cover up exposing a slim and sleek body. She slowly walked over to the pool making sure I got a close eyeful. Tabby had long slender legs, a small waist and a gorgeous butt. She had small breasts, but they stood out straight off her chest. I had only known Tabby for an hour or so, but it was obviously she was ambitious and captivating at the same time. Suddenly a weird thought struck me. Why would her ex-husband divorce her? Obviously, her family had money and Tabby had a great job.

Tabby swam in the pool for about thirty minutes before she grabbed the ladder and climbed out. From the soaked material of her white bikini the fabric left little to the imagination. Her body was everything I thought it might be and more. She walked slowly over to me in a kind of enticing way. If I did not know any better, I would have to say she was hitting on me. She put her cover up back on and sat next to me.

“The pool is amazing ... thanks so much.” she stated.

“Not a problem at all ... You’re free to use it anytime you would like.” I offered.

“Well, I will take you up on that, I promise.” she replied.

“Can I get you something to drink?” I asked.

“Would love some red wine.” she hinted.

“Oh ... um, I don’t drink so...” I started.

“It’s ok ... be right back. I have plenty.” she admitted, cutting me off.

I went back in the house to pour a glass of iced tea. But the time I returned Tabby was back with a full bottle of red wine and one wine glass. She took her first sip from the wine glass and turned to me.

“So, you don’t drink?’, she asked.

“No never have really. Maybe one beer every now and then.” I admitted.

“I love wine although I have built up a tolerance for it. Been drinking it for years.” she confessed.

“So, I guess I can’t get you drunk and take advantage of you then?” I laughed.

“Well, getting me drunk takes time but as far as the other ... you never know.” she smiled winking at me.

We talked about everything and anything for the next couple hours. It was getting close to six o’clock in the evening when I suggested that we go and get something to eat.

“Oh, are you asking me out on a date?” she giggled, the wine taking effect.

“I don’t know ... just thought you might be hungry.” I replied.

“Actually, I am starved.” she admitted.

“Great, why don’t we both change and when you’re done come back over. The side door will be open.” I instructed.

We both went to our own respective houses, and I showered quickly. I put on a pair of jeans and a dry-fit pullover. I put on a blue pair of sneakers that I had just bought and was coming down the hallway when I heard the door open.

“Chris, it’s me.” Tabby shouted, stepping in.

“Hey, you look great”, I replied.

“Thanks”, she replied.

Tabby had on skintight jeans with a light blue tank top. She had white sneakers on with her hair back in a ponytail. She smelled good as I passed her on my way out to the carport. She followed me out and I locked the door behind me. UI walked around my car and opened the door for her.

“My God, a man that still has manners?” she giggled.

I just smiled and closed the door as she slid in the passenger seat. I walked around the car and got behind the wheel pressing the ignition button. I put my seat belt and adjusted the rear view mirror.

“Chris, this is a really nice car. Is this a five series?” she asked.

“Yes, it is.” I replied, backing out of the driveway.

We decided on an Italian restaurant across town called Tony Mistretta’s which was good. It took us about thirty minutes to get there. We were seated immediately, and our waitress took our order. We were making small talk when my phone rang. It was Leonel Chacon.

“Hey Leo, what’s up?” I asked.

“Chris, I talk to UFC today. They need a fight for Cruz Rosario. Rosario number four in the world. They want to fight you in four weeks. Thirty thousand dollars to fight and thirty more if you win.” he stated.

“Leo, number four in the world is kind of a stretch, don’t you think?” I asked.

“Maybe so ... maybe not ... But it takes a long time to get a shot at four normally. You fight one time, you get.” he stated.

“What does Master Garcia think?’, I inquired.

“He say ... up to you.” he replied.

“Ok, let me think about it.” I answered, hanging up the phone.

“What was that about?’, Tabby asked.

“My trainer was contacted by someone who wants me to fight again in a month in Vegas.” I replied.

“Oh ... are you going to accept?” she asked, softly.

“I don’t know ... I mean I thought it was a one-time deal. It’s thirty thousand for the fight and another thirty for the winner.” I stated.

She let it go at that point and we went back to our conversation. We had a nice meal, and I enjoyed her conversation. We drove home and said our goodbyes in the driveway. I made sure she got inside safely then went to the side door.

The next day, I met with Master Garcia at the gym, and we talked about the fight I was offered. He felt much as I did that the first fight was a memorable experience. But did I want to continue this and put my body through what had to be done. Secondly, I didn’t have much time to decide.

The next day, I accepted the fight for one reason. Maybe, if I was beaten badly, it would curb my enthusiasm for physical confrontation. Maybe it would give me some restraint that I probably needed. Maybe if I had more restraint, I would still be with Lexie.

Two days later I was on a plane headed to Brazil to train once again. For the next three weeks I train twelve hours a day mostly on the ground. My trainers explain to me that punching and kicking were not my strong suit yet. But I was very good when the fight went to the ground. My object would be to take the punches and kicks but try to take him down as quick as I could. Tabby and Jennifer Thomas, both called me a few times while I was in Brazil. I then flew to Vegas with Leonel Chacon and his assistant Javier Mendez. Master Garcia would not be at this fight.

We both weighed in only a half-pound apart. Cruz Rosario was well put together and I knew this fight was not going to be like the last one. On a Friday night at nine o’clock in the evening, I stepped into the ring with my biggest challenge to date.

The referee separated us and started the fight. Cruz Rosario wasted no time in crossing the ring and throwing several combinations of punches to my head. Even though I deflected most, Rosario hit hard. Harder than anyone I had ever been in the ring with. The other problem was every time he threw a punch, he then stepped backward so I had no chance of a takedown. I would have to wait for him to make a mistake.

By the end of the first round Cruz Rosario had been meticulous with his punches and kicks. Half of his strikes had gotten through and I was already bruising from his strike. I sat down on my stool and listened to the advice from Leonel who basically stayed the same. There would be a mistake made that would give me the opportunity to get him to the ground. I would just have to survive until it happened.

Tabby Clarke was sitting in her father’s living room with the entire family watching the fight. Her Father, mother, brother and her brother’s girlfriend were all present watching it on the eighty-inch screen.

“Tabs, you know this guy?” her father asked.

“Yes, he is my next-door neighbor. We went out to dinner about a month ago.” she replied.

“As in a date?” her mother asked.

“No mom, not a date.” Tabby replied, exasperated.

Shortly the second round began so she turned the volume back up on the large television, The announcers were still talking about the first round.

“Williams took a great deal of punishment during the last round. Rosario is at the top of his game. This is only Williams’ second fight, and he is taking on the fourth ranked contender in the world. I’m not quite sure who is managing him but perhaps he needs better advice.” the announcer stated.

The second round went much as the first one did only, he landed more strikes to my face and body. One of my eyes was beginning to swell really badly and I could barely see out of it. As I sat down around round two, I could tell Leonel was concerned. Once again, there was no doubt that Rosario had won the round. He was ahead two rounds to none.

Back home Tabby was extremely worried as they showed a closeup of my face. I had taken a lot of punishment and my upper body showed it.

“Tabby why did this guy take this fight?” her brother, Billy asked.

“I don’t know Billy ... I really don’t.” she answered, wringing her hands.

“You like this guy.” Billy laughed.

“Leave me alone.” Tabby responded.

“Oh, she does like him.” Bill Sr. laughed.

The third and final round started much like the first two. Cruz Rosario began his assault on my upper body. But with about a minute into the third round he made a mistake. He threw a huge right hand almost as if it was meant to be a knockout punch. I was able to duck it, but the momentum caused him to stumble forward a few steps. I immediately ducked in and wrapped my arms around his waist. I lifted him up and spun my hips taking him to the ground.

He was on his back, and I was straddling him my arms still around his waist. He was using his legs to try and disrupt my position above him. He wrapped both arms around my head pulling me towards him. He was able to wrap both of his legs around one of mine and pulled him to his right. He then tried to roll to his left to get out from under me. I allowed him to begin his roll by releasing his waist. As soon as part of his back was exposed, I wrapped my arms around his neck and began to squeeze. He fell face down on the mat then tried to lift both of our bodies up in a pushup maneuver. At that point, I wrapped my legs around his waist and readjusted my arms into what is called rear naked chokehold.

Tabby leaned forward unsure of what was going on in the match. For the first time in over ten minutes, I had an advantage. The announcers were quite excited.

“I’m not sure Williams has the choke hold locked in but he’s close. I can’t believe what is happening.” the announcer stated.

I finally got my elbow joint locked in over his throat. I used all the strength in my arms squeezing him as tightly as I could. The referee got down on his belly and started to talk to Rosario.

“Cruz, you ok?” he asked.

Cruz Rosario reached out and grabbed the referee arm signaling he was ok. I simply squeezed hard. I could feel the resistance in Rosario ebbing from his body. I arched my back and applied even more pressure on his neck.

“Cruz ... Cruz...?, the referee shouted.

The referee reached out and grabbed one of Rosario arms, lifted it and dropped it. It went straight to the mat. He repeated the maneuver once more with the same result. He then tapped me on my back several times.

“He’s out Williams, it’s over.” he screamed.

I rolled off him and onto my back on the canvas. Never had I been beaten so badly by anyone. I was spent and did not think I had the energy to get off the mat. Both corners came running into the cage respectively checking on the two of us. Leonel was on his knees next to me wiping my face with a wet towel.

Tabby was on her feet, her eyes glued to the television and what the announcer was saying. According to the announcer, the impossible had just happed.

“This is unbelievable. Williams has choked out Rosario in the third-round despite being physically battered for ten minutes. I can’t remember this big of an upset ever. Only his second fight and he beat the fourth ranked contender in the world.” the announcer stated,

Leonel and Javier finally lifted me off the mat and got me to my feet. I was exhausted but relieved that the fight was over. Cruz Rosario was finally awake and standing on his feet as well. He walked over to me and patted my chest then hugged me. He was a true competitor but even a better man. He spoke only two words to me.

“You good.” he said, in broken English.

Ten minutes later, I was lying on the training table in my dressing room with the doctor checking me out from head to toe. Leonel and Javier were already applying ice to my swollen face. When the doctor was going back up my left side pressing as he went up, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my left side.

“Looks like you may have bruised ribs as well, but we’ll get a x-ray to make sure it’s not a break.” he stated.

Three hours later, I was laying in my hotel room hurting all over. I basically had ice bags all over my body being held on by elastic bandages. The swelling in my face had gone down and I could see clearly out of my eye, but the bruises remained. Leonel finally returned a gave me two mild pain pills to help me sleep.

The next morning, I boarded a plane back home at about nine o’clock in the morning. I must have been quite the sight as everyone in the plane was looking at me and whispering. I was seated next to an older man who was reading a newspaper. He looked up briefly and put his paper down.

“Son, are you ok?’, he asked.

“Yes sir, I’m fine. Thanks for asking.” I replied.

“I hope you won the fight.” he laughed.

“Believe it or not sir, I did.” I answered.

I landed around one o’clock in the afternoon and went through the airport heading to the parking garage. Two young boys came running up to me.

“Chris, Chris ... would you give me your autograph.” one of them said, out of breath.

I was simply stunned that first of all someone would recognize me in an airport. Secondly that both of these boys wanted my autograph. I walked over to a seat and sat down. I took their papers and pen and inscribed autographs to the both of them. By that time, a woman had walked up. I was guessing it was their mother.