MMA System: I Will Be Pound For Pound Goat-Chapter 618: The First Candle

With only a week left before his fight, Damon found himself away from the gym today.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…"

The soft singing filled the living room.

"Happy birthday dear Ava… happy birthday to you…"

Ava sat on the couch, small legs kicking slowly as she stared at the two of them with wide, blinking eyes.

The moment they finished, she clapped her hands together in a messy rhythm, squealing with a smile that only babies could wear—open-mouthed, cheeks puffed, eyes squinting with pure joy.

Damon and Svetlana were kneeling on the carpet in front of her, both smiling.

Ava babbled back, rocking slightly as she slapped her palm on the cushion beside her.

"Gah! Ma-ma! Daa-da!" she chirped, pointing randomly at the little crown they had gently placed on her head, which was now sliding sideways.

Svetlana leaned forward and adjusted the crown with a chuckle. "You're a queen now, huh?"

Ava blinked, looked between them again, then flopped onto her side in slow motion and rolled halfway off the pillow.

Damon caught her before she could tumble, scooping her up into his arms and lifting her into the air.

"Careful, Your Majesty," he said, smirking.

Ava giggled as he brought her down and blew gently on her cheek, making a soft raspberry sound.

Her laugh turned squeaky, both hands grabbing at his face with the wobbling coordination of a one-year-old trying to hold the sun.

Damon pulled her closer and kissed her cheek. "That's right. You're one now. Just don't get too wild."

She patted his jaw with a babbled "Dada-dada!" and then buried her face into his shoulder, gripping his shirt.

Svetlana leaned against his arm, resting her chin lightly. "One year already. She's growing fast."

"Too fast," Damon replied, rocking gently. "Way too fast."

Damon turned to Svetlana, still holding Ava close against his chest. He looked at them, his daughter nestled into his shoulder, his fiancée resting beside him—and tightened his hold gently, grounding himself in the warmth of that moment.

"Thank you," he whispered, his voice low, sincere.

Svetlana looked up at him, her eyes soft with understanding. She leaned in and kissed his cheek, letting the moment linger just a second longer.

"Thank you too," she said quietly, her voice just as full.

Damon had canceled all training sessions and cleared his schedule completely.

Nothing else mattered today. It was his daughter's first birthday, and he had no intention of letting anything interfere with it.

He and Svetlana had spent the past few days quietly planning. They didn't want a massive event or loud parties filled with strangers.

What they wanted was something simple, safe, and memorable—even if Ava wouldn't remember it when she was older.

They debated a few places. Some were too noisy. Others didn't feel secure enough for a baby just beginning to walk. In the end, they agreed on the zoo.

It wasn't too far, and the idea of animals, wide open paths, and natural light made it feel like the right call.

They packed a small bag of essentials—snacks, water, extra clothes, and a soft blanket.

Damon even brought one of Ava's favorite plush toys, just in case she needed comfort.

She wouldn't remember this day. But it didn't matter. The smiles, the laughter, and the joy on her face were for now. That was enough.

They spent the day at the zoo, taking their time with each exhibit.

Ava sat comfortably in her stroller or in Damon's arms, pointing at animals she didn't understand but found amusing.

She giggled at monkeys, clapped at birds, and stared in awe at the giraffes. Damon and Svetlana took pictures, laughed together, and soaked in every small moment.

Throughout the day, they received calls from family, some from Ireland, others from old friends and loved ones they had met along the way. Everyone wanted to wish Ava a happy first birthday.

With the fight against Brickland close, Damon knew a big celebration would have been a distraction.

Even if it didn't feel like a real threat, he didn't want his mind drifting too far from camp. That said, he hadn't planned the zoo trip as an escape, just as a pause. A needed one.

Still, the family deserved more.

So, he and Svetlana agreed that after the fight, they would host something more personal.

A small family gathering. Nothing public, just the people who mattered, all under one roof. A quiet celebration in the home they had built.

For now, though, this day belonged to their daughter, and it had been perfect.

.

.

.

.

Throughout the day, Damon took a moment to post a family photo from their zoo trip.

In the picture, he stood with one arm around Svetlana's waist, both of them smiling, while Ava stood in front of them, slightly off-balance, pointing toward something outside the frame.

An elephant loomed behind them in the background, giving the image a quiet charm.

The photo was simple, unedited, and real.

Social media lit up almost immediately. Fans flooded the comments with heart emojis, kind words, and admiration for the wholesome moment.

Even some fighters and public figures reposted it, reminding everyone that behind the championship belts and knockout highlights, Damon Cross was also a loving father and partner.

For once, no drama. Just warmth.

With the day wrapping up and the family winding down from Ava's birthday, the noise online spiked again.

Another post from the new opponent went live. It was exactly the kind of thing people expected—aggressive, crass, and loud.

[@ShaneBrickland]

『What a fucking soft champ, can't wait murder this guy, and send him back home to play house, hope there's no excuse when I do it, since his having zoo fun's 』

And like clockwork, the replies flooded in.

@MMAUnfiltered

Bro are you okay? This isn't even trash talk, this sounds like a cry for help.

@CombatCorner

Why do you hate happiness so much, man? You mad he took his kid to the zoo?

@ChokeMeDaily

Shane really wakes up and chooses emotional damage every time.

@FightNightFables

Damon could post a family barbecue and Shane would tweet "fuck mustard and fuck peace."

@TrollsOfTheCage

This man said "zoo fun's"… please log off, you're fighting a killer, not tweeting your diary. freeweɓnovel.cøm

@Str8SavageTalk

We get it bro, you hate kids, flowers, sunshine, and anything that isn't prison yard energy.

@IrishInvasion96

Keep that same energy when you're stuck under full mount.

@DanaBlightFanPage

My guy out here beefin' with toddlers now?