Glistening Red and Black
A thick, rubbery smell, combined with the unmistakable stench of sweat surrounds the early risers in the UFC gym. A bright red wrestling mat, glistening with sweat, challenges fighters to spar with their coaches as soon as they enter, followed by an octagonal cage, inviting only the daring and fierce to step in. From the comparatively less noisy section towards the left of the cage, float only low grunts and the sound of vibrating weights. In comparison, the right side of the cage houses nearly thirty-five boxing bags and a dozen sweaty, panting individuals. A lean boxing coach enjoys his time advising various individuals by the punching bags; near the weight equipment, a fitness instructor helps people of all sizes perfect their lifting form which contrasts the tall kick-boxing instructor, who brawls inside the octagonal cage.