Cashing in on rage in the cage

China's aspiring mixed martial artists get a chance to shine on pro shows

Yang Sen's bruised face and sweat-drenched hair bore testimony to his effort to win the brutal featherweight final of last Saturday's mixed martial arts event in Beijing - but the satisfaction of pocketing a five-figure paycheck for his pro debut turned the pain into a wide grin.

"All the details here are professional, from the pre-fight medical check to the sound and lighting effects around the cage. It's so different from the domestic fights I used to do ... and I am more than happy about the bonus," the 21-year-old Yang told China Daily after his victory in the semi-main event of ONE Championship's promotion.