The story opens in a maximum-security prison in Russia, where a fight is about to take place, and spectators are eagerly awaiting the match. Below the arena, Yuri, a janitor, cleans a filthy restroom while listening to the cheers for the fighters above. This brings back memories of when he was once the center of attention, being chanted for as a fighter. In the arena, reigning champion Vladimir Sakov secures another victory, much to the delight of Gaga, the mob boss orchestrating the prison fights. As Gaga leaves, he passes Yuri and offers him a portion of his winnings, but Yuri declines, expressing disinterest in the money and slowly hobbles away, indicating a deeper discontent with his current life.