During the Great Depression in New Orleans, an enigmatic drifter named Chaney arrives seeking ways to survive. He discovers an illegal street-fighting ring and shows off his impressive fighting skills by quickly defeating a much larger opponent. Witnessed by Speed, a fast-talking fight promoter, Chaney is offered a partnership where Speed arranges fights for Chaney in exchange for a cut of the winnings. Chaney swiftly rises as a formidable fighter, earning both recognition and money. Speed, eager to maximize their profits, arranges more contests but encounters conflicts with local gangsters and other shady figures within the underworld.

As Chaney continues to dominate the fighting circuit, he forms a taciturn yet respectful relationship with Speed and his girlfriend Lucy. However, their success draws unwanted attention from rival promoters and corrupt individuals, leading to intensifying confrontations. Caught between the temptation of quick money and maintaining his low-profile nature, Chaney must navigate the treacherous world of underground fighting, where loyalty is rare, and danger lurks around every corner. The heat intensifies as the stakes get higher, forcing Chaney to face not just physical battles but also the moral complexities and perils of his chosen path in a gritty, unforgiving landscape.