No, it doesn't. You can in fact win the tournament fight just fine while sticking to kickboxing iirc (where Ian follows the teacher he's already had. The one who shows up later) So, not only it's absolutely not something the game makes clear, but it's pure bullshit.This game makes it absolutely clear that by staying a punching bag for Jeremy, Ian would lose the tournament and only if he trains with the martial arts guy, he can actually build strength and a mindset to overcome bigger and stronger opponents.