Maximus vs. Leonidas
The two of these legendary warriors is sent into the arena to do battle. There is no one else in the arena, but a neutral crowd is watching with anticipation. They are untouchable and forbidden from interfering.
Maximus...although he's not quite as fantastical as Leonidas, he's seen his share of hardship and challenge, and risen to meet it every step of the way. Does he have what it takes to bring down the king of Sparta? This is the movie version he's fighting, in case it wasn't clear.
I think Leonidas takes it just because he was exaggerated so much.