Power Slap 12: Full Card Preview & Predictions
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Power Slap returns on Friday night, March 7 in the fight capital of Las Vegas. The promotion will host its first live event at the Fontainebleau, Power Slap 12. Notably, this will also be the first event streamed on Power Slap’s YouTube channel.
Excitement has been building since Power Slap 10. Now, the highly anticipated rematch is set to take place. Additionally, the event will crown the first-ever lightweight champion, making for a historic night. With a stacked card featuring both veterans and rising stars, this event is must-watch entertainment. The action culminates in a women’s flyweight showdown between Paige VanZant and Mikael-Michelle Brown, setting the stage for a double-header of title fights.
As always, the first striker is determined by a coin toss. Below are the winners who will strike first: Kanekoa, Mena, Defrank, Debow, Perez, VanZant, McGregor, and Quinones.
Main Card
Main Event: Isaiah “The Puerto Rican Pretty Boy” Quinones vs. Branden “The Butcher” Bordeaux (Middleweight Championship)
This rematch was inevitable after their electrifying first encounter. Following their clash, champion Isaiah Quinones called for a rematch, believing the nature of their first battle demanded it. Branden Bordeaux came out firing, landing two powerful slaps that nearly put the champion down. However, Quinones recovered and turned the tide, sending Bordeaux to the canvas and ending the match in the second round.
Both men have proven their durability, with iron chins and knockout power in their strikes. Quinones, who began his career at light heavyweight with an 0-2 record, has been unstoppable since dropping down in weight, going 4-0. Recently, the champion was seen sharpening his skills at the UFC PI alongside UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira and world champion grappler Mikey Musumeci.
In this rematch, we can anticipate many outcomes, but the most likely outcome is a war. Bordeaux slapped first in their first match, which had a massive impact on the start of the match. As Bordeaux landed clean, Quinones was still recovering from the first slap when he stepped up for his own. It was far from an ideal start for the champion. Now, with Quinones set to strike first in the rematch, the entire dynamic of the fight changes.
Bordeaux is a very good slapper and has a great chin. But, Quinones is consistently leveling up and should have the upper hand with the ability to slap first. He also knows he can take Bordeaux’s best shots which should provide the champion with the upmost confidence in the rematch.
Prediction: Isaiah Quinones via 1st-Round KO
Co-Main Event: Robert ‘The Real Deal’ Trujillo vs. Dakota ‘The Maritime Menace’ McGregor (Lightweight Championship)
In the first-ever Lightweight title bout, 5-1 pro-MMA fighter and Power Slap coach Trujillo will face Canada’s McGregor. Both have earned their shot at gold, leaving their mark on the division with multiple knockouts. They also share history, having competed on Season 3 of Power Slap: Road to the Title—Trujillo as a coach and McGregor as a competitor on the opposing team, both eyeing this moment.
McGregor secured his title opportunity by defeating #2-ranked Joshua Boisvert to win Season 3’s lightweight tournament. The fight carries two key narratives: McGregor has been significantly more active in competition, while Trujillo faces a major size disadvantage. Standing at 5’7″, he will go up against the taller, longer McGregor, who measures in at 6’1″.
Both men possess knockout power and iron chins, making this a highly intriguing matchup. McGregor has shown resilience after being knocked down, while Trujillo has been a rock on the Power Slap stage. Expect this fight to go into deep waters, potentially reaching the championship rounds.
Prediction: Dakota McGregor via Unanimous Decision
’12 Gauge’ Paige VanZant vs. Mikael-Michelle Brown
After competing at bantamweight in her early Power Slap appearances, 12 Gauge makes her flyweight debut against Mikael-Michelle Brown. Brown previously slapped on the unaired portion of Power Slap 10, where she earned a unanimous decision win over former UFC flyweight, Emily Whitmire.
In that bout, both women were making their debuts. Brown landed three clean strikes and absorbed all three return shots, including one that resulted in a clubbing foul. While neither fighter inflicted significant damage, Brown appeared more composed. VanZant, meanwhile, has experienced mixed results. Her last fight ended in a draw against Chelsea Dodson due to a clubbing foul.
This matchup carries potential title implications, adding to the high stakes with many eyes watching. Expect a grueling battle that could showcase technical advancements from both competitors.
Prediction: PVZ via Unanimous Decision
Dorian ‘Disturbing the Peace’ Perez vs. Pono ‘Da Hawaiian Assassin’ Pau
A high-stakes heavyweight clash with title implications is set for the main card. After a hard-fought war against champion Damien Dibbell, Perez looks to reestablish himself as a top contender against the surging Pono Pau. Pau, a standout from Power Slap: Road to the Title Season 3, has quickly made a name for himself. Interestingly, his cousin, Ke’ali’i Kanekoa, will kick off the event at middleweight.
For these two heavy hitters, composure will be key. Both are known for their in-the-moment chatter on the Power Slap stage and have faced their share of challenges—Perez with fouls both for and against him, and Pau overcoming a broken hand that forced him to compete with his non-dominant hand. Now fully healthy, they’re both ready for war, bringing proven power and durability.
This fight could come down to the later rounds, and if it reaches the judges, things could get messy. With a potential title shot on the line, both men understand exactly what’s at stake.
Prediction: Pono Pau via Split Decision
Prelims
Christopher ‘KO Chris’ Thomas vs. Christopher ‘Full Metal’ Debow
In this matchup, the first-ever welterweight champion, KO Chris, returns for an exciting Battle of the Chris’. The smack talk has already been intense, with Debow looking to make a statement in the division with a big win. This fight will showcase the power of both men. The determining factor? Which chin can withstand the most.
For KO Chris, his chin will be crucial, as he’s taken significant damage in recent bouts. For Debow, avoiding fouls and going strike-for-strike with the former champion will be key. Both have faced former champion Emmanuel Muniz, and those matchups provide insight into where each man stands in the division. A win for either Chris would place them squarely back in title contention.
Prediction: Christopher Debow via 2nd-Round KO
Anthony ‘Da Kiing’ Defrank vs. Reiley ‘Slap Shady’ Montoya
In an exciting lightweight clash, two former Power Slap: Road to the Title Season 3 competitors go head-to-head in a matchup guaranteed to deliver fireworks. With their big personalities and aggressive styles, Defrank and Montoya promise to put on a show.
With the division still taking shape and its first champion about to be crowned, this is a prime opportunity for both fighters to make their mark. On the show, they displayed power, grit, and determination but also endured setbacks. Now, they look to rebound and stake their claim in the division.
Prediction: Anthony Defrank via 1st-Round KO
Wes ‘Boom’ Mena vs. Aaron ‘The Colossus’ Turner
This matchup came together on just five days’ notice for Wes “Boom” Mena, who recently scored a devastating first-round KO at Power Slap 11. Originally, Turner had won the coin toss. But after a redo, Mena secured the right to strike first—a crucial advantage given his raw knockout power.
For Mena, the key is landing another clean, explosive strike right out of the gate. True to his nickname “Boom,” he aims to make a statement. However, past fouls like clubbing have been an issue, so precision will be essential. Turner, on the other hand, needs to withstand the initial shot and push the fight into deeper waters. He’s coming off a massive KO win at Power Slap 10 and possesses fight-ending power of his own.
With both men carrying devastating knockout ability, this fight could be over in an instant.
Prediction: Aaron Turner via 2nd-Round KO
Wesley ‘All The Smoke’ Drain vs. Ke’ali’i ‘The Chief’ Kanekoa
The people’s main event features a showdown between an OG of the sport, Drain, and the increasingly active Kanekoa. Both fighters are known for their smack talk and high-energy presence on the stage. Drain, a veteran from Road to the Title Season 1, has faced the best of the middleweight division, while Kanekoa is a rising force making his mark.
As the most experienced competitor under the Power Slap banner, Drain looks to solidify his place among the division’s elite. Meanwhile, Kanekoa, a powerful Hawaiian striker, sees this as a massive opportunity to prove himself. This bout comes down to Drain’s durability and consistency versus Kanekoa’s raw power and explosiveness. Drain is known for swelling up quickly. But, that has never stopped him—his only knockout loss came at the hands of the current champion.
Expect a brawl in this high-stakes clash, where Kanekoa has the chance to shake up the division.
Prediction: Ke’ali’i Kanekoa via 3rd-Round KO
Early Prelims
The Early Prelims for Power Slap 12 will not be broadcast live. They will be recorded before the main card and released at a later date. While these bouts won’t be available on Friday night, there’s plenty to break down, with multiple returners from Road to the Title Season 3 and fresh additions to the Power Slap roster.
The two biggest matchups feature the super heavyweights and women’s flyweights. Chelsea Dodson and Makini Manu will both take on newcomers in pivotal bouts. Dodson’s opponent, Micol Di Segni, will make history as the first Italian Power Slapper. Manu, meanwhile, faces former Troy University and UFL offensive lineman, Steven Rowzee. Both matchups present major opportunities in their respective divisions.
Additionally, Andrew Fields steps in on short notice to face Brent Draper. Logan Greenhalgh moves down from heavyweight to light heavyweight, where he takes on the experienced Cody Young. Lastly, Hunter Hassanin and Angel Merrill make their returns after competing together on Road to the Title Season 3.
These matchups will be action-packed and play a crucial role in determining who earns prime spots on future cards:
- Hunter ‘The Homebody’ Hassanin vs. Angel ‘The Outlaw’ Merrill
- Cesar ‘Slaps of Stone’ Gonzalez vs. Steve Osango
- Kole Smith vs. Leon Johnson
- Andrew ‘Casper’ Fields vs. Brent Draper
- Logan Greenhalgh vs. Cody ‘The Crusader’ Young
- Marisol Ruelas vs. Maria Jose Favela
- Makini ‘Big Mak’ Manu vs. Steven Rowzee
- Chelsea ‘Mini Mayhem’ Dodson vs. Micol di Segni
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