Originally scheduled for a rematch against Paige VanZant for the title, Mikael Michelle Brown won’t let anything—or anyone—slow her momentum. Now stepping in against Ellie Dempster at Power Slap 13 on June 27, Mikael is locked in, laser-focused, and ready to show fans why she’s Power Slap’s next breakout star.
A Late Change, But the Same Energy
When her title fight with Paige fell through, Mikael could’ve waited it out. Instead, she took a chance and signed on to face a tough and untested newcomer in Ellie Dempster.
“I want the belt, no doubt, but just the fact I’m competing at Power Slap 13 during Fight Week at Fontainebleau—I’m excited,” Mikael told Slap News. “It’s a risk, but I love to compete.”
Friend Turned Opponent
Mikael and Ellie aren’t strangers. In fact, they’ve met before and hit it off.
“We spent the whole day together during her tryout,” Mikael recalled. “She’s super cool. I even texted her saying, ‘If you need anything about Power Slap, hit me up.’ Next thing I know, she’s my opponent.”
Despite the friendship, Mikael knows how to flip the switch.
“Once I’m on that stage, it’s competition mode. I don’t even have to try—it just happens.”
Adapting on the Fly
Facing someone with no tape is a unique challenge, but Mikael sees it as a test of her growth as a striker.
“With Paige, I had a game plan I stuck to. This time, I’m going to slap first and then adapt. I’ll evaluate and adjust between rounds. That’s going to show how well I perform under pressure.”
Everything to Lose, Everything to Prove
Mikael knows this fight isn’t just about Ellie—it’s about solidifying her position in the division.
“She has nothing to lose, I have everything to lose. This fight could affect my shot at the belt. But that’s what drives me. I want the toughest fights. I want to prove I deserve that title shot.”
Looking for the Knockout
Knockouts in the women’s division are rare—but Mikael is aiming to buck the trend.
“I’ve knocked someone out before, just not in Power Slap. But now, I’ve been on that stage twice. I know what it takes. I’ve figured out what makes the difference—and I think this time, I’m getting the KO.”
A New Life, A New Focus
Mikael isn’t the same person she was last year. Now, fighting is her full-time career.
“I’m not training and then going to work an eight-hour shift anymore. I’m eating right, I’m not cutting hard weight, and I’m putting on muscle. This is my job now—and I’m all in.”
She credits that shift with bringing her a new level of clarity, confidence, and power.
Power Slap’s Next Star?
From KO Chris Thomas to Austin Turpin, Power Slap has built stars from scratch. According to Slap News, Mikael is next in line.
“You’re Power Slap’s next homegrown star,” said interviewer Corey Swiergosz. “And you’re doing everything right—inside the cage and on social.”
A Message for Ellie Dempster
“Ellie girl, I love you and I respect you—but when we get on that stage, it’s all business. I’m looking forward to competing against you.”
Don’t Miss Power Slap 13
Catch Mikael Michelle Brown vs. Ellie Dempster at Power Slap 13, streaming live from Fontainebleau Las Vegas on June 27 during UFC International Fight Week.
This isn’t just another women’s bout. It’s a proving ground—and Mikael is coming to leave no doubts.