After a long wait, Klingbeil makes his moment count
Alan Klingbeil didn’t just return to Power Slap — he returned with purpose. After more than a year on the sidelines and even serving briefly as a coach, Klingbeil finally stepped back into the spotlight at Power Slap 13 and delivered a knockout victory over the previously undefeated Luke Simon.
“I have been waiting for this moment for over a year now,” Klingbeil said. “The moment you gave it to me, I proved myself.”
Even Klingbeil admitted he wasn’t in the best shape of his life, but he left no doubt in the cage. The hunger and preparation paid off — and then some.
Finding the Button Early
In round one, Klingbeil landed a perfectly placed slap that visibly wobbled Simon. He compared Simon’s delayed reaction to buffering internet.
“It’s like processing slow like AOL back in the day,” he joked. “I didn’t think he was getting back up after that first one.”
Though Simon regained his footing, Klingbeil could tell the damage was done.
Anticipating the Club
Going into the match, Klingbeil knew what to expect. He wasn’t surprised by Simon’s opening strike.
“I told everyone — he was going to club me. That’s how he wins. But they finally made him stick his chin out.”
It was a calculated risk Klingbeil was prepared for. Even after Simon’s strike landed, Klingbeil was energized.
“After I got hit, I was like, ‘I’m ready to go, baby.’”
Sweet Spot Striking
In round two, Klingbeil repeated the motion — only harder and faster.
“I found that sweet spot. Same with Vern Cathy — when you feel it, you just know. All I had to do was hit it one more time.”
He credits fellow striker Isaiah Quinones for the simple but powerful advice before round two: “Just do the exact same thing.”
Eyes on the Bonus… and the Future
With a potential KO bonus on the table, Klingbeil couldn’t be happier with how he started off the night. But this is just the beginning.
“Next time, I’ll be even better than I was this time.”
After a year of waiting and grinding, Alan Klingbeil is back — and the division should take notice.