Las Vegas, NV — In one of the most talked-about debut performances of Power Slap 13, Prince Sabedra silenced the doubters with a decisive victory over Mer Zraamovic. Entering the match as the less vocal fighter in the build-up, Sabedra let his power, composure, and strategy do the talking once the action began.
Calm Confidence and a Point to Prove
Leading into the bout, Sabedra maintained a calm, focused mindset despite much of the pre-fight hype favoring his opponent. “A lot of people thought my opponent was going to come out on top,” he explained afterward, “but I proved everybody wrong.”
Rather than getting caught up in the trash talk, Sabedra stayed locked in on his game plan, saying that his job wasn’t done until he performed on match day. The victory, he said, was all the more satisfying because it allowed him to make a statement and prove his critics wrong.
A Strategic Start: Testing the Power
In round one, Sabedra made a surprising choice — he intentionally didn’t brace for Zraamovic’s opening slap. He wanted to feel the raw power of his opponent without defensive tension. “I was very relaxed because I really wanted to feel his power,” Sabedra said.
After the opening exchange, Sabedra adjusted, implementing defensive techniques that paid off in rounds two and three. The changes were immediately visible, as his ability to absorb and respond improved with each round.
Training With a UFC Veteran’s Coach
Preparation for his debut included working with Esteban Sabedra, striking coach for UFC veteran Jeremy Stephens, sharpening his pad work and striking fundamentals. The training not only improved Sabedra’s offensive timing but also ensured he stayed calm under pressure.
His background in striking shone through during the match, with clean connections and controlled technique. While acknowledging his opponent’s heart and effort, Sabedra noted the clear difference in the aftermath: “After the match, my face still looked handsome, and his was pretty messed up.”
Family Support and a Funny Twin Mix-Up
Sabedra’s debut was made even more memorable by the presence of family — including a comedic twist. Many attendees thought his uncle, who closely resembles Azel, was actually the fighter himself. “It was Azel’s twin,” Sabedra laughed, recalling how even event staff and other fighters were briefly confused.
Sportsmanship After the Fight
After medical checks, Sabedra met Zraamovic backstage to exchange respectful words. He congratulated his opponent for showing heart and encouraged him to keep training, noting the limited preparation time Zraamovic had before the match. Though invited for a celebratory drink, Sabedra declined, explaining he hasn’t touched alcohol in two years.
What’s Next for Prince Sabedra?
While not expecting to immediately crack the top 10 rankings, Sabedra is hungry for more competition in the 205-pound division. He’s open to facing anyone from positions eight, nine, or ten, determined to earn his place among the best.
His short-term goals include staying in the gym, improving his conditioning, and coming in leaner for his next bout. At Power Slap 13, Sabedra made it clear he belongs in the conversation — and he’s only getting started.