Las Vegas/Abu Dhabi — Years of grinding, reinvention, and refusing to go away have led Alan Klingbeil to the moment he’s chased since Day 1: a light heavyweight title shot against Wolverine at Power Slap 16 in Abu Dhabi.
“I finally have the chance to prove what I’ve been saying this entire time,” Klingbeil said. “I am the light heavyweight champion. If I’d gotten this shot earlier, I would’ve knocked Ron out. Now I get to show it.”
Always on Weight, Always on Call
Klingbeil prides himself on professionalism: staying near walking weight, staying in shape, and staying ready. “That’s the mark of a true light heavyweight champion. You come in on weight, in shape, ready to go,” he said. Fresh off a statement win over Luke Simons on Road to the Title, Klingbeil believes the timing is perfect. “I’ve taken every loss I could take and learned from it. My stage presence, my ability to deliver—everything’s peaking.”
Road to the Title… and Beyond
Was returning to Road to the Title a slight? Klingbeil says no—it was an opportunity. After a DQ win over Colt McCullough, he expected a quick turnaround on a numbered card, but the show came calling. “They said it’d be good for my career. I didn’t want to lose momentum,” he said. He watched Simons score a KO and immediately told Azel in the crowd, “I want that guy.” He got him—twice—and now he’s got Wolverine.
Cracking Wolverine’s Armor
Klingbeil isn’t trying to copy anyone else’s blueprint. “I respect Austin Turpin for dropping Wolverine, but there was a weight difference, and his whipping technique is unique. That’s not me,” he said. “I’m raw power and speed. I’ve doubled down on accuracy and explosive output—legs, core, and Olympic lifts. My numbers are up, and I’ll need every bit of it. He’s got a heck of a chin.”
Wolverine, for his part, told Klingbeil he hasn’t really trained for an opponent since the first Turpin fight—but is taking this one seriously. Klingbeil grins at that: “Good. Because I’m all-in—two-a-days, day and night. I haven’t pushed like this since I was 18. I believe I’ll have the power to knock him out by Round 3.”
Respect Offstage, Killer Instinct On It
Despite the looming clash, Klingbeil speaks highly of the champion. “He’s respectful, a warrior. Honestly, he could be a long-term friend,” he admitted. “But fight week? He’s my mortal enemy. You have to intend to kill when it’s time.” That switch, he says, is sharpened by his service background.
Life Changes for a Championship Window
In the biggest personal move of his career, Klingbeil is transitioning from active duty to the Texas Air National Guard, freeing time to train, recover, and handle the little things that matter on a global stage. “I’m burning leave right now, training day and night, tightening up everything—from videos and presence to small cosmetic details. This is my moment. I was meant for this.”
The Promise
How does he beat Wolverine? Klingbeil doesn’t hesitate. “Power. Speed. Accuracy. The first shot rocks him—or ends it. People don’t expect the power I deliver. But it’s coming.”
Message to Wolverine
“Ron, you stole my belt. You came down from heavyweight and held it for me—kept it warm. I’ve waited since Power Slap 1 for this. I will knock you out in Abu Dhabi and show everyone who the real light heavyweight champion is.”
Power Slap 16 just found its voltage.