El Perro is back where he belongs.
Azael Rodriguez, one of the original stars of Power Slap and the former No. 1 middleweight contender, is making his long-awaited return to the 185-pound division. On March 6th, he faces No. 3 ranked Brandon Rhodes in what could be one of the most explosive matchups of the year.
And if you ask Azael? This one’s going to be a dog fight.
The OG of Power Slap: Azael Reflects on His Legacy
From day one, Azael Rodriguez has been a staple of Power Slap. A veteran with double-digit appearances, he built his reputation in the middleweight division as a relentless powerhouse with true knockout ability.
But when asked if he’s taken time to reflect on everything he’s accomplished, Azael keeps it honest.
“To me, I haven’t done enough.”
Despite holding the No. 1 ranking and battling the division’s best, including a standout performance against Eddie in Abu Dhabi, Rodriguez admits it took stepping away from 185 to truly appreciate what he built there.
Rewatching his past fights reignited something inside him.
“It solidified it. I did that. I was number one for that amount of time.”
Now, he’s coming back with something different — perspective and renewed fire.
Why Azael Rodriguez Is Returning to Middleweight
Rodriguez’s move down to 170 pounds came at the request of promotion officials. While the run included big opportunities — including a bout against the champion — something felt off.
The energy wasn’t the same.
At 185, Azael was known for his aggression, his fan support, and his unmistakable “El Perro” identity. The move back wasn’t just strategic — it was emotional.
“People want to see me at 185. Why not come back?”
The excitement is back. The hunger is back. And most importantly — the dog is back.
Brandon Rhodes: Power, Speed, and a Dangerous First Strike
Standing in Azael’s way is Brandon Rhodes, currently ranked No. 3 in the middleweight division.
Rhodes has built a reputation as one of the more physically dangerous slappers in the division. According to Rodriguez, he checks all the boxes:
-
✅ Powerful slap
-
✅ Fast delivery
-
✅ Clean technique
-
✅ Right-on-one capability
“He has a powerful slap and a fast slap,” Rodriguez said. “If he gets that first slap or even the second slap, he’s effective.”
Rhodes has also shown serious heart. Even when knocked down, he gets back up. That resilience is something Azael respects — and expects.
The “Dog Bowl”: El Perro vs. The Bulldog?
When asked if this matchup could be the most “dog-eat-dog” fight in recent memory, Azael didn’t hesitate.
“This is going to be a dog match.”
Rhodes, in Azael’s eyes, is a bulldog — stocky, powerful, relentless.
But Rodriguez? He’s El Perro — the leader of the pack.
With both men hungry and the middleweight division in flux, this fight carries serious implications. A win could fast-track either man back into title contention.
Offense vs. Defense: What Wins in Modern Power Slap?
As Power Slap continues to evolve, one question remains: does offense or defense matter more?
For Azael, the answer is clear.
“If you can’t take the slap, you’re not going to do good in the sport.”
While knockout power is essential, chin and durability are what separate contenders from champions. Fighters with highlight-reel power have fallen when they couldn’t absorb a clean shot in return.
Rodriguez understands this better than most. His experience across multiple high-level matchups has proven that toughness is currency in this sport.
And on March 6th, both men will need it.
Fight Prediction: Knockout or War to the Distance?
Azael would love a knockout — first, second, or third round.
But he’s realistic.
“I see this match going maybe to distance or third-round knockout.”
Rhodes doesn’t stay down. He fights through adversity. That means this could become a battle of endurance as much as power.
Fans should prepare for heavy exchanges and high drama.
Azael’s Training Camp: Bigger, Stronger, More Explosive
Unlike previous camps that involved weight cuts and adjustments, this one is different.
Rodriguez has been able to bulk, focus on strength, and stay powerful without draining himself.
His preparation includes:
-
Powerlifting
-
Boxing work
-
Explosive athletic training
-
Maintaining heavyweight-level strength at 185
“Being as heavy as I am right now and moving the way I can is going to play a role.”
This isn’t just a return — it’s a rebuilt version of El Perro.
Final Message to Brandon Rhodes
If Rhodes is watching, Azael has a simple message:
“Let’s give the fans what they want. Slap the shit out of each other and keep it entertaining.”
No trash talk. No drama. Just two warriors stepping to the table.
March 6th: Middleweight Division on Notice
With the 185-pound division in transition, Azael Rodriguez vs. Brandon Rhodes could reshape the rankings overnight.
It’s veteran experience vs. rising hunger.
It’s power vs. durability.
It’s El Perro vs. the bulldog.
And it might just be the most anticipated “dog fight” of the year in Power Slap.
March 6th. Don’t blink.