Luke Simonds returns at Power Slap 20 knowing exactly what is at stake.
After opening his Power Slap career on a dominant 4-0 run that included three knockouts, Simonds now finds himself in unfamiliar territory — riding a two-fight losing streak and searching for momentum again.
But if there is one thing clear from talking to him, it is this:
Luke Simonds still believes he is one of the best light heavyweights in the world.
And he plans to prove it against Jaden at Power Slap 20.
“I Want to Win So Bad”
Simonds was honest about how difficult the recent losses have been mentally.
“Losing two times in a row just got me down in the dumps for a little bit.”
His loss to former champion Peter Rubin was especially educational in hindsight.
Luke acknowledged:
- Peter’s championship-level experience
- his ability to handle larger opponents
- and the fact that he simply got caught by a better strike that night
“Peter was a champ and a champ for a reason.”
At the same time, Simonds also referenced his loss to Alan Klingbeil, explaining that he stepped into that fight after another matchup fell through and gave Alan an opportunity while Alan was eager to return after a year away.
To Luke, the losses are frustrating — but understandable.
“Sometimes you lose.”
Breaking Down Jaden
While Simonds respects Jaden’s willingness to fight tough competition, he is not particularly impressed by what he has seen technically so far.
Luke specifically pointed to Jaden’s win over Joe Perez, saying the power was enough to secure the knockout, but the strike itself still needs refinement.
“He still has some growing to do.”
According to Simonds:
- the strike lacks smoothness
- the follow-through is incomplete
- and mechanically, it is still developing
Still, he respects Jaden’s mentality.
Luke noted that Jaden had already agreed to face Wes Mena before that matchup fell apart, and then immediately accepted the opportunity to fight him afterward.
“He’s down to fight two tough guys.”
That willingness to compete matters to Luke.
Learning From the Peter Rubin Loss
One of the most interesting parts of the interview came when Luke discussed exactly what he learned from being knocked down by Peter Rubin.
Instead of focusing solely on striking improvements, he is training his recovery instincts.
Specifically:
- spinning drills
- balance recovery
- and automatic reactions after being rocked
His goal is to subconsciously take a knee immediately if he gets dropped again.
“I want it ingrained in my subconscious so when the autopilot kicks in from getting rocked, I automatically go into taking a knee first.”
That level of self-awareness shows a fighter who is evolving mentally as much as physically.
A Fresh Start in Georgia
Outside of the sport, Luke says he feels revitalized.
Now living in Georgia and approaching life from a different perspective, he believes the losses have not erased the reputation he built during his early Power Slap run.
“I don’t think it takes away too much of my shine.”
At the same time, he understands how unforgiving this sport can be.
“Your chin’s always right there.”
That reality is something every Power Slap athlete eventually has to face.
“Focus Is the Key”
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Simonds throughout the interview was how much emphasis he placed on focus and mental composure.
Luke admitted that sometimes:
- the crowd
- the adrenaline
- the atmosphere
- and the emotion of the moment
can pull him away from delivering the cleanest possible strike.
“Sometimes your body just goes on autopilot.”
For Power Slap 20, he wants to remain:
- calm
- present
- controlled
- and fully focused on execution
“Focus is the key to victory for me this time.”
The Chelsea Crowd and a Potential Highlight KO
Simonds also expressed excitement about competing inside The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.
And while he wants the crowd interaction and entertainment aspect eventually, he made it clear his priorities are different this time around.
First comes winning.
Then comes the showmanship.
“I want to make sure I enjoy interacting with the crowd as soon as I know I won.”
Still, he is absolutely chasing a statement finish.
Specifically:
- a one-strike knockout
- on the live card
- in front of a packed arena
Something he feels has still eluded him despite his success.
What a Win Means
For Luke, this matchup is about proving he still belongs near the top of the division.
“It shows that I’m still one of the best strikers in the world at light heavyweight.”
And while experience matters, he understands that in Power Slap, no one is safe.
Especially at light heavyweight, where:
- speed
- timing
- and knockout power
can end a fight instantly.
Power Slap 20 Feels Important
This matchup feels like a genuine crossroads fight.
On one side:
- Luke Simonds trying to stop the skid and reclaim momentum.
On the other:
- Jaden attempting to prove he belongs among the division’s rising names.
And if Simonds performs the way he believes he can, he expects everyone to remember exactly why he became one of the division’s breakout stars in the first place.