Hunter Hassanin is back.
After nearly a year away from competition, the undefeated middleweight returns at Power Slap 20 with a 2-0 record and a clear mission: deliver the kind of knockout that forces the division to pay attention.
This time, he faces Dante Smiley on the taped portion of the card.
And while Hunter may not currently be ranked, he believes that can change quickly.
“Once you see that knockout, it’s gonna be a whole different story.”
A Long Layoff, But No Lost Focus
Hassanin has not competed since his unanimous decision win over Angel Amaral last March.
Since then, life has changed.
He moved, got his own place, started working two jobs, and continued staying busy while waiting for the call back to Power Slap.
“It’s just staying busy constantly to keep the mind working and to keep ourselves working.”
Despite the time away, Hunter says he has stayed focused on what he needs to do to succeed in the sport.
Respecting Dante Smiley, But Ending the Comeback Story
Dante Smiley’s debut ended quickly against Stunt Marshall, meaning there is not much tape to study.
Hunter understands that Smiley will likely be a different competitor this time around.
“Just because he got hit in one and that was it doesn’t mean it will happen again.”
But while he respects Dante’s hunger to rebound, Hunter made it clear that Power Slap 20 is not about Dante’s redemption.
“We’re not here for a comeback story. We’re here for my story.”
The Missing Piece: A Knockout
Hunter believes he already brings a lot to the table:
- personality
- toughness
- dancing
- the mustache
- and a 2-0 record
But he knows what Power Slap is looking for.
A finish.
“It’s that K.O. we’re looking for.”
For Hunter, that first knockout is the key to getting ranked, getting noticed, and eventually earning a spot on a live card.
Middleweight Has Room for Him
The middleweight division has shifted since Hunter last competed.
With Brandon Rhodes moving down to welterweight and several ranked names in uncertain positions, Hunter believes there is space for him to rise quickly.
“All I know is there’s room for me and I’m going to shoot right up in there.”
His vision for the next year is simple:
“Undeniable.”
Respect for the Champion
Hunter also had praise for middleweight champion Isaiah Kionis, calling him a strong ambassador for the division.
“He gets the job done and he promotes the sport really well.”
But he also made it clear that he would love to see Kionis down the line.
Message to Dante Smiley
Hunter closed with a respectful message to his opponent.
He wants a fight.
He wants to be tested.
And after it is over, he wants to share a drink.
“Hopefully we have a great time on Friday. After that, whatever happens, happens and we’re gonna drink after.”
At Power Slap 20, Hunter Hassanin is not just trying to stay undefeated.
He is trying to make himself impossible to ignore.