Keali’i “The Chief” Kanekoa is back.
After an extended layoff, one of Power Slap’s most explosive finishers returns during International Fight Week to face rising contender Hunter Hassanin at Power Slap 21.
With two heavy-handed middleweights colliding, Kanekoa doesn’t believe the judges will have any role to play.
In his mind, there’s only one outcome.
A knockout.
The Chief Is Back For One Reason
Time away from competition hasn’t changed Kanekoa’s mindset.
If anything, it’s strengthened it.
He believes the middleweight division has been waiting for his return, and he’s coming back with one goal.
Domination.
“No one can stand in front of me and handle the power that I deliver.”
Kanekoa plans to make a run through the middleweight division before eventually dropping back down to welterweight for another championship pursuit.
His confidence hasn’t faded during the layoff.
It’s only grown.
Violence With Purpose
Throughout the interview, Kanekoa repeatedly described why combat sports continue to motivate him.
For him, violence isn’t simply about hurting opponents.
It’s about self-discovery.
“I love violence… in a way where it’s sophisticated.”
He believes every elite opponent teaches him something about himself as both a martial artist and a competitor.
Each fight becomes another lesson.
Another opportunity to grow.
And another chance to prove he belongs among the very best.
Respecting Hunter Hassanin
Despite his confidence, Kanekoa isn’t overlooking Hunter Hassanin.
He made it clear that Hunter deserves respect as an opponent.
“Hunter is not a person to sleep on.”
While Kanekoa fully expects to win, he acknowledged Hassanin’s professionalism and understands that every fight inside Power Slap demands complete focus.
“May the best man win.”
For Kanekoa, respect and confidence can coexist.
The Path To A Title Shot
With movement happening throughout the middleweight and welterweight divisions, Kanekoa sees a clear opportunity ahead.
Whether it’s Stunt Marshall, Isaih Quinones, or another contender holding the belt, he believes the future champion will eventually have to face him.
“Whoever wins… they have to face me.”
He isn’t chasing names.
He believes everyone else is eventually going to have to chase him.
Why Hunter Makes The Perfect Opponent
One of the most unique storylines surrounding this matchup is the connection between Kanekoa, his brother, and Hassanin.
Kanekoa revealed that his own brother has been working with Hunter, teaching him some of the same principles and techniques that Kanekoa introduced years ago.
Rather than viewing that as a disadvantage, he embraces it.
“I’m competing against myself.”
To him, facing someone who has learned from his own system represents the ultimate challenge.
It’s an opportunity to measure how effective his own approach truly is.
Fighting A Reflection Of Himself
Kanekoa believes his brother is helping Hunter become a better athlete.
That doesn’t concern him.
In fact, he welcomes it.
“I’m going against the best version of myself.”
Rather than worrying about giving away secrets, Kanekoa believes stronger opponents only force him to elevate his own performance.
Every improvement Hunter makes simply raises the level of competition.
And that’s exactly what Kanekoa wants.
Breaking Down Hunter Hassanin
After studying Hassanin’s performances, Kanekoa sees plenty of potential.
But he also sees several weaknesses.
According to Kanekoa, Hunter still isn’t maximizing his physical abilities.
“He lacks intensity.”
He also believes Hassanin isn’t generating the full amount of power available to him.
“He kinda shorts himself from that power.”
While Kanekoa respects Hunter’s personality and professionalism, he doesn’t believe the current version of Hassanin poses a serious threat.
“I am the threat.”
A Fight Built On Mutual Respect
Although Kanekoa is known for his larger-than-life personality, he made it clear this isn’t a personal rivalry.
In fact, he praised Hunter for the way he carries himself.
Unlike some competitors, Kanekoa views Hassanin as genuine.
He appreciates that Hunter’s motivation centers around providing for his family.
It’s something Kanekoa relates to.
“He just wants to put food on the table for his family.”
Kanekoa says he fights for something even bigger.
“I put food on the table for my village.”
International Fight Week Brings Bigger Stakes
Returning during International Fight Week only adds to the excitement.
Kanekoa believes the stage matches the magnitude of the matchup.
With thousands of fans watching and title implications hanging over the contest, he expects both athletes to deliver an unforgettable performance.
“It’s gonna be a hell of a match.”
The spotlight doesn’t intimidate him.
It motivates him.
A Message For Hunter Hassanin
As the interview concluded, Kanekoa left Hassanin with one final message.
Enjoy the experience.
Compete with everything you’ve got.
But understand exactly who’s standing across the table.
“You haven’t faced someone like me.”
Kanekoa isn’t interested in simply winning.
He’s chasing something much bigger.
“I’m not here to take part. I’m here to take over.”
Keali’i Kanekoa Believes The Middleweight Division Is His
The middleweight division has continued moving while Kanekoa has been away.
Now he’s back to remind everyone why he became one of the most dangerous names in Power Slap.
Armed with elite combat sports experience, unwavering confidence, and devastating knockout power, “The Chief” believes his return marks the beginning of another championship run.
If he’s right, Hunter Hassanin won’t just be another opponent.
He’ll simply be the next obstacle standing in the way of Kanekoa reclaiming his place at the top of the division.