Hunter Hassanin has quickly become one of Power Slap’s fastest-rising middleweight contenders.
Now holding a 3-0 record, highlighted by a devastating knockout of Dante Smiley, Hassanin faces the biggest challenge of his young career when he meets Keali’i “The Chief” Kanekoa at Power Slap 21 during International Fight Week.
With title implications hanging in the balance, Hassanin believes this is the opportunity that could change everything.
A Huge Opportunity During International Fight Week
For Hassanin, competing on back-to-back Power Slap cards is already a blessing.
Doing it during International Fight Week makes it even bigger.
And standing across the table from a respected veteran like Kanekoa only adds to the excitement.
“What more can you ask for?”
Hassanin understands exactly what this matchup represents.
A chance to prove he belongs among the division’s elite.
One Win Away From Title Contention
With Stunt Marshall facing Isaih Quinones for the middleweight championship on the same card, Hassanin knows a victory over Kanekoa could put him next in line.
It’s something he’s thought about throughout camp.
“It’s definitely came into play.”
Unlike his Power Slap debut, when he accepted the opportunity on short notice, this camp has been completely different.
“Now it’s constant work.”
Everything has been focused on maximizing this opportunity.
Preparing For A Veteran
Kanekoa brings years of experience across multiple combat sports.
That’s something Hassanin has taken seriously throughout camp.
Fortunately, this time he has plenty of footage to study.
“I have enough film.”
Instead of entering the matchup with uncertainty, Hassanin has carefully analyzed Kanekoa’s offensive and defensive tendencies.
That preparation has allowed him to approach this fight with greater confidence.
From Watching The Chief To Fighting Him
One moment during the interview perfectly captured how quickly Hassanin’s career has progressed.
As he discussed the matchup, he briefly stopped himself, almost overwhelmed by the reality of the situation.
“It’s so surreal.”
Not long ago, he was watching Kanekoa compete.
Now they’re sharing the Power Slap stage.
“I’m going against someone I used to watch.”
For Hassanin, it’s another reminder of just how far he’s come in a short amount of time.
Expecting The Best Version Of Kanekoa
Although Kanekoa has been away from competition, Hassanin isn’t expecting ring rust.
Instead, he believes the layoff has only fueled his opponent’s motivation.
“His drive is just to attack.”
Hassanin expects an aggressive version of “The Chief” looking to reclaim his place near the top of the division.
Rather than fearing that challenge, he embraces it.
His goal remains the same.
Stay composed.
Stay present.
Execute.
Don’t Expect The Judges
Neither man has built a reputation for lengthy decisions.
Hassanin expects this fight to continue that trend.
“We’re trying to get this done in one.”
Both athletes possess legitimate knockout power.
Both actively hunt finishes.
And both understand what’s at stake.
Hassanin believes the fans are about to witness one of the most explosive matchups on the card.
The Coin Toss Doesn’t Change His Mindset
Many fans believe the coin toss could determine the outcome when two heavy hitters collide.
Hassanin sees things differently.
For him, the coin toss is primarily a mental battle.
“I don’t lose the coin toss.”
Whether he wins or loses the toss, he refuses to let it affect his mindset.
Could striking first matter?
Absolutely.
But mentally, Hassanin believes he enters every fight on equal footing.
Appreciating The Journey
During the conversation, Hassanin reflected on just how quickly everything has happened.
It feels like yesterday that he signed up following UFC 300.
Just eleven days later, he was competing on Road to the Title.
Now, less than two years later, he’s fighting during International Fight Week on one of Power Slap’s biggest cards.
“It’s just so surreal.”
For Hassanin, the speed of his rise hasn’t taken away his appreciation for the journey.
If anything, it’s made him even more grateful.
Staying Grounded Under The Bright Lights
As the spotlight continues to grow, Hassanin doesn’t believe pressure will become an issue.
He understands nerves are natural.
But he also believes mental preparation separates successful competitors from everyone else.
“You gotta go into this mentally correct.”
No matter how large the stage becomes, Hassanin plans to stay grounded and trust the preparation that brought him here.
Visualizing The Knockout
When asked what it would take to finish Kanekoa early, Hassanin gave a simple answer.
“I hit him on the cheek with every fibre in my being.”
He’s already visualizing the moment.
Every strike.
Every movement.
Every possible scenario.
At the same time, he understands execution remains the most important part.
“Keep everything legal.”
If he lands cleanly, he believes the finish will come.
Respect Before The Fight
Despite the high stakes, Hassanin has nothing but respect for Kanekoa.
Rather than trash talking, he invited “The Chief” to help put on an unforgettable show.
“Let’s give them a barn burner.”
He smiled throughout the interview discussing the opportunity.
Facing one of the division’s most respected veterans isn’t something he takes lightly.
It’s something he’s genuinely excited about.
Hunter Hassanin Is Ready For The Biggest Test Of His Career
Every undefeated fighter eventually reaches a defining moment.
For Hunter Hassanin, that moment arrives at Power Slap 21.
A victory over Keali’i Kanekoa would not only preserve his perfect record—it could launch him directly into the middleweight title conversation.
With confidence, preparation, and a rapidly growing reputation as one of Power Slap’s most dangerous finishers, Hassanin believes he’s ready to prove he belongs among the division’s very best.
Now all that’s left is stepping onto the stage and delivering.