Zakir Naimanbayev has quietly become one of the heavyweight division’s most dangerous contenders.
Fresh off an impressive victory over Wes Mena, the Kazakh powerhouse now heads to Power Slap 22 in Serbia, where he will take on Ryan Kenny in another important step toward the top of the heavyweight rankings.
Competing much closer to home than ever before, Naimanbayev believes the shorter travel, an intense new training program, and months of preparation have created the perfect conditions for the best performance of his career.
Competing Closer To Home Gives Zakir A Huge Advantage
One of the biggest differences heading into Power Slap 22 is the location. Rather than making the long trip to the United States, Naimanbayev will be competing in Serbia, only a short flight from Kazakhstan.
The reduced travel means less time spent recovering from jet lag and more time focusing on fight preparation.
“It’ll be very good for me,” Naimanbayev explained. “The flight is much shorter and the time difference is only about two hours.”
For an athlete who has previously needed nearly a week to fully adjust after traveling to the United States, that advantage could prove significant. Instead of worrying about adapting to a completely different time zone, Zakir expects to feel comfortable almost immediately after arriving in Belgrade.
Protecting His Heavyweight Ranking Against Ryan Kenny
Although Ryan Kenny enters the matchup unranked, Naimanbayev isn’t overlooking the opportunity. In fact, he believes the pressure is even greater because he already holds a position in the heavyweight rankings.
“I have to hold my rank,” he said. “I have no choice but to win this one.”
For Zakir, every appearance is about proving he belongs among the division’s elite. A victory keeps him moving toward the top of the heavyweight ladder, while a loss could undo much of the momentum he built with his impressive win over Wes Mena.
That mindset has fueled one of the most focused training camps of his career.
Ryan Kenny Has Earned Zakir’s Respect
Despite the difference in rankings, Naimanbayev has no intention of underestimating Ryan Kenny.
He revealed that he has watched several of Kenny’s matches, seen him compete in person, and believes he’s facing a legitimate challenge.
“I definitely think that he’s a strong guy, a great slap fighter and he’s tough,” Naimanbayev said.
Because of that respect, Zakir approached this training camp with even greater intensity than he did before facing Wes Mena. He believes he’s entering the event stronger, better conditioned and more technically prepared than ever before.
“I’m stronger now. I’m in better shape than I was when I was fighting Wes.”
A Completely New Training System
Since his last Power Slap appearance, Zakir and his coach, Damir, have completely redesigned his training routine.
Previously, much of his preparation centered around building raw strength. Now, every session begins with extensive conditioning before he even touches the weights.
“We start with abs, neck work, push-ups on our fists, wrist training and slapping the metal,” Naimanbayev explained.
Only after completing all of that conditioning does the heavy lifting begin.
The result is a grueling daily schedule that lasts approximately three and a half hours, combining endurance, strength, striking practice and explosive power into a single session.
According to Zakir, the new system has transformed both his conditioning and his confidence.
Building Muscle Without Changing His Weight
Although his overall weight has remained relatively unchanged, Naimanbayev says his body composition has improved dramatically.
He believes the biggest difference is the amount of clean muscle he has added throughout his neck, legs and back—areas that are critical for generating power in slap fighting.
“My neck is much bigger now,” he said.
He also notices a major difference whenever he trains on the steel striking surface.
“When I slap the metal, I hear that the sound is much deeper.”
To Zakir, that heavier sound is evidence that his strikes now carry considerably more force than before.
Combined with the increased conditioning, he believes his power has reached an entirely new level.
Zakir Believes Fans Will See His Best Version Yet
When asked whether this would be the best version of himself to ever compete inside Power Slap, Naimanbayev didn’t hesitate.
“If everything goes according to my plan, then 100 percent.”
It’s a confident statement, but one backed by months of preparation.
Every aspect of his training camp—from conditioning to strength work, technique and recovery—has been designed to produce the most complete version of the heavyweight contender.
After already establishing himself as one of the division’s hardest hitters, Zakir believes there is still another level to reach.
Serbia Could Help Grow Power Slap Across Eastern Europe
Beyond his own fight, Naimanbayev sees Power Slap 22 as an important event for the entire region.
Hosting both UFC and Power Slap in Serbia demonstrates that major combat sports organizations are expanding further into Eastern Europe, something Zakir hopes will eventually benefit Kazakhstan as well.
“I’m 90 percent sure Kazakhstan is going to follow,” he said.
He believes bringing high-level events closer to countries like Kazakhstan will inspire more athletes, attract more fans and continue growing the sport throughout the region.
For Zakir personally, competing so close to home is another sign that Power Slap is becoming increasingly international.
Respect Before And After The Fight
Unlike many fighters who use interviews to trash talk their opponents, Naimanbayev prefers a different approach.
He made it clear that he has no interest in making threats or trying to create artificial hype before the contest.
“I’ve never been the guy that would threaten someone,” he explained.
Instead, his goal is simple: perform to the best of his ability, represent Kazakhstan proudly and give the fans an exciting heavyweight contest.
After the match, regardless of the result, he expects to shake Ryan Kenny’s hand because, in his eyes, that’s exactly what professional sport is about.
Zakir Naimanbayev Is Ready To Continue His Heavyweight Rise
Following an impressive win over Wes Mena, Zakir Naimanbayev believes everything is lining up for another statement performance at Power Slap 22.
A shorter trip, a completely redesigned training program, improved conditioning and increased muscle have all combined to create what he believes is the strongest version of himself yet.
Ryan Kenny may be standing across the table in Belgrade, but Zakir’s biggest challenge has been pushing himself throughout training camp.
If his preparation translates onto the Power Slap stage, the heavyweight division could soon have another serious title contender closing in on the top of the rankings.