Adnan Alic is preparing to make his Power Slap debut in front of a home crowd when he faces George Tomic at Power Slap 22 in Belgrade, Serbia.
The experienced combat sports athlete has competed across multiple disciplines, including MMA, but slap fighting represents an entirely new challenge. Alic has wanted the opportunity to test himself in the sport for some time, and he could not have imagined a more meaningful setting for his first appearance.
With Power Slap arriving in Serbia for a historic European event, Alic plans to use the moment as the beginning of a serious run through the heavyweight division. He is not simply looking to experience the sport once. He wants quick victories, a place in the rankings and an eventual championship opportunity.
Power Slap 22 Fulfils A Dream For Adnan Alic
Alic had been waiting for the opportunity to compete in Power Slap, but making his debut in his home country has made the moment even more significant.
“I’m happy because I waited for this so much,” Alic said. “It’s in my country, and Power Slap is like my dream.”
Having already competed in several forms of combat sports, Alic was searching for a new test. Slap fighting offered something different from the disciplines he had previously experienced, combining raw power, composure and the ability to absorb an opponent’s best strike without defending traditionally.
The chance to explore that challenge in Serbia was impossible for him to reject.
“I fought in many disciplines before this, but slap fighting is something I wanted to try,” he explained.
MMA Experience Could Help Alic Adapt
Alic understands that MMA and slap fighting are fundamentally different sports.
Inside an MMA contest, athletes can move, block, wrestle and respond immediately after being struck. Power Slap requires a competitor to remain stationary and accept a clean strike before getting the opportunity to answer.
Even so, Alic believes his combat background will give him an advantage.
“MMA can help, and also my experience from before,” he said. “I’ve been punched or kicked in the head many times.”
Years of competition have taught Alic how to remain calm under pressure and continue performing after absorbing damage. Those qualities could prove valuable when he steps onto the Power Slap stage for the first time.
He admits that nobody can fully know how they will react until they receive a legal slap in competition, but he remains confident that his toughness will translate.
“Slap is something new, so we will see,” Alic said. “But I think it will be okay.”
Serbian Fans Are Becoming More Interested In Slap Fighting
Alic has watched attitudes toward slap fighting begin to change in Serbia.
When people first encounter the sport, reactions can range from fascination to disbelief. Some immediately enjoy it, while others question whether it should be taken seriously.
“Everybody says, ‘Maybe this is good, maybe it is not good,’” Alic said.
Despite those mixed initial reactions, he believes curiosity is growing rapidly. Many people now want to attend Power Slap 22 and experience the sport live rather than judging it through isolated clips online.
Alic expects the event in Belgrade to create new fans and help Power Slap establish a stronger presence across the region.
“Many people want to see this live,” he explained. “I think this sport has a good future and will become more popular.”
Alic’s Friends Initially Thought He Was Crazy
When Alic announced that he would compete at Power Slap 22, the people closest to him were not surprised by his willingness to accept an unusual challenge.
Their first reaction was still blunt.
“They said, ‘Bro, you are not normal,’” Alic joked.
His friends, relatives and training partners know that he is constantly searching for new tests. Competing in Power Slap fits the fearless approach that has defined his athletic career.
Once the initial surprise passed, those around him recognised the size of the opportunity.
Power Slap is the largest slap-fighting promotion in the world, and the event will take place during a major combat sports week in Serbia. Alic sees the matchup as an important moment not only for himself but also for the people who have supported him throughout his career.
“It’s a very big story for me, my friends and my family,” he said.
George Tomic Does Not Intimidate Alic
Alic has studied enough of George Tomic to understand the opponent standing across from him, but he is not approaching the matchup with fear.
He has faced accomplished athletes in other sports and does not believe reputations should influence the way he competes.
“For me, there is no problem,” Alic said. “I will fight any opponent in any discipline.”
That confidence has carried directly into his prediction for Power Slap 22.
Alic does not view Tomic as a threat beyond anything he has encountered before. While he acknowledged that slap fighting contains unknowns, he expects to control the matchup once competition begins.
“I think I will win very, very easily,” Alic said.
Alic Has Already Set His Sights On The Heavyweight Elite
Power Slap 22 will also feature a major heavyweight matchup between reigning champion Damien Dibbell and Dorian Perez.
Alic is excited to share the card with two of the best competitors in the division and witness their matchup in person.
He did not offer a firm prediction, instead acknowledging that either man could win.
“I think it will be a good fight,” Alic said. “I don’t know who will win this time.”
His interest in the matchup goes beyond being a spectator. Alic already sees both men as possible future opponents if his debut unfolds as expected.
After defeating Tomic, he intends to begin pursuing the athletes at the top of the heavyweight division.
“After my first win, I will be coming for those guys,” Alic said. “I will be champion very soon.”
Power Slap Is More Than A One-Fight Experiment
Some crossover athletes enter slap fighting simply to test themselves once or collect a memorable experience.
Alic has much larger ambitions.
He wants to remain active, build momentum quickly and move toward a championship opportunity without wasting time.
“I want a few very fast fights and fast wins,” Alic said. “Then I want to fight for the belt very soon.”
That path will require more than confidence. Alic will need to demonstrate legal striking technique, accuracy, defensive durability and the ability to handle the pressure of Power Slap’s competitive format.
He believes his broader combat sports background has already prepared him mentally for that journey.
A convincing victory over Tomic would give Alic the first result he needs to begin turning his championship claims into a realistic goal.
Alic Sends A Respectful Warning To George Tomic
Despite predicting an easy victory, Alic did not direct any personal hostility toward his opponent.
His final message to Tomic focused on health, preparation and ensuring that both competitors reach the stage without injury.
“I wish you good luck, the best and good health,” Alic said.
The respect ended when discussing the outcome.
“But I will win.”
That balance reflects Alic’s approach to the matchup. He does not need to dislike Tomic to believe he will defeat him. Once they step onto the Power Slap stage, his focus will be on making the strongest possible first impression.
Adnan Alic Plans To Announce Himself In Belgrade
Power Slap 22 gives Adnan Alic the ideal setting for his debut.
He will compete in his home country, in front of fans who are experiencing a major Power Slap event for the first time, with the heavyweight champion and other leading contenders appearing on the same card.
Alic understands that slap fighting presents challenges he has never encountered before. His MMA experience cannot guarantee that he will absorb Tomic’s strike or deliver his own without committing a foul.
What he does possess is confidence built through years of combat sports competition and a willingness to confront unfamiliar tests.
Alic is not entering Power Slap simply to participate. He expects to defeat George Tomic, secure more fights and quickly establish himself as a future challenger to Damien Dibbell’s heavyweight championship.
His first opportunity to prove those claims will come in Belgrade.