Luke Simonds once again proved why he is one of the most dangerous strikers in Power Slap, delivering an emphatic knockout victory over Garrett Blakesley at Power Slap XI in Saudi Arabia.
After back-to-back dominant performances, Simonds now finds himself in prime position for a title shot, with the light heavyweight belt officially vacant. Could his next fight be for Power Slap gold?
The KO That Almost Didn’t Happen
Despite his confidence heading into the match, Simonds admitted that Blakesley was a bigger threat than expected.
“On social media, he just looks like a normal guy. But in person, he’s got a big frame. So I’m like, okay, he might put up a fight. But I also knew I could knock him out.”
Simonds initially missed his target on the first slap, forcing him to adjust.
“I was trying to get him knocked out in one, but his chin—finding the angle—was different. I hit a little high and glancing. So I just made my adjustments.”
Once he found his range, it was lights out for Blakesley.
The Aftermath – More Than Just a Fight
Simonds may have walked away with the victory, but he didn’t escape without damage.
“He got me good. On the car ride back to the hotel, I was spaced out. I wasn’t remembering if I won or not. I had to piece it back together like a drunken night out.”
That type of intensity and adversity is what makes Simonds a must-watch fighter in Power Slap.
Bad Blood at the Face-Off – Did It Fuel Simonds?
Blakesley shoved Simonds during the face-off, adding extra heat to an already intense matchup.
“All I said to him was ‘lethal strike inbound’ and then he shoved me. So I was like, how did that make him mad?”
But instead of rattling Simonds, it confirmed what he already knew—Blakesley was feeling the pressure.
“I could tell he was nervous. The highlights I have, the fact that I was going first—it was getting to him.”
What’s Next? A Title Shot Seems Inevitable
With the light heavyweight belt officially vacant after Wolverine defeated Vernon Cathey and retired, Simonds sees a clear path to gold.
“I knew Wolverine was going to win and then vacate the belt. A lot of people doubted that, but I just had a feeling. And now the belt’s open.”
The logical matchup? Simonds vs. Russell Rivero for the vacant championship.
“Terp missed two cards, so I don’t know if they’re going to want to give him a title shot. It just makes the most sense—me vs. Russell.”
With Simonds ranked #4 and Rivero ranked #2, this could be the matchup that determines the next light heavyweight champion.
Final Thoughts – Is Simonds the Next Power Slap Champion?
Luke Simonds has done everything right—knockout victories, highlight-reel moments, and undeniable momentum.
With Vernon Cathey coming off a devastating KO loss, the division is in flux, and Simonds is in the perfect position to capitalize.
Power Slap fans could be one fight away from seeing Luke Simonds crowned as the new light heavyweight king.
Who should Simonds face next? Is a title shot guaranteed? Drop your thoughts below!