A Shot at Redemption
Anthony DeFrank is coming back with a vengeance. After falling short against Dakota McGregor at Power Slap X, the New York striker is determined to make a statement at Power Slap XII on March 7 in Las Vegas.
This time, he faces Riley Montoya in a crucial lightweight battle, looking to prove that he belongs at the top of the division.
“This is my redemption. I did lose my last one, and I love Riley, but I’m going in there for decapitation. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. This is strictly business,” DeFrank said.
He’s not taking any chances and plans to leave no doubts about his abilities when he steps up to the podium at Fontainebleau.
Fighting Under the Brightest Lights
While this is DeFrank’s first official live event, he’s no stranger to high-pressure situations.
“The only thing I can compare it to is when my first viral video blew up. I was surrounded by people cheering me on, and that energy made me go ten times harder. Some people crumble under that pressure, but me? I thrive in it.”
The energy of Power Slap’s live crowd will be electric, and DeFrank is ready to use it as fuel to deliver a highlight-reel performance.
Breaking Down Riley Montoya
Riley Montoya enters this fight still searching for his first Power Slap victory. Despite being 0-2, he’s shown durability, toughness, and a strong chin—and DeFrank isn’t underestimating him.
“I know he lost both fights, and he got knocked out. But I’m never going to count anyone out. I know what it’s like to be doubted. He’s got a good chin, but I don’t think anything about his game worries me. I’ve already faced better,” DeFrank stated.
Montoya’s biggest challenge will be dealing with DeFrank’s speed, accuracy, and intensity, while DeFrank will need to be prepared for a fighter desperate to get his first win.
Pressure on the Lightweight Division
The 155-pound division has been in limbo since the conclusion of Road to the Title Season 3.
With no matches in the division since the finale, DeFrank knows that all eyes will be on him and Montoya—especially with the first-ever Power Slap lightweight title being decided on the same night between Dakota McGregor and Robert Trujillo.
“We’re the pioneers of this division. This is a proving ground moment for all of us. We haven’t had the chance to really show what we can do on a live card, and now, we’re going to put this division on the map,” DeFrank emphasized.
A dominant performance could propel him straight into the title conversation, making this fight a must-win situation.
Prediction for the Lightweight Title Fight
DeFrank also weighed in on the co-main event, where his previous opponent Dakota McGregor will battle Robert Trujillo for the first-ever 155-pound title.
“I think McGregor is going to take it, only because Robert hasn’t fought in so long. But Robert is the pioneer of this division, so you can’t count him out. I see this one going deep. If it ends early, it’s Robert. If it goes to later rounds, McGregor takes it,” he predicted.
If McGregor wins, DeFrank could have a clear path to challenging for the belt in the near future.
Message for Riley Montoya
If Montoya is watching, DeFrank has one final message:
“It’s all love, my brother. But when we go up there, it’s strictly business. Decapitation. That’s it.”
Will DeFrank Deliver a Statement at Power Slap XII?
With DeFrank’s hunger for redemption and Montoya’s need to get his first win, this matchup has all the ingredients for an absolute war.
Will DeFrank prove he’s the next big thing in the lightweight division, or will Montoya finally break through with a massive upset?
Find out March 7, live from Fontainebleau in Las Vegas!
🔥 Drop your predictions below! Who takes this one—DeFrank or Montoya?