By Slap News | April 2025
Nine pounds, eight ounces. Born two months premature, Zak Lansing entered the world already making a statement.
Fast forward 27 years, and Lansing just wrapped up the Power Slap Combine in Las Vegas—turning heads not only with his size and strength, but with his story of survival, grit, and purpose.
“I haven’t felt this good in over ten years,” he told Slap News. “This whole experience woke up something in me. I’m dialed in.”
Heavyweight With Heart
At 375 pounds and hailing from Manchester, New Hampshire, Zak is built for Power Slap’s super heavyweight division. But behind the mass and muscle lies a life forged in adversity.
Diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy, a chronic kidney disease, Lansing was once a Make-A-Wish kid—flown out to Las Vegas to meet Dana White, Cain Velasquez, BJ Penn, Ronda Rousey, and the stars of the UFC.
“I used to feel guilty even being eligible for Make-A-Wish. I wasn’t dying… but I was in the hospital constantly, getting blood drawn, on meds every day,” Zak recalls. “The UFC made me feel like a star. And now? I want to earn that spot in Power Slap, for real.”
Pro Athlete Mentality
The Combine didn’t just reawaken his competitive fire—it changed the way Zak approaches everything.
“I’m training like a pro athlete now. I’m focused on my diet. I’m tracking my protein. I’m in the gym six days a week. My elbows are sore, but I don’t care. This is what I’ve waited for my whole life.”
He’s already become a fan favorite on social media, with messages flooding in from fighters, coaches, and even old friends from his hometown.
And the ink? Every tattoo tells a chapter.
“My first tattoo was at 14. I was in the hospital and made a deal with my mom—if I made it out, I’d get inked. I did. And she took me to Vermont to get it. That tattoo is my reminder of where I came from.”
On his back? A full Odin piece—a nod to his warrior mentality.
Technique + Torque
Zak impressed all three Combine coaches, including Wolverine, Robert Trujillo, and Anthony Blackburn. But it was Mark Smith—the Nevada State Athletic Commission rep and referee—who dialed in his footwork.
“When you’re 375 pounds trying to generate torque without lifting your feet, that’s a whole different challenge. But they helped me get it. I’ve already adjusted how I train.”
A Message for Dana White
Zak’s not shy about his dreams—and who helped spark them.
“Dana, give me a chance. I’ll prove I belong. We met once before through Make-A-Wish. This time, I want to earn it as a professional. I’ll go through anyone you put in front of me.”
He also had a heartfelt message for Cain Velasquez, who’s currently facing legal challenges.
“Cain, you made a huge impact on my life. You’re carrying yourself with class through a hard time. I’m praying for you and your family.”
Why Zak Lansing Belongs
With a Power Cube strike over 33,000, a neck strength score of 540, and unmatched size in the division, Lansing brings the physicality. But it’s his story—and his mission—that make him a true heavyweight threat.
“I want to be a conqueror. For the kid I used to be in that hospital bed. For my mom. For my nephrologist who saved my life. And for every kid out there going through the same thing—just know, life gets better. You can still chase your dreams.”
Follow Zak Lansing’s Journey
📍 Division: Super Heavyweight
📏 Height: 6’3″
⚖️ Walkaround: 375 lbs
💥 Power Cube: 33,000+
🧠 Neck Strength: 540
📲 Instagram: @zaklansing (example handle, update if needed)
Slap News is proud to spotlight fighters like Zak Lansing—because Power Slap isn’t just about power. It’s about purpose.