Anthony Kiing DeFrank is speaking out.
Following one of the most controversial moments of Power Slap 21 during International Fight Week, DeFrank addressed everything—from the disputed defensive position and his decision to walk off the stage to the arm injury that left him competing through serious pain.
While social media has been filled with speculation, DeFrank believes fans haven’t heard the full story.
“The Energy Just Felt Off”
According to DeFrank, something didn’t feel right from the moment he walked onto the stage.
After landing his opening strike—which he believes would have been perfect had his opponent not flinched—everything quickly unraveled.
During his second strike, DeFrank says he suffered a serious injury.
“I broke my arm, and then the tendonitis in my hand as well.”
The injury immediately affected his ability to continue.
When he attempted to place his arm behind his back for defense, he says the pain became unbearable.
“As soon as I went behind my back, I felt it immediately.”
The Defensive Position Controversy
The biggest point of frustration for DeFrank wasn’t simply the injury.
It was the way officials handled his defensive posture.
According to DeFrank, he specifically addressed the issue with referee Mark Smith during the rules meeting before the event.
He says he made his position perfectly clear.
“If you try to put my chin in the air… I will walk off that stage.”
When officials attempted to reposition him during the match, DeFrank followed through.
“Exactly what he did… I walked right the f*** off.”
After competing in five Power Slap matches without issue, DeFrank couldn’t understand why his defense suddenly became a problem.
Was Power Slap Changing The Standard?
DeFrank believes the situation wasn’t isolated to his fight.
He says he noticed officials adjusting multiple competitors’ defensive positions throughout the event.
“I’ve seen them do it to a bunch of people.”
In his opinion, the promotion appeared to be encouraging competitors to expose their chins more.
“They’re trying to get more of those viral clips.”
That perception only added to his frustration once he found himself in the middle of the controversy.
The Injury That Changed Everything
Although fans saw DeFrank wearing a sling afterward, he explained just how serious the injury felt in real time.
Simply holding the defensive stick behind his back became painful.
“Holding the stick behind my back alone was f***ing killing me.”
After leaving the stage, he says he could barely use his right arm.
The damage, according to DeFrank, extended well beyond his wrist.
“The Shot Was Perfect”
Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the night for DeFrank was that he believes his striking accuracy had finally reached another level.
He says the opening strike was exactly where he wanted it.
“That was perfectly on the money.”
The only reason it missed, according to him, was because his opponent flinched.
That movement forced him to adjust before suffering the injury on the second attempt.
Now, DeFrank worries fans only remember the broken arm instead of the improvements he had made.
“That shot was f***ing money.”
What Happened After The Walk-Off?
Following the initial disqualification ruling, DeFrank returned to his corner, where officials—including Carrie Hatley—attempted to discuss his defensive position.
Even then, DeFrank says his corner didn’t believe his chin position was illegal.
According to him, coach Manny Muniz agreed his posture was acceptable, suggesting only minor shoulder adjustments rather than raising his chin.
That disagreement only reinforced DeFrank’s belief that he was being judged differently than previous competitors.
Walking Out To A Chorus Of Boos
As DeFrank exited the arena, fans reacted loudly.
Rather than ignore the crowd, he embraced the moment.
“The crowd just was not f***ing with me.”
His now-viral exit quickly spread across social media.
Looking back, DeFrank admits emotions got the better of him.
But he also laughed about one missed opportunity.
“I should’ve threw my jersey.”
Will He Return To Power Slap?
For now, DeFrank says everything depends on his recovery.
The injury extends from his wrist through his back, creating ongoing pain that continues to affect him.
Interestingly, he says Conor McGregor mentioned similar injuries are often seen in professional baseball pitchers because of the rotational movement involved.
If his body heals properly, DeFrank says he’d gladly return.
“I’ll definitely be back to Power Slap.”
However, he also made one thing clear.
If he feels the same defensive issues arise again, he isn’t willing to continue under those circumstances.
Other Combat Sports Could Be Next
If a Power Slap return doesn’t happen, DeFrank already has other ideas.
He says he’s long been interested in MMA and boxing, believing his personality naturally fits combat sports.
Outside the cage, he also plans to continue pursuing comedy and entertainment.
With experience ranging from rap music to viral online content, DeFrank isn’t short on options.
Hospital Frustrations
Another issue that surprised DeFrank came after the event.
Despite clearly injuring his arm, he claims he wasn’t immediately sent to the hospital.
Instead, he says he repeatedly contacted officials before eventually receiving medical attention while still in Las Vegas.
Once he returned home, worsening back pain forced him to seek additional treatment on his own.
Not Cut From Power Slap
One rumor DeFrank quickly addressed involved his future with the promotion.
According to him, despite the controversy, he has not been released by Power Slap.
He also revealed he had a positive conversation with Justin Bernard following the event and said there is no bad blood between them.
For now, he’s waiting to see what opportunity comes next.
Anthony Kiing DeFrank Wants Another Chance
Power Slap 21 didn’t end the way Anthony Kiing DeFrank envisioned.
Instead of discussing a victory, the conversation centered around officiating, injuries, and one of the most controversial exits in recent Power Slap history.
Still, DeFrank insists his story isn’t over.
If his arm and back recover fully—and if the circumstances are right—he plans on returning to prove that the performance everyone remembers wasn’t the injury.
It was the strike that almost landed perfectly.