LAS VEGAS — Brian “B” Ellis has waited nearly a year to get back to the Power Slap stage — and this time, the Texan powerhouse says fans are about to see a completely different animal. Set to face Ro Montaña at Power Slap 17 in Saudi Arabia, Ellis isn’t just looking for redemption — he’s hunting for a knockout.
“Man, you’re all gonna see something you haven’t seen yet,” Ellis told Slap News. “That last loss woke me up. It made me take this as serious as I should’ve been the whole time.”
Refocused, Rebuilt, and Ready
After falling to Aaron Turner, Ellis admits he needed that humbling moment to reset. Now, the veteran says he’s sharpened every part of his game — physically, mentally, and technically.
“I’ve been on my end getting everything together, letting distractions go away, getting my mind and body right for this match,” Ellis said.
That focus has led to major improvements in both offense and defense. The Texan revealed he’s put special emphasis on core strength and striking efficiency — and he’s proud of a stat most fans don’t even know.
“I’m the only one in Power Slap with a knockout using both hands,” Ellis noted. “Ryan Phillips told me I should talk about that more — so here it is. Both hands are ready for this one. Ro’s gonna get punished.”
Studying the Best to Become the Best
Ellis has also spent months studying the sport’s top strikers, including Power Slap’s reigning champion, Damien Dibbell.
“You gotta watch the best to be the best,” Ellis explained. “I’ve been watching a lot of Damien’s film and creating my own version of his strike.”
The result, Ellis says, is a hybrid of power and precision — something he believes will set him apart from anyone he’s faced before.
A Slap Heard Around the World
For Ellis, traveling to Saudi Arabia represents more than a fight — it’s a career milestone.
“Man, I never imagined I’d be going across the world to slap somebody,” he laughed. “It’s wild. But it’s an amazing opportunity. I haven’t traveled like this since 2014 — I’m just grateful.”
With global eyes on Power Slap 17, Ellis understands this performance could redefine his standing in the division.
“I’ve been in the top ten pretty much the whole time I’ve been in Power Slap,” he said. “But now I want top five. I want a title shot. That’s the goal.”
Respect for Ro — But No Backing Down
Ellis holds respect for his opponent, Ro Montaña, who has competed in both heavyweight and super heavyweight divisions.
“It’s respect all day — I know how tough it is moving up like that,” Ellis said. “It’s gonna be a good matchup.”
But while Montaña is known for his playful energy and dancing walkouts, Ellis says fans shouldn’t expect the same from him.
“I love it — that’s his style,” Ellis smiled. “But me? I’m about business. I don’t dance. I’ll do my celebrating after.”
A Texas Homecoming on His Mind
Looking beyond Saudi Arabia, Ellis hopes a strong performance could earn him a fight back home in Texas.
“That’d be amazing,” he said. “I’ve got so many people here who watch and support me. My kids, my family — if Power Slap came to Texas, it would be special.”
Ellis’ children already follow their dad’s matches closely.
“They love it,” he said. “They watch every fight — I just don’t want them seeing me lose again.”
Learning From the Past
Ellis also owned up to past mistakes — admitting his focus wasn’t where it needed to be before his last bout.
“Man, I’ll be honest,” he said. “I wasn’t taking it serious. I hit a $20,000 jackpot on a slot machine the first night I got to town, and I wasn’t focused that whole week. Not taking anything from Aaron — he’s a great dude — but I just wasn’t locked in.”
This time, the plan is simple: clean technique, no mistakes, and laser focus.
“I just gotta stay clean — no stepping, no clubbing, tighten up my defense,” Ellis said. “Last time I just stood there. This time I’m smart, sharp, and ready.”
“Let’s Give the People What They Want”
When asked for a final message to Ro Montaña, Ellis didn’t hesitate.
“Hey man, let’s get it,” he said. “Let’s give the people what they want to see. You better be ready.”