Cedrice Paillant is officially back in Power Slap.
After making a successful debut against James Ready at Power Slap 15, Paillant now returns to continue building on his undefeated record — this time against former Slap Fight Championship super heavyweight champion Casey Stephens.
And while Cedrice remains respectful of the matchup, it is clear he sees this as another opportunity to prove he belongs among the division’s rising names.
“It’s a Great Opportunity”
Paillant spoke confidently about getting another shot on the Power Slap stage.
“It’s a great opportunity. I’m glad to be back and be able to showcase what I can do.”
As for Casey Stephens, Cedrice understands exactly what is in front of him:
- experience
- toughness
- and veteran-level composure
“He’s established. Very established. He’s experienced, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”
Life Between Fights
Unlike many full-time athletes, Cedrice explained that much of his life between events has remained grounded in routine.
Working a regular 9-to-5 job while preparing for competition, he has focused heavily on:
- proper nutrition
- hydration
- strength training
- recovery
- and film study
“Just clocking in every day and getting ready for this event.”
That blue-collar mentality comes through naturally when he talks.
Studying the Sport Obsessively
One of the more impressive revelations from the interview was how seriously Cedrice has taken the technical side of Power Slap since his debut.
According to him:
“I probably watched my match over a thousand times.”
Literally.
He has spent the months since Power Slap 15:
- studying his own tape
- analyzing other competitors
- breaking down successful techniques
- and refining his mechanics
As a former football player, film study is already embedded into how he approaches competition.
And it shows.
Bigger Than Before
Cedrice also revealed that he is intentionally adding weight heading into this matchup.
At Power Slap 15, he competed around 360 pounds.
Now?
He wants to enter closer to 380.
“I feel like I retain most of my speed from previously, and I also feel like I’m way stronger now.”
That balance between size, power, and athleticism is still something he is learning in real time.
Interestingly, he mentioned he played football around 310 pounds, meaning even his previous Power Slap appearance was significantly heavier than his athletic playing weight.
Breaking Down Casey Stephens
Cedrice has clearly studied Casey Stephens closely.
What stood out most to him:
- Stephens’ durability
- his defensive composure
- and his fast striking mechanics
“Defensively he’s very stout. He has a good chin.”
He specifically referenced Casey’s ability to absorb Kalani Vakameilalo’s power while still firing back effectively.
That respect is there.
But so is confidence.
The Super Heavyweight Division Is Growing
Paillant also spoke highly of where the super heavyweight division is headed overall.
According to him, the division is beginning to deepen with:
- more experienced competitors
- larger athletes entering the sport
- and more entertaining matchups developing naturally
And honestly, he may quietly be one of the division’s most intriguing prospects.
At nearly 380 pounds with football athleticism and a clear commitment to technical improvement, there is legitimate upside there.
The Key to Victory
When asked what he needs to improve most, Cedrice’s answer was straightforward:
- more accuracy
- better weight transfer into the strike
- cleaner defensive mechanics
“I could take the hits, but just refine the technique.”
That level of self-awareness is important for a newer athlete.
Especially in a division where raw power alone is rarely enough long term.
“Let’s Go Out There and Slug It Out”
Cedrice kept his message to Casey Stephens respectful and simple:
“Let’s do it. Let’s go out there and put on a show. I’m excited. I hope you’re excited. Let’s go out there and slug it out.”
No fake animosity.
No forced trash talk.
Just two massive heavyweights preparing to test themselves.
And for Cedrice Paillant, this feels like another important step toward becoming a real factor in the division.