Power Slap 18 will feature a rare matchup between two Canadians when Dakota McGregor takes on Vince Tracy in the lightweight division on March 6.
For McGregor, the fight carries extra meaning. Not only is it an important matchup for the 155-pound rankings, but it also pits him against someone he considers a friend outside the sport.
Still, once they step onto the stage, friendship takes a backseat.
“Me and him are boys, but I plan on taking that momentum.”
Dakota McGregor Looking to Bounce Back
McGregor enters the matchup after a tough run against lightweight champion Robert Trujillo, where he faced one of the division’s toughest tests early in his career.
Despite the setbacks, McGregor remains confident that his experience has only made him better.
“It’s time for a win.”
While Tracy climbed the ladder with several victories, McGregor was thrown directly into the deep end against the division’s top competitor.
“I got pushed to the champion immediately.”
That experience, he believes, prepared him for whatever comes next.
Vince Tracy’s Impressive 4–0 Record
Vince Tracy enters Power Slap 18 undefeated with a 4–0 record, having defeated:
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Dominic Melendez
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Rod Olave
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Tyler Gross
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Andrew Fields
While Tracy built his record fighting at 170 pounds, he’s now making the move down to 155 pounds, which adds an interesting variable to the matchup.
McGregor hopes Tracy’s weight cut goes smoothly but knows it could affect performance.
“I hope it doesn’t affect him too much.”
Canadian vs. Canadian: Friendly Fire
The matchup marks what may be the first all-Canadian fight in Power Slap history.
And unlike many matchups fueled by rivalries, this one comes with mutual respect.
“Me and Vince are actually good friends outside of this.”
Still, once the competitors step onto the podium, the stakes are clear.
Training Alone on Canada’s East Coast
McGregor faces a unique challenge when preparing for fights.
Living on the East Coast of Canada, he doesn’t have access to a community of slap fighters or specialized coaches nearby.
“No one knows the sport like I do on this island.”
Instead, McGregor trains mostly on his own, occasionally relying on a couple of friends to help him practice defense.
“They’ll crack me with the noodle.”
Despite the limited resources, McGregor has embraced the challenge and continues to refine his skills independently.
Dakota McGregor Believes He’ll Test Vince Tracy’s Chin
When asked what he brings to the fight that Tracy hasn’t seen yet, McGregor didn’t hesitate.
He believes his power will push Tracy further than any of his previous opponents.
“I think I’m going to test his chin harder than anyone has yet.”
Tracy has taken heavy shots from four previous opponents, but McGregor believes his strike will be the toughest test yet.
Staying Focused on the Goal
Outside of work and family, McGregor admits he spends a significant amount of time thinking about Power Slap.
But he believes that dedication is necessary to succeed.
“Sometimes I look at this and think, do I focus on slap too much?”
For McGregor, the answer is simple: the sport keeps him focused, motivated, and healthy.
“It keeps me goal-oriented.”
What a Win Would Mean
With the lightweight division still developing, McGregor sees this fight as a major opportunity.
A victory over Tracy could put him back at the top of the 155-pound contender list, especially with roster changes impacting the rankings.
“If I win, I’ll be number one.”
From there, he’s ready for whoever the promotion puts in front of him next.
A Lightweight Division Looking for Momentum
One of the ongoing questions in Power Slap has been the limited number of lightweight matchups compared to heavier divisions.
McGregor says even he isn’t sure why.
“I really don’t know.”
But he hopes new fighters will continue entering the division and building the competition at 155 pounds.
March 6: A Defining Fight for Dakota McGregor
The matchup between Dakota McGregor and Vince Tracy represents more than just a fight between friends.
It’s a key moment for the lightweight division and a chance for McGregor to reclaim momentum in his Power Slap career.
And when the two Canadians meet on the stage in Las Vegas, respect will be set aside — at least for a few rounds.
“I’m just here to win.”