Power Slap President Frank Lamicella had high praise for the promotion’s first-ever road event, calling Power Slap 14 in New Orleans the most successful show to date.
“We say this every time, but this one truly felt like our best event so far,” Frank said at the post-event press conference. “The crowd was loud, engaged, and really getting to know these athletes. You could feel it.”
A Sellout Crowd and Influencer Energy
New Orleans showed out in full force. The event was a complete sellout, hosted in the largest venue Power Slap has ever used, with posters plastered around the city and a heavy influencer presence filling the stands.
“From betting personalities to college sports influencers, they were all here,” Frank said. “It’s part of our strategy—and now people are reaching out to us asking to come. It’s working.”
Bonus Winners and Knockout Highlights
Rob Trujillo earned the $10,000 Crypto.com Performance Bonus, while Godfrey, Manu, Turp Daddy Slim, and DeBell also received performance bonuses. With five knockouts on the night, Frank praised the depth of talent—even if they weren’t yet the sport’s biggest names.
“It was good to get people like Turp back. Zakir continues to shine. Our champs were dominant. The night had everything,” Frank said.
The Return of Turp Daddy Slim
One of the most talked-about moments of the night was the return—and viral performance—of Turp Daddy Slim.
“He brings the energy. He’s exactly what we want up there,” Frank said. “He’s had some weight issues, but I told him directly—it’s time to fix that. When he’s dialed in, he’s electric.”
The Rise of Zakir and the International Push
Zakir Zhanibekov impressed again with another first-round knockout, cementing himself as one of the most dangerous strikers on the roster.
“He might be the most powerful guy we have. He just needs to fine-tune his technique,” Frank noted. “He stayed in the U.S. to train this time and it’s paying off.”
Zakir is now firmly in the conversation for a heavyweight title shot, and Frank confirmed he’s at the top of the contender list.
Roadmap Ahead: Power Slap 15, 16, and Beyond
Frank confirmed that Power Slap 15 will return to Vegas in October at Fontainebleau, with Power Slap 16 scheduled for Abu Dhabi shortly after. More events could be added before year’s end.
“We’ll be doing 2026 scheduling next week. California, Texas, Florida—big markets are coming,” Frank said. “Traveling the show is key for growth.”
He also addressed the potential of a women’s title belt being added in the near future but offered no confirmation.
Division Recaps and Title Implications
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Rob Trujillo will remain at lightweight for now, but his dominance is undeniable.
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DeBell is 7-0 with all finishes and is seen as a future cornerstone of the sport.
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McKinney continues to impress in super heavyweight, bringing athleticism and charisma to the roster.
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Darren Godfrey made a strong case for a title shot, but Frank said they’ll wait until Quinones vs. Bordeaux 3 plays out.
On Rule Enforcement and Fighter Safety
Frank praised the officiating team for navigating high-speed slaps and the tight margins of legality.
“We’ve built a solid rule set. The refs do a phenomenal job. If it’s egregious, it gets called. If it’s close, they manage it well.”
He also acknowledged the importance of fighter corners, applauding Anthony Blackburn for calming his teammate Dakota post-fight.
Power Slap 14 wasn’t just a win in the cage—it was a win for the brand. From sold-out crowds and influencer buzz to breakout performances and future title implications, the roadshow model proved it can work. With October and Abu Dhabi on deck, Power Slap’s momentum is undeniable.