Joe “45” Perez is about to step into the Power Slap spotlight for the first time.
After impressing officials during the December Power Slap combine, Perez has officially earned his debut matchup at Power Slap 18, where he will face Jayden Schultz on March 6.
For Perez, the opportunity represents more than just a fight — it’s a moment built on preparation, family inspiration, and a chance to prove he belongs.
“I’m 100 percent confident and ready.”
From Combine to the Big Stage
Perez first caught attention during the Power Slap combine, where competitors showcase their power, durability, and technique.
According to Perez, he never expected to push himself into this type of competition, but the experience opened a new door.
“I never seen myself pushing myself doing this.”
After making an impression at the combine, the call finally came — and now he’s preparing for his official debut against Schultz.
Despite the competitive stakes, Perez says the two fighters already share mutual respect after interacting during training.
“I know my opponent… he’s a good man.”
Living in the Shadow of a Power Slap Star — and Creating His Own Legacy
Perez enters Power Slap with a unique connection to the sport.
His brother is Dorian “DTP” Perez, a well-known name within the Power Slap community.
While that relationship helped introduce him to the sport, Joe Perez wants to make it clear that his journey is his own.
“I don’t want to be known as just Dorian’s brother.”
He believes his work ethic and dedication have earned him the opportunity.
“I have worked my butt off to get here.”
At the same time, he acknowledges how much inspiration and guidance he receives from his younger brother.
“He inspires me a lot.”
Preparing Mentally for Jayden Schultz
Perez already had a feeling he might end up facing Schultz even before the matchup was confirmed.
Both fighters spent time together during training, even hitting pads at the combine. That familiarity adds an interesting dynamic to the fight.
However, Perez says everything changes once they step onto the podium.
“When I step on that platform, my mask comes on.”
In his mind, the fight will be stripped down to its simplest form — just two competitors facing off.
“There ain’t gonna be nobody in the arena… it’s just gonna be me and him.”
Speed vs. Size: Joe Perez’s Strategy
Perez isn’t looking to mirror his brother’s style.
Instead, he believes his advantage comes from speed and technique, describing his striking motion as something close to a slingshot.
“I feel like I have a slingshot of an arm.”
While Schultz may bring size to the matchup, Perez plans to counter it with quickness and accuracy.
His focus in training has been both physical preparation and mental discipline, something he believes will make the difference when the moment arrives.
Fighting for His Four Kids
While Perez wants to win for himself, the real motivation behind his Power Slap debut comes from home.
He’s a father of four children, and they’ve become the biggest reason he pushes himself forward.
“Everything I do is for them.”
According to Perez, his kids are already huge Power Slap fans — largely because of their uncle Dorian.
Now that their father is stepping onto the stage himself, their excitement has only grown.
“My three-year-old talks about Power Slap all the time.”
Perez says just stepping onto the stage already feels like a victory — but he wants to bring a win home for them.
Dorian “DTP” Perez Will Be in His Corner
One familiar face Perez hopes to see in Las Vegas is his brother, Dorian.
Although the logistics are still being worked out, Perez is confident DTP will find a way to be there.
“If you get yourself in there, it will mean a lot to me.”
Beyond emotional support, Dorian has already been helping Joe prepare for everything that comes with a Power Slap fight week — from stage presence to dealing with the rules and pressure of the moment.
But the most important advice he’s given?
“Just be yourself.”
Respect Before the Fight — But Not During
Despite the respect between Perez and Schultz, Perez knows that once the match begins, the tone changes.
Still, he kept his message to Schultz respectful.
“All respect to you. I love you, brother.”
That respect won’t stop the competition once they meet at the podium.
Perez knows Schultz is training hard — and promises he will be ready as well.
“I’ll be ready.”
A New Face in the Power Slap Family
Joe “45” Perez believes he already belongs in the Power Slap family.
Now he has the chance to prove it in the arena.
With speed, confidence, family motivation, and a familiar mentor in his corner, Perez enters Power Slap 18 determined to make his first appearance count.
And if everything goes according to plan, the Perez name could become even more prominent in the sport.
One brother already made waves.
Now it’s Joe “45” Perez’s turn.