The man who needs no introduction is back.
Luke Simonds kicks off the live card at Power Slap 18, opening the prelims in what could quietly become one of the most explosive matchups of the night. Standing across from him? Peter Truchlik, the No. 8 ranked light heavyweight and a dangerous new addition to North America’s slap scene.
For Simonds, this fight is more than just another appearance — it’s a reset.
A Familiar Spotlight: Simonds Opens the Show Again
This will mark the fourth time Luke Simonds starts the live card, a role he embraces.
“I love doing that.”
With a stacked light heavyweight lineup — including Alan Klingbeil vs. Logan Greenhalgh and the title fight between Wolverine and The Crazy Hawaiian — this bout could easily steal attention early.
And Simonds knows it.
Rekindling the Dominant Version of Luke Simonds
There was a time when Simonds looked unstoppable in the early stages of his Power Slap run. Lately, however, he admits some of the setbacks came from within.
“Beating yourself is a lot of it. You gotta be ready mentally, spiritually, physically.”
Reflecting on his matches with Alan Klingbeil, Simonds says the biggest mistake was underestimating the threat.
“If you’re not worried about someone’s power, that’s when you’re most likely to get knocked out.”
That lesson stuck.
Now, he says the focus is on staying hungry — no overlooking opponents, no assuming outcomes.
Peter Truchlik: A Dangerous Unknown?
Truchlik brings international experience, including fights under Slap Fight Championship rules and tournament-style competition overseas.
Simonds wasn’t overly impressed with some of the earlier footage — but Peter’s Power Slap knockout caught his attention.
“He looks like he’s got a similar skill level to me.”
At 5’8”, Truchlik is shorter than most of Simonds’ recent opponents, which adds a strategic wrinkle.
Luke says he’s preparing multiple strike options depending on posture and positioning.
“I’m not going in there with one strike. I have a couple options.”
That adaptability could be key.
The Weight Cut: 25 Pounds to Make Light Heavyweight
Simonds revealed he currently has about 25 pounds to lose ahead of fight night.
He’s done it before — cutting from as high as 225 pounds — and he actually embraces the grind.
“I love the pressure of that. It helps me get locked in.”
Current Training Camp Focus:
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Strength-based lifting early in workouts
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Bodybuilding-style hypertrophy training
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30+ minutes daily StairMaster (working up to an hour)
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Aggressive diet discipline
Simonds believes bulking up in the offseason gives him an advantage when cutting down — retaining muscle while shedding fat and water weight.
A Different Mindset Heading into Power Slap 18
Outside the gym, Simonds says his life is more stable and consistent.
He has his own place, a steady training environment, and renewed focus.
“Things are coming back together.”
That mental clarity may be just as important as the physical preparation.
Title Aspirations Still Alive
Despite the setbacks, Simonds hasn’t lowered his ambitions.
“I want that belt. I belong in the top five.”
This fight is the first step in climbing back up the light heavyweight ladder.
With championship implications looming later in the night, a highlight-reel knockout could quickly shift the narrative around his name.
Message to Peter Truchlik
Simonds kept it respectful:
“Give it your all, and let’s put on a show.”
No trash talk. Just business.
Power Slap 18: Don’t Overlook This One
While championship gold headlines the card, don’t sleep on the opener.
You have:
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A former top contender looking to reestablish dominance
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A hungry international prospect making waves
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Two light heavyweights with real knockout power
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A stylistic clash of height, posture, and technique
If Luke Simonds truly brings back the aggression and defensive awareness he’s been refining, this could be one of the night’s most impactful performances.
Power Slap 18 begins with a bang.
And Luke Simonds plans to be the one delivering it.