Maia Warkentin never expected to become a Power Slap athlete.
Coming from the world of competitive bodybuilding, combat sports weren’t originally part of the plan.
But after attending a Power Slap Combine in late 2025, everything changed.
Now, Warkentin is set to make her promotional debut against Zenith Zion at Power Slap 21 during International Fight Week, bringing years of discipline, elite athleticism, and a fresh perspective into one of the sport’s biggest events of the year.
From Bodybuilding To Power Slap
For years, Warkentin’s focus was bodybuilding.
Competing in the bikini division, she spent five years chasing her IFBB Pro Card while balancing a demanding corporate career alongside her training.
Although she had been surrounded by combat sports through her boyfriend, a professional MMA fighter who trains at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas, stepping into the sport herself wasn’t initially on her radar.
Then came the Combine.
“I showed up and I was like, this is so much fun.”
Not only did she enjoy the experience, but she quickly realized she had potential.
“I’m actually kind of good.”
That realization opened the door to an entirely new competitive journey.
A Lifetime Of Discipline
Bodybuilding may look different from Power Slap, but Warkentin believes the mindset required to succeed is remarkably similar.
Years of strict dieting, daily training, and relentless consistency helped build the foundation she’s bringing into combat sports.
“Bodybuilding is 24/7.”
She explains there are no cheat days, shortcuts, or opportunities to relax when you’re pursuing success at a high level.
That discipline has made transitioning into Power Slap far easier than many might expect.
The work ethic was already there.
Now it’s simply being applied in a different arena.
Betting On Herself After The Combine
Warkentin attended the December 2025 Combine with no expectations beyond seeing what the sport was all about.
Instead, Power Slap officials immediately expressed interest in signing her.
“They were like, ‘We want to have you.'”
From that moment forward, she approached every day believing an opportunity would eventually come.
She was even offered a matchup for the May event before plans changed.
Rather than becoming discouraged, she stayed locked into training.
“I’ve been working and I’ve been training every day.”
Now the opportunity has officially arrived.
Putting Bodybuilding On Hold
Preparing for Power Slap required a major decision.
Instead of attempting to juggle multiple competitive goals simultaneously, Warkentin temporarily paused her bodybuilding ambitions.
Her entire focus shifted toward becoming the best slap fighter she could be.
Helping lead that transition has been someone she trusts completely.
Her boyfriend.
As an experienced professional fighter, he’s now serving as her coach throughout camp.
Having someone with years of combat sports experience guiding the process has accelerated her development while providing valuable perspective entering her first Power Slap appearance.
Preparing For Zenith Zion
Warkentin already has some familiarity with her debut opponent.
Both she and Zenith Zion participated in the same Power Slap Combine back in December.
That initial impression has stuck with her.
“She definitely walked into the combine with a lot of confidence.”
Since receiving the matchup, Warkentin has researched Zion’s background, including her experience in celebrity boxing and professional wrestling.
While there’s limited slap-fighting footage available on either athlete, Warkentin respects what Zion brings to the table.
At the same time, she’s eager to show audiences what she’s capable of.
“I’m excited to show people that there’s something to see when it comes to my name as well.”
Training For Explosiveness
Although Warkentin has spent years developing strength through bodybuilding, preparing for Power Slap required significant adjustments.
Instead of focusing primarily on controlled lifting, she’s shifted toward explosive athletic movements.
Power development has become the priority.
Even more important than the physical preparation, however, has been strengthening her mindset.
“Mostly it’s been mental.”
Standing across the table from one opponent is vastly different from sharing a bodybuilding stage with dozens of competitors.
Power Slap demands complete focus.
And Warkentin believes she’s ready for that challenge.
The Lights Don’t Intimidate Her
Competitive experience has already taught Warkentin how to perform under pressure.
Whether it’s bodybuilding or Power Slap, the biggest stages don’t change her mentality.
“The lights aren’t something that scares me.”
She understands that once the match begins, everything comes down to the individual standing across from her.
Her goal is simple.
Lock in.
Perform.
And make the most of the opportunity.
Bodybuilding Or Power Slap?
During the interview, Warkentin was asked which sport is more difficult—bodybuilding or Power Slap.
While admitting she’d have a better answer after her debut, she couldn’t hide just how demanding Power Slap training has already become.
“I’m exhausted.”
She joked that bodybuilding may leave you emotionally slapped in the face, while Power Slap adds the physical version as well.
It’s a comparison she’s looking forward to answering once she has her first official fight behind her.
A New Perspective For Her Relationship
For years, Warkentin watched from the crowd as her boyfriend competed inside the cage.
Now, their roles are reversing.
Instead of being the supporter, she’ll be the athlete stepping under the lights.
She knows exactly how difficult it is for loved ones to watch from the sidelines.
That’s why she only had one request.
“Just yell positive stuff from the crowd.”
Having experienced both sides of competition, she believes the perspective will only strengthen their relationship moving forward.
Ready To Introduce Herself
As the interview wrapped up, Warkentin delivered a confident message to Zenith Zion.
She reminded everyone not to mistake her appearance for weakness.
“I am very much a strong athlete.”
While bodybuilding introduced her to the fitness world, she believes Power Slap will introduce fans to an entirely different side of who she is.
Maia Warkentin Is Ready To Make Her Mark
Every Power Slap debut represents a chance to introduce yourself to the world.
For Maia Warkentin, that opportunity comes during one of the promotion’s biggest events of the year.
Armed with years of discipline, an elite work ethic, and the confidence earned through preparation, she’s ready to prove that athletes from outside traditional combat sports can thrive on Power Slap’s biggest stage.
And if her debut lives up to her expectations, Power Slap 21 may only be the beginning of a much bigger journey.