Ke’ali’i “The Chief” Kanekoa made a powerful statement at Power Slap XI, securing a decisive victory over Brandon Rhodes in Saudi Arabia.
After dealing with an early foul scare, Kanekoa regrouped and delivered a clean, measured performance, proving once again that he is a serious contender in the middleweight division. Now, with vacancies opening in the rankings, Kanekoa is laser-focused on redemption—a highly anticipated rematch with Darren Godfrey.
The Early Foul – A Close Call
The fight had a tense start when Kanekoa was hit with a foul, a moment that could have cost him the match.
“Yeah, I was a bit worried. I didn’t want to lose with a DQ—that sht sucks.”*
Despite the setback, Kanekoa stayed composed and executed his game plan to perfection.
“It was a great match. Brandon put his chin out there, took it like all of us are supposed to do. Much love to him. But the Chief has to climb back in the rankings, and I got to get that rematch with Darren.”
Going Barefoot – A Bold Move That Paid Off
One of the biggest surprises of the night was Kanekoa competing barefoot, a rare and risky choice in Power Slap.
“I just wanted to soak in the energy, be more grounded, if that makes sense. It felt like I was in my own element—like I was back home on the beach or something.”
Many fighters avoid this approach due to traction issues, but Kanekoa adjusted his stance to compensate.
“More grip with shoes, sure, but I felt comfortable. I had a wider stance for a stronger foundation, and it helped out a lot.”
The Road to Redemption – A Rematch with Darren Godfrey
With several middleweight contenders dropping out, the division is shifting. Aziel Rodriguez and Wesley Drain are moving on, and AJ Static’s future is uncertain. This shake-up positions both Kanekoa and Godfrey near the top.
Kanekoa sees only one logical next step—a rematch with Darren Godfrey.
“Darren and I have a gentleman’s agreement behind the scenes. He knows he flinched. From what the fans are saying, maybe he flinched again tonight. That’s the fight everyone wants to see. Hopefully, we can get that done.”
With both fighters surging in the rankings, a rematch between Kanekoa and Godfrey could determine the next top contender for the middleweight title.
Final Thoughts – Is Kanekoa Next in Line for a Title Shot?
Ke’ali’i Kanekoa proved his elite status at Power Slap XI with a dominant performance, smart adjustments, and an unshakable mindset.
With momentum on his side and a rivalry waiting to be settled, Kanekoa vs. Godfrey II could be one of the most anticipated fights in Power Slap history.
Does Kanekoa deserve the rematch? Could this fight determine the next title challenger? Drop your thoughts below!