After nearly a year and a half away from competition, Estonia’s own Merlis Muusikus is finally back and ready to make a statement at Power Slap XI in Saudi Arabia. With a renewed focus, increased strength, and an opponent who boasts one of the hardest slaps in the division, Muusikus is embracing the challenge head-on.
Back in Action After a Long Layoff
Merlis Muusikus’ journey back to the Power Slap stage hasn’t been easy. He was originally scheduled to fight in Abu Dhabi last October, but his match was canceled just weeks before the event. Despite the setback, he stayed focused and ready, knowing his chance would come.
“I was supposed to fight in Abu Dhabi, but that fight got canceled a few weeks before the event. So I stayed ready, and now it’s time.”
Now, the waiting is over, and Muusikus is eager to show the world what he’s been working on.
A Stronger, Sharper, and More Focused Fighter
Despite the time off, Merlis didn’t waste a single moment. He gained muscle, improved his power, and believes his slap is more devastating than ever before.
“I gained a little mass. I got a little bit stronger, but otherwise, nothing changed. I’m still the toughest guy in the middleweight division, and I’m going to put on a show.”
He knows that every improvement counts, especially in a sport where one clean shot can end a match instantly.
Taking on One of the Hardest Hitters in the Division
For his return fight, Merlis specifically requested the hardest-hitting fighter in the middleweight division. That request was granted in the form of Darren Godfrey, a striker known for having the highest recorded slap score in Power Slap’s middleweight division.
“I asked for the hardest-hitting guy in the middleweight division, and that’s what they gave me. I think Darren has the highest slap score on Power Slap combined in the middleweight division. But I might end it in the first round.”
Confident, composed, and focused—Muusikus is embracing the challenge, not running from it.
The Saudi Arabia Stage Brings Extra Motivation
For the first time, Merlis will compete in front of a live audience—not just any audience, but a crowd of over 5,000 fans in attendance in Saudi Arabia.
“It’s my first time in front of that big of a crowd. I think there’s going to be like 5,000 plus people in the arena. So I’m definitely ready for it. It’s going to give me some extra motivation, some extra power, and I’m going to go on stage and put on a show.”
With bright lights, roaring fans, and a massive stage, Muusikus is ready to show why he belongs among the best in the middleweight division.
Winning the Coin Toss – The Key to a First-Round KO?
One major advantage heading into this fight? Merlis Muusikus won the coin toss.
That means he’ll be the first to strike, and he plans to end the fight immediately.
“I won the coin toss, so I think I have to end it in the first round.”
That’s a bold statement—especially against someone with as much power as Darren Godfrey. But Muusikus has no doubts.
“I’m not sure if he’s even going to get the chance to slap me, because I might end it early.”
A confident prediction, but not an impossible one—especially if Muusikus’ power is as improved as he says.
Respect, But No Backing Down
While Merlis respects his opponent, he’s not here to make friends—he’s here to dominate and climb the middleweight rankings. His message to Darren was short and simple:
“Only two more days to go. I hope he gets some good rest. He better be ready because we’re putting on a show for the fans—but I might end it early.”
No trash talk. No drama. Just confidence and business.
Building Bonds & Preparing for Battle
Despite the competitive nature of Power Slap, Merlis has found support among fellow fighters in Saudi Arabia. He’s been training and exchanging tips with strikers like Sean Kilmartin and others, helping each other fine-tune their game ahead of fight night.
“We’re definitely all getting along well. There’s no beef, and if we are working out at the same time, we’re talking with each other, giving each other tips. I’ve been hanging out the most with Sean Kilmartin and some other guys. We’re all just helping each other get better.”
It’s a reminder that while they are opponents in the cage, they are all part of the same growing sport.
Final Prediction: First-Round Finish?
With newfound strength, added muscle, and a focus sharper than ever, Merlis Muusikus is ready to make up for lost time.
His plan is clear:
- Use the coin toss to his advantage
- Land a clean, devastating first slap
- End the fight before Darren Godfrey gets a chance to respond
Will his prediction come true? We’ll find out at Power Slap XI in Saudi Arabia.
Where to Watch Merlis Muusikus vs. Darren Godfrey
Catch Merlis Muusikus’ long-awaited return against Darren Godfrey at Power Slap XI in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, streaming live on Rumble.
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