Zoe Dubois has spent years reinventing herself.
From an accomplished dance background to professional wrestling and now Power Slap, every chapter has led to one defining moment.
At Power Slap 21, Dubois will face Ellie Dempster for the inaugural women’s flyweight championship in the main event during International Fight Week.
For Dubois, the opportunity represents far more than fighting for a belt.
It’s the chance to cement a legacy while proving that her unconventional journey has prepared her for the biggest stage in the sport.
A Difficult Camp With A Historic Reward
Preparing for a championship fight hasn’t come easy.
Like many title challengers, Dubois has had to balance a demanding weight cut while maintaining the strength that has made her one of the toughest competitors in the women’s division.
“Cutting weight just to make it is never an easy process while also trying to maintain muscle mass.”
Rather than becoming discouraged, however, Dubois says the difficult preparation has only strengthened her resolve.
Every sacrifice has reinforced her motivation to make history.
“It’s giving me all the more energy and determination to get this done.”
The Biggest Opponent Is Herself
When asked whether the challenge is more about defeating Ellie Dempster or overcoming herself, Dubois didn’t hesitate.
For her, the battle begins internally.
She described the constant mental battle every elite athlete faces—quieting self-doubt and overcoming the negative thoughts that inevitably appear during preparation.
“Most of it is me versus me.”
While Dempster will be standing across the table on fight night, Dubois refuses to let outside distractions dictate her mindset.
“Outside noise will always be outside noise.”
Instead, her focus remains entirely on controlling what happens within her own circle and trusting the work she’s already put in.
From Ballet To Power Slap’s Biggest Stage
Only a few years ago, Dubois never imagined her life would take this path.
She was completely immersed in dance and pursuing a very different career.
Then everything changed.
Professional wrestling opened one door.
Power Slap opened another.
Now she’ll headline one of the biggest events in the promotion’s history.
“Five years ago… I would not have believed it.”
Despite everything she’s accomplished, Dubois isn’t taking the opportunity for granted.
She credits the unpredictable nature of life for bringing her to this point and says she’s simply trying to appreciate every opportunity that comes her way.
“I need to count my blessings.”
Preparing For An Unpredictable Ellie Dempster
Unlike many title fights where years of footage exist, Dubois believes preparing for Ellie Dempster presents a unique challenge.
Although Dempster has only competed twice in Power Slap, Dubois has already noticed significant evolution between those performances.
That’s what makes scouting difficult.
“She could switch it up again.”
Rather than expecting a predictable approach, Dubois is preparing herself for multiple possibilities.
The only certainty?
She expects Dempster to arrive fully prepared.
“I gotta eat some… and then take some.”
It’s a mindset built around adapting rather than assuming.
Expect Something New At Power Slap 21
Fans hoping to see a new version of Dubois may get exactly what they’re looking for.
When asked whether she plans to unveil anything different during the championship fight, Dubois smiled but refused to reveal specifics.
“Stay tuned.”
She explained that both dance and professional wrestling taught her how valuable unpredictability can be.
Changing things at the right moment keeps opponents guessing.
While she isn’t giving away any secrets before fight night, she did promise one thing won’t change.
Her defense.
“Nobody’s gonna wobble me.”
Dubois says her neck, jaw, and trap strength remain the foundation of everything she does defensively.
The Ballet Background That Makes Her Different
Dubois has become one of the most unique personalities in Power Slap.
Her entrances, demeanor, and style stand apart from virtually everyone else in the sport.
But she believes many people misunderstand what ballet actually demands.
“People think ballerinas are these fragile, graceful creatures.”
According to Dubois, that couldn’t be further from reality.
Years of elite dance training developed tremendous strength, body control, discipline, and balance—qualities she now applies directly to Power Slap.
She embraces the contrast between elegance and violence.
Fans may see her dancing to Vivaldi during her entrance.
Moments later, she’ll be throwing one of the biggest strikes of her career.
“We make it look beautiful.”
For Dubois, those worlds don’t conflict.
They complement one another.
Embracing The Black Swan Identity
Dubois has fully embraced the “Black Swan” persona throughout her Power Slap journey.
It’s an identity that blends her background in ballet with the entertainment of professional wrestling and the intensity of combat sports.
She knows some people view her as unconventional.
She welcomes it.
“Weird is normal and normal is weird.”
Rather than trying to fit into traditional expectations of what a fighter should look like, Dubois has built an identity entirely her own.
It’s one of the reasons she has quickly become one of the division’s most recognizable athletes.
A Respectful Rivalry With Ellie Dempster
Unlike many championship matchups fueled by animosity, the relationship between Dubois and Dempster is built on mutual respect.
Dubois made it clear she appreciates her opponent and recognizes the work Dempster has put in to earn this opportunity.
That respect won’t change what happens on July 10.
“I am determined to bring my A game.”
She believes both women understand the significance of becoming the first athletes to compete for a women’s Power Slap championship.
Together, they’re carrying the responsibility of setting the standard for everyone who follows.
“We’re gonna bring it.”
Zoe Dubois Is Ready To Make History
Few athletes arrive at a championship opportunity with a journey as unique as Zoe Dubois.
From ballet studios to wrestling rings and now the Power Slap main event, every chapter has shaped the competitor she has become.
Now, with the first women’s championship on the line, Dubois believes she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.
She isn’t trying to predict what Ellie Dempster will bring.
She isn’t focused on outside opinions.
She’s focused on controlling herself, trusting her preparation, and embracing the biggest performance of her life.
And if everything comes together under the lights of International Fight Week, the Black Swan could become the first woman ever to capture Power Slap gold.