The official weigh-in ceremony for Power Slap 17 was held Thursday morning in Riyadh, with all competitors successfully making weight ahead of tomorrow’s event at Mohammed Abdu Arena, under the umbrella of Riyadh Season.
The event, one of the world’s premier slap fighting competitions, brings together elite athletes from multiple continents and disciplines. It is organized by the Power Slap series under the leadership of UFC President Dana White, who has established slap fighting as one of the fastest-growing spectator sports worldwide.
Tomorrow’s matchups promise intensity, endurance, and raw power.
In the Heavyweight Division, Nigeria’s Kabiru “The Nigerian Hulk” Adediran faces Kazakhstan’s Daniyar “Patap” Shakharov in a three-round clash between two athletes known for strength and resilience.
Another heavyweight bout will see Americans Brian “The Predator” Ellis and Ro Montana collide, with Ellis relying on his aggressive offense while Montana looks to impose his fast, controlled style.
In the Lightweight Division, China’s Honggang Zhao takes on Kazakhstan’s Mukhammed “Asadullah” Amantayev in an all-Asian showdown expected to deliver one of the fastest-paced duels of the event.
Also in heavyweight action, James “The Iron Chin” Siekman meets Louis “Razor” Robinson in a test of striking precision and power.
The Middleweight Division features Mexico’s Azael “El Perro” Rodriguez against the American Andrew Provost, a bout anticipated to feature fierce exchanges between two fighters with a history of early finishes.
In the Women’s Featherweight Division, Hungary’s Sheena “The Hungarian Hurricane” Bathory battles Ukraine’s Robyn “The Belter” Wereshchuk in a high-profile match highlighting the global rise of women’s participation in the sport.
In another heavyweight contest, American Dorian “Disturbing the Peace” Perez faces Kazakhstan’s Zakir “Steppe Thunder” Naimanbayev, both bringing extensive experience and knockout power.
The evening will culminate with the Welterweight World Title Fight, where reigning champion Anthony “Babyface” Blackburn (C) defends his title against fellow American Cole “Full Send” Young, in a five-round main event expected to draw major attention from fans worldwide.
All fighters made weight successfully, ensuring no withdrawals or changes to the official fight card. Coin tosses determined strike order advantages, with the winners being Adediran, Montana, Amantayev, Siekman, Provost, Wereshchuk, Naimanbayev, and Blackburn.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the matches, which will be broadcast on MBC Action, MBC Masr, Shahid, and on the official accounts of HE Turki Alalshikh across X, Facebook, and YouTube, as well as on the Riyadh Season account on X, and Webook app. The event continues the remarkable success of the major international attractions presented by Riyadh Season.