Cole Young Triumphs at Power Slap 17 in Riyadh
The highly anticipated Power Slap 17 event, a key part of Riyadh Season, concluded with a series of thrilling matches at the Mohammed Abdo Arena. The event, co-organized by UFC and led by Dana White, drew a large crowd and showcased intense competition across various weight categories, highlighting Riyadh’s growing status as a premier destination for global sports and entertainment.
Young’s Victory in the Main Event
In the main event, Cole Young, also known as “Foul Send,” secured the middleweight title by defeating Anthony Blackburn, or “Baby Face,” after five rounds of strategic combat. Young adopted a cautious approach early on but gradually gained control, ultimately achieving a significant career milestone. This victory underscored the strategic depth and competitive spirit of the Power Slap league.
Key Preliminary and Main Card Fights
Preliminary Fights
The preliminary bouts were marked by decisive victories. Kabiru Adediran, or “Nigerian Hulk,” triumphed over Daniyar Shakharov, or “Batab,” via technical knockout (TKO) in the first round of their heavyweight clash. Adediran’s aggressive strategy dominated from the start. In another heavyweight bout, Bryan Ellis, “The Predator,” won against Ro Montana by points after a closely contested three-round match.
Main Card Highlights
The main card featured several notable matches. In the light heavyweight division, Kazakh fighter Muhammad Amantayev, known as “Lion of God,” secured a knockout (KO) victory against Honggang Zhao of China in the third round. This match was characterized by its rapid pace and aggressive attacks. In a heavyweight contest, Britain’s Lewis Robinson, “The Razor,” defeated James Seckman, “The Iron Chin,” with a TKO in the third round, showcasing precision and timing.
The event also included a middleweight bout where Andrew Prouvost won by majority decision against Aziel El Perro Rodriguez after a closely fought match. Furthermore, the women’s featherweight bout saw Hungary’s Sheena “The Hungarian Hurricane” Bathory defeat Ukraine’s Robyn “The Belter” Werchushk by points in a well-matched contest. Dorian “Disturbing the Peace” Perez (USA) defeated Zaker Naimanbayev (Kazakhstan) by points in another exciting heavyweight match.
Power Slap 17, as part of Riyadh Season, once again demonstrated the global appeal of slap fighting and the strategic prowess of its athletes. The event’s success further cements Riyadh’s place as a global hub for top-tier sporting events. (Source: Annahar)