Digital Social Hour: The Rise of PowerSlap's New Champion – Brandon Bordeaux | DSH #1271
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Introduction
In this electrifying episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly welcomes Brandon Bordeaux, also known as Branden the Butcher, the newly crowned PowerSlap World Champion. Brandon delves into his journey from a promising MMA fighter to dominating the PowerSlap arena, sharing insights into his rigorous training, mental fortitude, and the personal experiences that shaped his path to becoming a champion.
From MMA to PowerSlap: A Pivotal Transition
Brandon began his athletic career as an undefeated MMA prospect. However, his dreams took an unexpected turn when he suffered a severe back injury while working at a slaughterhouse. This injury not only halted his MMA aspirations but also redirected his focus towards PowerSlap, a burgeoning combat sport.
[06:22] Brandon Bordeaux: "I was an MMA, or undefeated prospect, actually. And I had taken a couple of years off... I broke my back at work."
The injury required surgery, involving the placement of a plastic spacer and four screws in his spine, ultimately limiting his physical capabilities and forcing him to reconsider his career trajectory.
[07:23] Brandon Bordeaux: "When that injury happened, it ended up leading me to where I am now."
Rigorous Training and Preparation
Brandon's rise to the top of PowerSlap is a testament to his dedication and disciplined training. He emphasizes the importance of jaw and neck strength, crucial for withstanding and delivering powerful slaps.
[01:09] Brandon Bordeaux: "I do a lot of neck exercises. I got these jaws or size that I chew on."
His training regimen includes:
- Jaw Exercises: Utilizing jaw strengtheners to build resilience and power.
- Neck Workouts: Performing multiple variations three days a week to enhance durability.
- Strength and Striking Training: An eight-week strength training program followed by four weeks focusing on both strength and striking.
[03:05] Brandon Bordeaux: "I try to do a thousand reps of that. Damn. I do it per night."
Brandon also maintains a strict weight regimen, avoiding drastic weight cuts that can impair performance and increase vulnerability during matches.
[11:50] Brandon Bordeaux: "I keep my weight within 10 pounds. A week and a half, two weeks out, I was already on weight."
Mental Resilience and Fight Strategy
A crucial aspect of Brandon's success is his mental fortitude. He shares techniques and mindsets that help him stay focused and unflinching during intense matches.
Handling Hits and Maintaining Composure
Brandon employs specific training methods to prevent flinching, a natural response that can compromise his performance.
[17:10] Brandon Bordeaux: "We just have somebody hit you with a pool noodle. It trains you to not flinch."
During fights, he remains calm and composed, even when sustaining injuries like a broken nose, showcasing his unwavering dedication to victory.
[13:46] Brandon Bordeaux: "I'll take a broken nose for a world title anyway."
Mental Warfare and Taunting
Brandon leverages mental strategies, including taunting opponents, to disrupt their focus and gain an advantage in the eyes of the judges.
[17:48] Brandon Bordeaux: "It's important up there to play that mental warfare... it's also important to do it to show the judges."
PowerSlap Techniques and Rules
Understanding the nuances of PowerSlap is essential for Brandon’s strategy and success.
Accuracy Over Power
While power is significant, Brandon emphasizes that accuracy is paramount in effectively winning matches.
[15:48] Brandon Bordeaux: "Accuracy is killer in the sport."
Fouls and Clean Fighting
Brandon prides himself on maintaining a clean fighting record, with minimal fouls across his matches.
[16:30] Brandon Bordeaux: "I have one foul in PowerSlap in all six of my matches."
His disciplined approach not only showcases his skill but also ensures he remains compliant with the sport's regulations, avoiding disqualifications.
Personal Background: Hunting and Farming Roots
Brandon's upbringing on a dairy farm and his involvement in 4H and hunting have deeply influenced his mental and physical toughness.
Early Hunting Experiences
From a young age, Brandon participated in bear hunting, which instilled a sense of courage and resilience.
[26:12] Brandon Bordeaux: "We grew up hunting on stuff our whole lives... we would raise these animals and then sell them at the county fair."
One memorable hunting story involves shooting a 320-pound black bear during a family trip to Canada, an experience that left a lasting impression on him.
[27:24] Brandon Bordeaux: "So I'm like, that's my instant. My first thing was like I grabbed the bone."
Slaughterhouse Work and Mental Toughness
Working at a USDA slaughterhouse further developed his ability to handle high-pressure and intense situations, contributing to his performance in PowerSlap.
[24:36] Brandon Bordeaux: "Being able to do those kind of things also helps implement into my mentality... in all the sports that I have done."
Champion Life and Future Plans
As the PowerSlap World Champion, Brandon reflects on his journey and outlines his plans moving forward.
Embracing the Role of Champion
Brandon embraces the target on his back, viewing it as motivation to continue improving and dominating his division.
[33:08] Brandon Bordeaux: "I'm embracing the target on my back. I like the target on my back."
Defending the Title and Weight Class Aspirations
He plans to defend his title and expresses interest in potentially moving up a weight class to continue his reign.
[11:08] Host: "You want to be a two-division champ. So do you want to go up or down in weight?"
[11:11] Brandon Bordeaux: "I would like to go up... Maybe it's time for me to... make a run... and I'm the world champion."
Brandon is preparing for upcoming matches, expecting the next event to occur in the next couple of months, likely in May or mid to late summer.
[33:08] Brandon Bordeaux: "Now it's time to defend. We just went from challenger to defending now."
The PowerSlap Community and Growth
Brandon highlights the growing popularity of PowerSlap, attributing its success to effective management and engagement with the community.
[34:16] Brandon Bordeaux: "They really built this into a powerhouse... when you got the right business people, you know, running the things is very successful."
He encourages fans to experience PowerSlap events in person, emphasizing the unique and exhilarating atmosphere that can't be fully captured on screen.
[34:16] Brandon Bordeaux: "It's a completely different show in person... it's just a completely different story when you're there."
Conclusion
Brandon Bordeaux's ascent to PowerSlap’s championship is a compelling narrative of resilience, discipline, and unwavering commitment. From overcoming a devastating back injury to honing his physical and mental prowess, Brandon exemplifies what it means to be a true champion. His insights into training, fight strategy, and the psychological aspects of PowerSlap offer valuable lessons for aspiring athletes and fans alike. As he prepares to defend his title and possibly expand into new weight classes, Brandon's journey continues to inspire and captivate listeners of Digital Social Hour.
Notable Quotes:
- Brandon Bordeaux (00:37): “First round. I called it... one and done.”
- Brandon Bordeaux (01:26): “You have to keep your jaw strong.”
- Brandon Bordeaux (03:05): “I try to do a thousand reps of that... over 50,000 reps with that thing with my jaw.”
- Brandon Bordeaux (13:46): “I'll take a broken nose for a world title anyway.”
- Brandon Bordeaux (17:10): “We just have somebody hit you with a pool noodle. It trains you to not flinch.”
- Brandon Bordeaux (22:22): “That man's resume speaks for itself… he's the greatest of all time, in my opinion.”
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