'Iron Giant' Duane Crespo Aims to Smash His Way to Heavyweight Title

Duane Crespo is a retired U.S. Marine who says MMA saved his life -- and now he's gunning for the Power Slap heavyweight title.

“I was a disabled vet. Struggled walking, had speech problems and other medical problems. Martial arts saved my life and got me healthy.”

Now, Crespo -- aka "The Iron Giant" -- is a force to be reckoned with ... demonstrating serious power at the Power Slap qualifiers and putting the entire heavyweight division on notice. 

“Anybody you give me, I’m fine with it,” Crespo says … “I can put ‘em down with one strike.”

Crespo — who’s competed in several bare knuckle, MMA and Muay Thai fights — says his biggest professional influence is Kobe Bryant, who inspired him to take his training to the next level. 

“Mamba Mentality. First in the gym, last out.”

Catch Power Slap on TBS, beginning January 18th.