Power Slap
Power Slap is a professional slap-fighting promotion founded in 2022 by Dana White, president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, in which unarmed competitors alternate delivering full-force open-handed strikes to the face of a stationary opponent during structured rounds.[1][2] Matches employ a 10-point must system to score the effectiveness of strikes and the defender's ability to absorb and recover from them, with bouts limited to three or five rounds unless ended early by knockout, technical knockout, or disqualification; participants must wear mouthguards and ear protectors, undergo pre-fight medical evaluations including blood tests and recent MRIs, and benefit from on-site emergency medical support.[3] Sanctioned by commissions such as Nevada's State Athletic Commission, the league has conducted over a dozen events across the United States, United Arab Emirates, and other locations, amassing millions of online views per event through free streaming on YouTube and cultivating a niche but rapidly growing audience amid viral social media appeal.[2][4] Power Slap's rise has been marked by promotional claims of unprecedented engagement surpassing established sports leagues, though such assertions appear exaggerated based on follower metrics; concurrently, it faces substantial scrutiny from medical experts and researchers for exacerbating risks of traumatic brain injury, with analyses revealing visible concussion indicators in more than half of slap exchanges and broader slap-fighting incidents linked to severe outcomes like brain hemorrhages.[5][6][7][8][9]History
Founding and Origins
Power Slap was established in 2022 as a professional slap-fighting promotion by Dana White, president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), in collaboration with Lorenzo Fertitta and Craig Piligian, and in partnership with the UFC.[10] The league sought to formalize and sanction slap fighting—a combat format involving alternating open-hand strikes to the opponent's face while standing stationary without evasion or blocking—drawing from viral videos and informal competitions that had gained online traction, particularly in regions like Russia where organized slap events predated Western professionalization.[11] In October 2022, Power Slap secured approval from the Nevada State Athletic Commission for regulated matches, enabling the planning of its initial events under athletic oversight to address safety and legitimacy concerns inherent to the unregulated nature of prior slap contests.[12] The promotion's debut on television occurred with Power Slap: Road to the Title, a reality series documenting competitor preparation and early matches, which aired its premiere episode on TBS on January 18, 2023, after a one-week postponement from the original January 11 slot due to a publicized altercation involving White.[13] This marked the league's entry into mainstream broadcasting, leveraging UFC's production infrastructure to build hype around sanctioned bouts. The first numbered live event, Power Slap 1: Wolverine, followed on March 11, 2023, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, featuring professional strikers competing for early titles and establishing the format's core rules, including three-round structures and medical protocols.[14] These origins positioned Power Slap as an extension of White's combat sports portfolio, emphasizing raw striking power over grappling or mobility, though critics from medical and athletic communities quickly raised empirical concerns about brain trauma risks based on biomechanical data from similar impacts.[15]Early Events and Growth
Power Slap's inaugural television series, Power Slap: Road to the Title, premiered on TBS on January 18, 2023, consisting of eight episodes that followed 30 contestants competing in pre-recorded slap matches to qualify for live events.[16] The series introduced the sport's format to a broader audience, emphasizing open-hand striking technique and endurance, with episodes airing weekly through February 2023.[17] The first live event, Power Slap 1, occurred on March 11, 2023, at the UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada, featuring 18 matches including a headline bout between Sheena "Mata" Mata and Melanie "Varona" Varona.[18] Sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission as the first regulated slap fighting league in the United States, the event streamed as a pay-per-view following a UFC Fight Night card, marking an initial integration with UFC's infrastructure for production and promotion.[9] Early viewership drew comparisons to the nascent stages of UFC's growth under Dana White, who noted similarities in building a new combat discipline from underground origins.[19] Subsequent events solidified Power Slap's presence in Las Vegas, with Power Slap 2 through 4 held at similar venues in 2023, expanding to include title fights by Power Slap 5 on October 25, 2023.[20] Growth accelerated through 2023-2024, as Dana White reported unexpectedly high engagement and business metrics, attributing rapid adoption to the sport's raw appeal and UFC's promotional leverage, leading to multi-event deals at venues like Fontainebleau Las Vegas by early 2025.[21] This phase saw a shift from Rumble streaming to broader platforms, though initial success relied on niche combat sports fans rather than mainstream crossover.[2]International Expansion and Recent Developments
Power Slap initiated its international expansion with events in the Middle East, beginning with a 2024 competition in Abu Dhabi that attracted substantial crowds.[22] This move aligned with the organization's strategy under UFC president Dana White to replicate the global growth model of mixed martial arts promotions.[23] The expansion targeted regions with established combat sports infrastructure, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, leveraging partnerships with local event organizers during high-profile weeks like Abu Dhabi Showdown Week.[24] In October 2025, Power Slap returned to Abu Dhabi for Power Slap 16 on October 24 at Space42 Arena, integrated into Abu Dhabi Showdown Week alongside UFC 321.[25] The card headlined a matchup between Wolverine and Klingbeil, with tickets made available through official channels.[26] Following closely, Power Slap 17 occurred on October 31, 2025, at Mohammed Abdu Arena in Riyadh during Riyadh Season, featuring a welterweight title defense by undefeated champion Anthony Blackburn against Cole Young.[27] These events marked the league's deepening foothold in the region, with Saudi Arabia hosting prior championships as well.[28] Recent developments in 2025 included a series of domestic and international bouts, such as Power Slap 11 on January 30, Power Slap 12 on March 7, and Power Slap 13 on June 27, emphasizing title matches and knockouts.[29] Organizational growth featured a global marketing partnership with 500 Casino announced on June 25, extending through 2026 and debuting at Power Slap 13.[30] An expanded content deal with Rumble enhanced worldwide streaming accessibility.[31] Power Slap CEO Frank Lamicella signaled additional 2025 events, potentially linked to International Fight Week and further Saudi engagements.[32]Format and Rules
Match Mechanics and Participant Roles
Power Slap matches occur on a raised platform known as the Power Slap Stage, where competitors face each other across a designated striking area.[3] Competitors alternate between the roles of striker and defender in each round, with a coin toss determining who assumes the striker role first.[33] Each round allows up to one strike per competitor in their respective role, subject to fouls or interruptions, and matches are structured in up to three rounds unless concluded earlier by knockout or stoppage. The striker has 30 seconds to prepare and deliver the slap, while the defender has 30 seconds to recover before switching roles. The striker positions their feet substantially parallel to the stage and squares their shoulders to the defender and the striking surface before initiating the wind-up.[3] The strike must be delivered with an open hand, where the palm and fingers make simultaneous contact, with the palm (above the heel) impacting the permitted target area on the defender's face—typically the cheek below the eye and above the chin.[3] Striker fouls include clubbing (using a closed fist or non-palm contact), stepping off the designated area, illegal wind-up (deviating from declared hand or sequence), or delay of game, which may result in warnings, point deductions, or disqualification after accumulation.[33] If a defender foul prevents a clean strike, the striker is often granted a re-strike attempt.[3] The defender must maintain a stationary stance with shoulders square to the striker, chin positioned to expose the target area (without tucking), and both hands clasped behind the back, often holding a compliance stick to ensure arm extension.[34] The defender absorbs the strike without falling, excessive staggering, or protective movement, aiming to remain upright and composed for the referee's assessment.[35] Defender fouls encompass flinching (head movement to evade), blocking (raising hands, shoulders, or using the body to obstruct), tucking the chin, or delay of game; such violations typically result in warnings or point losses without nullifying a landed strike, though repeated fouls can lead to forfeiture.[33]Scoring and Judging Criteria
Power Slap matches are adjudicated by three judges using a 10-point must system, wherein the winner of each round receives 10 points and the loser receives 9 or fewer points, mirroring scoring conventions in boxing and mixed martial arts.[3][33] Each round, which consists of one legal strike per participant, is scored independently based on two equally weighted criteria: the damage inflicted and overall effectiveness of the striker's slap, and the defender's immediate reaction (such as flinching or staggering) coupled with recovery time (the duration required to regain defensive posture).[3][36] Effectiveness encompasses factors like the slap's force, accuracy, and visible impact, such as swelling, disorientation, or knockdowns, while poor defender recovery—evidenced by prolonged unsteadiness—can significantly sway points toward the striker.[33] Fouls directly influence scoring deductions or round outcomes. For the striker, infractions like excessive wind-up, clubbing motions, or stepping beyond the designated strike zone result in point penalties on the first offense (typically one point), with repeated violations leading to disqualification after a second foul within three rounds or a third in longer matches.[3] Defender fouls, primarily flinching (evading the slap prematurely), incur warnings followed by point deductions or disqualification after three in a round or four total.[3] If a striker commits a foul while delivering an illegal strike against a legal defensive posture, the round scores 10-8 in favor of the non-fouling defender; mutual fouls yield a 9-9 draw for that round.[36] Open scoring, where judges' tallies are disclosed between rounds, may be implemented at the promoter's discretion in consultation with regulatory authorities.[3] In bouts reaching a decision after three rounds without a knockout or technical knockout, judges aggregate scores to render verdicts including unanimous decision (all judges agree), majority decision (two judges agree), split decision (judges divided but majority favors one), or draw (even scores, with the defending champion retaining title in title matches).[3][36] This system prioritizes empirical outcomes like measurable damage over subjective aggression, ensuring decisions reflect the slap's causative impact rather than stylistic flair.[33]Weight Divisions and Eligibility
Power Slap utilizes weight divisions that align with the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, permitting catchweight matches at the promoter's discretion.[3] The league currently features five primary male divisions: welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight, heavyweight, and super heavyweight.[37] [38] These classes ensure competitive parity based on body mass, with upper weight limits as follows:| Division | Upper Weight Limit |
|---|---|
| Welterweight | 170 lb (77 kg) |
| Middleweight | 185 lb (84 kg) |
| Light Heavyweight | 205 lb (93 kg) |
| Heavyweight | 265 lb (120 kg) |
| Super Heavyweight | Unlimited (over 265 lb) |
Events and Competitions
Major Events and Venues
Power Slap's inaugural event, Power Slap 1: Mata-Varona vs. Bata, occurred on March 11, 2023, at the UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada, marking the league's debut with 18 matches.[18] Early events, including Power Slap 2 through 4, were also hosted at the UFC Apex, establishing Las Vegas as the initial hub for competitions.[2] In 2024, the league shifted to larger venues, with Fontainebleau Las Vegas designated as the official home through 2025, hosting multiple events such as Power Slap 8: Da Crazy Hawaiian vs. Van Heerden on June 28, 2024, during UFC International Fight Week.[40][41] The league expanded domestically with Power Slap 14: The Bell vs. Mena on July 18, 2025, at Caesars New Orleans in Louisiana, the first major event outside Nevada.[42] Internationally, Power Slap ventured to the Middle East, beginning with Power Slap 11 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, followed by Power Slap 16: Wolverine vs. Klingbeil on October 24, 2025, at Space42 Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.[28][43] An upcoming event, Power Slap 17: Blackburn vs. Young 2, is scheduled for October 31, 2025, at Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, underscoring growing international presence.[44]| Event | Date | Venue | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Slap 1 | March 11, 2023 | UFC Apex | Enterprise, Nevada, USA[18] |
| Power Slap 8 | June 28, 2024 | Fontainebleau Las Vegas | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA[40] |
| Power Slap 14 | July 18, 2025 | Caesars New Orleans | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA[42] |
| Power Slap 16 | October 24, 2025 | Space42 Arena | Abu Dhabi, UAE[43] |
Championship System
Power Slap establishes championships in select weight divisions, primarily heavyweight (typically over 265 pounds or 120 kg) and light heavyweight (205–265 pounds or 93–120 kg), with occasional super heavyweight bouts for additional titles. The promotion holds sole discretion over title structure, including the designation of championship matches, which follow the standard match rules of alternating striker-defender roles across up to five rounds judged on a 10-point must system emphasizing legal strike damage, technique, and defense. Winners of sanctioned title fights claim the belt, holding it until defeated or vacated, with defenses scheduled in major numbered events against challengers selected based on performance, rankings, and promotional considerations.[3] Rankings, updated periodically on the official Power Slap website, guide contender selection by listing top performers in each division derived from win records, knockout rates, and prior results in league events. Title opportunities generally go to the number-one ranked challenger, though the promoter may prioritize high-profile matchups or emerging talents from qualification programs. As of October 2025, Damien Dibbell holds the heavyweight title, reigning since early 2023 with an undefeated streak in the division, while Ron Bata, known as "Wolverine," defends the light heavyweight crown, including a record fifth successful defense via sudden-death round against Alan Klingbeil on October 25, 2025, in Abu Dhabi.[45][46][47] The "Road to the Title" reality series, produced across multiple seasons since 2023, functions as a feeder system where over 30 athletes per season compete in a house-based format of elimination slaps to secure initial league contracts, rankings eligibility, and pathways to title contention. Participants advance through rounds of intra-division matches, with winners earning spots on the roster and potential fast-tracks to contention based on demonstrated power and resilience. This format has produced several ranked contenders, though ultimate title grants remain under promoter control to ensure competitive balance and event draw.[17][48]Current Champions and Title Defenses
Power Slap maintains active championships across multiple weight divisions, with titleholders determined through tournament outcomes and subsequent defenses in sanctioned events. The promotion's heavyweight, light heavyweight, welterweight, and super heavyweight classes feature the most prominent title lineages, often headlining major cards. Champions defend their belts against top-ranked challengers, with outcomes decided by knockout, technical knockout, disqualification, or majority decision after up to five rounds, including potential sudden-death overtimes.[45]| Division | Champion | Notable Defenses |
|---|---|---|
| Heavyweight | Damien Dibbell | Four successful defenses as of October 2025, including victories over Dorian Perez on January 22, 2025, and Wes Mena on October 2, 2025, maintaining an undefeated record in title bouts.[49][50] |
| Light Heavyweight | Ron Bata ("Wolverine") | Fifth successful defense on October 24, 2025, against Alan Klingbeil via sudden-death round at Power Slap 16 in Abu Dhabi, marking the first use of such a format in promotion history; previously defended against Vernon Cathey on March 12, 2025.[51][52] |
| Welterweight | Anthony Blackburn | Defenses include a fourth-round knockout of Azael Rodriguez on September 6, 2025, at Power Slap 13 and a rematch win over Emanuel Muniz on January 17, 2025.[53][54] |
| Super Heavyweight | Dayne Viernes | Captured and defended the title through decisions and knockouts, including against Vasilii Kamotskii; exact defense count stands at multiple since assuming the belt in 2025.[55][56] |