Health experts are issuing strong warnings about the dangers of face-slap fighting. The rising combat sport gets competitors to take turns delivering powerful open-handed slaps to each other’s faces. Nonetheless, UFC CEO Dana White has his guards up against the recent rhetoric coming after his business venture—the Power Slap. Here is what happened:
Dana White recently sat down with the media after putting up an exciting event in Salt Lake City, Utah. This was when a reporter present at the UFC 307 post-fight press conference brought up the recent study about doctors condemning Power Slap because of the significant risk of concussions and traumatic brain injuries. However, the UFC CEO had his own comments ready.
Sounds legit. They watch one episode, know nothing about medicals or what we do or any of the studies we’ve done. Sounds like these typical doctors that look for attention to me.
Dana White at UFC 307 post-fight press conference
A study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, published in JAMA Surgery, analyzed 333 slaps across multiple competitions. It found that nearly 80% of participants showed signs of brain injury, such as motor incoordination, delayed responses, and blank stares. These concussions often occurred after repeated hits, with no protective gear allowed and contestants not permitted to dodge the blows.
However, White has defended the controversial sport, emphasizing that all participants are adults who are aware of the risks and have the right to choose to compete. White has compared the risks in Power Slap to those in other sports like football and boxing and has consistently downplayed the potential for severe injuries. He has asserted that competitors undergo medical evaluations and concussion protocols similar to those in other combat sports.
Ryan Garcia on Dana White’s Power Slap League
Boxing icon Ryan Garcia has been vocal about his disapproval of Dana White’s Power Slap tournament. He has previously called it a “horrible idea” and condemned its violent nature. His main argument is that, unlike in traditional combat sports like boxing, Power Slap participants are defenseless. That significantly increases the risk of serious injuries such as concussions and brain damage.
Taking to social media, Garcia emphasized his point again. In response to critics like Garcia, White defended the Power Slap tournament by stating that participants only endure a few slaps per event compared to hundreds of punches in boxing.
Power slap is a horrible idea and needs to be stopped
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) January 21, 2023
White’s Power Slap League was launched last year after he was inspired by slap competitions in Russia, which he saw on YouTube. Recognizing its viral potential, White aimed to create a more structured and professional version of the sport.
The league has quickly gained traction, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. In just over a year, Power Slap has amassed billions of views, surpassing traditional sports like the NFL and NBA in terms of engagement.
