Shock, disgust, and mockery has been the reaction to Dana White’s Power Slap League among many combat sports veterans and observers.
While the UFC has silenced most of its fighters, some have voiced concern about TBS, which sees fighters repeatedly slapping one another until they are knocked out or the decision is made.
In Power Slap defense is strictly forbidden. Competitors must hold a bar behind them. They are not allowed to move in ways that might blunt the force of the oncoming slap, though slapping fighters are punished for leading with the palm of their hand.
The show’s first episode, which drew 295,000 viewers to rank No. 45 in cable programs on Jan. 18, featured several brutal knockouts. Reaction to them largely mirrored the concerns of brain trauma specialists who pointed out the guaranteed brain injuries that would be sustained and the potential for long-term brain injuries.
Below are a few reactions to the Power Slap League.
A few things that make combat sports so great, the art of defense and countering. Not standing with your hands at your side and taking blunt force trama to the dome, while an Olympic power lifter tries to knock cerebral brain fluid out of my ears and nose. #powerslap
— Eric Nicksick (@Eric_XCMMA) January 21, 2023
At least they put chalk on their hands prior, helps the coroner identify who delivered the game winning TBI. #PowerSlap
— Eric Nicksick (@Eric_XCMMA) January 21, 2023
It is a terrible look to have the UFC associated with this slap fighting. This is a sadist act that will likely lead to brain damage. This is just violence porn. Might as well start a Russian roulette show next…
— David Avellan (@DavidAvellan) January 21, 2023
I don’t want to know how much money went into this Power Slap shit. Why not put that money towards making the UFC a better overall product and legitimizing the sport? Also, it’s dumb lol.
— Matt “The Steamrolla”Frevola (@SteamRollaa) January 19, 2023
Watching people suffer permanent brain damage without any reason. It is inhumane. Sad. Sickening. https://t.co/5su8Y2lZ9E
— Frank “The Legend” Shamrock (@frankshamrock) January 20, 2023
However, it is not appropriate for any licensed Nevada official to take part in such activities. The men involved should stand up and declare “No, I am not doing that.” All parties will eventually have to account for their actions. Sometimes the hardest road is the right road to take https://t.co/e4qoGwUxMu
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) January 21, 2023
Exactly that. Only God can allow you to handle the skill level. Handing out Trauma to the brain with no ability to defend against it only makes this appeal to people wanting to see a train crash and that’s what they will get https://t.co/odfxSgqDBo
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) January 19, 2023
Power slap is a horrible idea and needs to be stopped
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) January 21, 2023
Bro don’t miss the obvious, we have a chance to defend they don’t it’s just stupid no need to debate
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) January 21, 2023
Pretty wild, honestly. I just don’t get it
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) January 21, 2023
Checking out the Slap fight league. This is the stupidest shit I’ve ever seen. The fact it’s associated with the UFC sets the sport back 10 yrs. All that being said it’s entertaining. It’s a great show.
— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) January 19, 2023
Gonna be honest, I think power slap is fucking stupid. This is basically Russian roulette, but it doesn’t require any skill.
— Vinc Pichel (@FromHellPichel) January 21, 2023
I don’t understand the attraction of Power Slap. It seems like you need to be sadistic in order to enjoy Power Slap.
— Funky (@Benaskren) January 19, 2023
If anything, power slap is showing the importance of turning back your shoulder and torquing your torso into the shot. The incorrect terminology of “Turning the hip” could be used. Hips less important? Possible also. Turn your shoulder back and torque fully into strike! K.O.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) January 20, 2023
I might be the Joe Rogan for Power Slap.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) January 20, 2023
let @stefondiggs commentate the next power slap pic.twitter.com/Ibdqal7ay5
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) January 19, 2023
I have no respect for Dana White. His ownership in the Power Slap League is a game of shame. This shows his indifference to human health. It shows his lack of concern for human health.
— Khalid Twaiti (@khalidtwaiti) January 20, 2023
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/1/22/23565583/this-is-just-violence-porn-fighters-coaches-react-to-power-slap-league-footage?rand=96749
