Dana White’s controversial new Power Slap League faces a barrage of backlash from scientists and audiences alike. Neurologists are now criticizing sports safety, calling it a “recipe for disaster.”
You may be familiar with the popular playground game known as ‘Slap’. The objective of this game is to hit your opponent as hard as possible. Subsequent results are usually either tears or bruises. It’s the kind of game you’ll cringe while remembering as an adult. Most people leave such brazen stupidity behind, but the sport of power slaps, which UFC President Dana White calls “the ultimate test of toughness,” is growing rapidly. Scientists warn that slap fighting can lead to serious health complications.
Slap as an organized sport is relatively young. It has been popular in Eastern Europe since the early 2000s and is now mainstream in the form of a TV show called Power Slap: Road To The Title. The show consists of eight episodes of his and is produced by Dana White. Competitors from all over the world come together to find out who has the strongest slap in the world. And obviously not 100% scripted.
The rules are simple. During the three rounds, competitors try to hit their opponents as hard as possible. Deliver an open hand slap to your opponent’s face below eye level. After the slap, the contestant has 30 seconds to return to combat or be eliminated. The winner of each round receives his 10 points. The loser receives 9 points or less. Importantly, the slapped contestant is not allowed to flinch. So they are basically defenseless.
The show faces major backlash after going viral. Leave viewers and scientists concerned about athlete safety. Wrestler-turned-neurologist Chris Nowinski shares his dislike of the show on Twitter Did. Nowinski called the show “pure exploitation” and denounced the absurdity of the sport.
Boxing promoter Sam Jones also condemned the sport. “It’s ridiculous and dangerous,” said Jones. “No one should provide any platform for this and Dana White saying he takes the health of his fighters seriously when he’s endorsing this shit is totally ridiculous increase.”
Other industry experts say the sport can cause serious long-term physical harm to athletes and can lead to death. , participants will be penalized if they move or flinch,” Professor Nikos Evangelou told Sky News. In other combat sports, athletes are able to move and dodge to soften blows.
“It’s only a matter of time before we see more severe brain damage at autopsy.”
Evangelou says the power of a slap is very similar to the power of a punch. While slaps are generally considered less serious blows, Power Slap League competitors actively try to keep their heads still. It means there are more risks. “Because the head can be twisted, more serious complications can occur,” Evangelou said.
A slap can be fatal if a major artery that supplies blood to the brain ruptures. Several long-term complications from repeated head injuries are much more likely, including memory loss, cognitive deterioration, and CTE.
Dana White hastened to downplay the backlash in a recent interview. Spend the money to make sure. Get proper medical attention during and after the fight.” White said viewers should be educated about the sport just like any other martial art. .
UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell said the Power Slap League’s safety measures have undergone rigorous testing. I have a medical requirement. “Our testing has shown that there is a lot of sporting potential here,” Campbell said. “For all the obvious reasons, it makes sense globally to head to regulation before the sport begins. First and foremost is the health and safety of the athletes.”
