Report: US Congress puts Dana White’s Power Slap fighting under fire, send official inquiry to TBS execs demanding answers
Dana White's latest venture, Power Slap: Road to the Title, has stirred up an immense amount of controversy in the MMA community. Complaints about the show being a platform to glorify brain trauma were raised immediately after the first episode in January.
U.S Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. and Don Bacon appear to agree with those complaints. The pair sent letters to Warner Bros. and TBS, who host the program on their network, inquiring about the lack of disclaimers and information displayed about the consequences of being knocked out.
Pascrell Jr. uploaded images of the letter sent to the broadcasters alongside a video of Power Slap League contestants being viciously KO'd.
"Today @RepDonBacon and I are asking TBS and Warner Bros about their crass new TV show “The Power Slap” glorifying terrible violence. Where are the warnings to this mindless violence? Traumatic brain injury isn’t entertainment."
See the tweets below:
Today @RepDonBacon and I are asking TBS and Warner Bros about their crass new TV show “The Power Slap” glorifying terrible violence.
Where are the warnings to this mindless violence? Traumatic brain injury isn’t entertainment. https://t.co/LIWGWtvm2s
Here’s our letter demanding answers from @warnerbros @TBSNetwork on their violent new TV show glorifying traumatic brain injury risks. https://t.co/MV4rruLv6a
The congressman made a clear distinction between the world of combat sports and martial arts compared to the newly-created world of slap fighting. The former is steeped in a multitude of cultures, traditions, and education. While the latter is no more than a glorification of brain trauma in pursuit of profit.
Dana White's name was not mentioned specifically, but he has been the face of the Power Slap show since it aired.
Dana White says Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler could happen in a stadium
Dana White recently spoke to Fanatics View and previewed the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter featuring Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler.
The pair were announced as coaches for the newest season of TUF several weeks ago. The show is set to air in May, and the two lightweight stars will go to war following the season finale.
'The Notorious' has been out of action since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. However, the Irishman's absence from the octagon has done little to affect his popularity outside of it, and he remains the biggest attraction in the sport.
Michael Chandler has blossomed into one of the biggest stars in the UFC despite having a 2-3 record, putting on epic performances in all five of his fights.
Dana White believes that the star power between the two fighters could be enough to host the fight at the Dallas Texas Stadium, the home of the NFL team Dallas Cowboys. While speaking to Fanatics View, he said this:
"To go to Dallas Texas Stadium you have to have the right fight. Conor and Chandler are doing The Ultimate Fighter this year and they’re coaching it. And it’s the first time it’s on ESPN the network, it was on ESPN+... Dallas Texas Stadium is a possibility."
Watch the interview below: