Athletic commission chairman concerned with potential risks of Dana White's Power Slap league
UFC president Dana White’s Power Slap league has officially been granted a license by the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC). However, one commissioner couldn't help but be concerned about the participants.
The new slap-fighting show will air episodes on TBS starting in January. But before White and his associates were given the green light, NAC Chairman Stephen Cloobeck had to ask the most important question.
MMA Fighting published transcripts from a meeting between UFC officials and the athletic commission. During one of the exchanges, Cloobeck asked UFC's Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell:
"You will make sure no one dies?"
In an effort to squash the chairman's concerns, Campbell reassured him that it's the company's top priority:
"That is priority 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10... That goes without saying. Honestly, one of the reasons we tested this was to really understand firsthand in person the health and safety aspect of the sport."
Cloobeck's question may sound silly, but it's one that carries validity given the nature of slap-fighting.
Check out the video below:
Meet our first Power Slap coach, Darius the Destroyer!
He's 17-0 and widely regarded as the greatest slap fighter on the planet -- with insane power, an iron chin and flawless technique! Catch all the action when Power Slap comes to TBS in January 2023. https://t.co/QcREUlfCUI
Unlike boxing and MMA, slap-fighting takes away defense from the participants. That means slap fighters would have to absorb powerful blows to the head, making them more susceptible to concussions and other head trauma injuries.
Dana White reveals why he created Power Slap league
Dana White is once again partnering up with his former business partners Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta in their quest to expand into the world of slap-fighting.
Last Friday, the UFC president officially revealed that Power Slap is set to launch in early 2023. What's more, White stated that it was a project that he had been working on for several years now.
For the first time, White revealed the motivation behind the creation of Power Slap. According to the UFC president, it's as simple as him being hooked on the new combat craze:
"I'm really into this. I like it... The other thing is, this thing is going on. I know that when we announced this, there was a lot of concern about health and safety with some guys. Us getting involved guarantees that it's gonna be much safer. It's gonna continue to go on. I like it. I'm into it."
Check out Dana White's interview below:
"I guess I'm just demented. I don't know what's wrong with me."
UFC boss Dana White explains why he's venturing into Power Slap.
Full video: bit.ly/3hvlC8V https://t.co/0dbv5ck1Si