Power Slap League participants give first-hand accounts of the dangers of the competition
Dana White's Power Slap League competitors recently appeared for an in-depth interview about the dangers of the sport and their mindset heading into the competition.
The pilot episode of the show highlighted the risks after Chris Kennedy was knocked unconscious during his bout with Chris Thomas. Kennedy remained unresponsive for some time. When he finally came to, he was unable to stand without support or recollect that he had even competed.
Nah this power slap competition is the WILDEST sports league out right now 😭
(via: @FightHaven) https://t.co/wzocobBErP
In an interview with Complex.com, some of the competitors were asked how they mentally prepare for their bouts. Jewel Scott stated that he heads into every bout with a legitimate risk of serious damage.
"It’s actually not that different for me overall, because I’m kind of thinking along the same lines with the thought in the front of my mind that I may get killed here, or I may die here. So I’m willing to do whatever I have to do to not only survive, but win and be victorious."
Chris Thomas, who delivered the shocking slap to Chris Kennedy, said:
"Everybody is going to get hit. Chris Kennedy, I respect him and all, but he was an idiot with how he took the hit. He was completely limp and let me slap him in the mouth, of course you’re going to go out like that. Me, I try to roll with it. I try to focus all of my energy on this dude’s hand and focus. I ain’t scared of nobody, I don’t flinch, I don’t give a fuck."
Dana White responds to Power Slap pay criticism
Dana White's venture into the Power Slap League has courted controversy again after the pay offered to some of its competitors was reportedly revealed.
Former UFC middleweight Eric Spicely recently took to Twitter to claim that he had originally been offered a deal with the Power Slap League. According to Spicely, however, the pay was so minimal that it would shock fans.
"I was contracted to do slap league, you guys would be shocked at how much it pays."
'Zebrinha' added:
"First fight was 2k and 2k."
UFC veteran Eric Spicely said he was contacted to see if he’d like to participate in the Power Slap League. Not sure what the full pay scale is, but this nugget caught my attention: https://t.co/Qlej95KmJs
Following the news about the miniscule pay for Power Slap competitors, one fan addressed Dana White on Instagram and criticized the UFC president. The 53-year-old responded by telling the fans to "educate" themselves:
"[This is] how MMA started too. Boxing undercards make this kind of money still. Educate yourself before u open the YAP."
Dana White responding to IG account about Power Slap pay. https://t.co/HzGcHUbwSk