Controversy surrounds the Power Slap League as concerns over health and weight cutting arise. Fans question the need for weight cutting in a slapping contest, while a veteran referee defends the sport’s safety measures.
| Controversy Surrounds Power Slap League: Health Concerns and Weight Cutting |
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| The Power Slap League, led by UFC CEO Dana White, has once again faced criticism over the health of its participants. Recent reports revealed that a ‘Power Slapper’ had to be hospitalized due to complications from a weight cut before an event. Slap fighting, the sport’s popular name, has drawn scrutiny for its high-impact knockouts and rules penalizing defensive moves. Fans quickly expressed their concerns online, questioning the necessity of weight cutting in the contest. The severe dehydration process that athletes undergo to compete in their desired weight class has led to complications and raised doubts about the well-being of Power Slap contestants. Slap fighting involves contestants attempting to knock each other out or slap each other until they can no longer continue. The sport gained popularity through viral clips of contests in Russia and other locations. UFC President Dana White formalized the sport into the ‘Power Slap League.’ However, the recent incident involving contestant Chris Debow collapsing due to weight cutting issues sparked outrage among the online community, questioning the need for such practices in a slapping contest. Here’s how the community reacted: |
- Fans wondered why weight cutting was necessary for the contest.
- Some made humorous remarks about the situation.
- Others pointed out the impact of weight cutting on the ability to withstand knockouts.
- Many questioned the legitimacy of Power Slap contestants as athletes.
- Some expressed concern for the risks contestants endure.
- The discrepancy in healthcare between Power Slap performers and UFC fighters was highlighted. The overall sentiment ranges from amusement to skepticism and concern regarding the risks associated with extreme weight cutting in an unconventional sport. However, veteran MMA referee Mark Smith has come forward to defend the sport’s safety. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, referee Mark Smith, with over 100 UFC fights under his belt, defended the safety of Power Slap. Critics have raised questions about the safety of the controversial activity, where opponents slap each other with their hands behind their backs. Smith emphasized the extensive safety measures in place, including thorough pre-event meetings and the presence of top-tier doctors at ringside. He assured that the fighters are taken through comprehensive safety and rules meetings before every event. Additionally, the league has the support of world-class doctors who are present cageside or matside. Smith also highlighted that the team surrounding the contest prioritizes the well-being of the participants and can stop the fight at any time to prevent unnecessary damage. Despite skepticism, Smith’s reassurances challenge the perception that Power Slap is unsafe, demonstrating a commitment to the contestants’ welfare. |
The Power Slap League, led by UFC CEO Dana White, has once again faced criticism over the health of its participants. Recent reports revealed that a ‘Power Slapper’ had to be hospitalized due to complications from a weight cut before an event. Slap fighting, the sport’s popular name, has drawn scrutiny for its high-impact knockouts and rules penalizing defensive moves.
Fans quickly expressed their concerns online, questioning the necessity of weight cutting in the contest. The severe dehydration process that athletes undergo to compete in their desired weight class has led to complications and raised doubts about the well-being of Power Slap contestants.
Slap fighting involves contestants attempting to knock each other out or slap each other until they can no longer continue. The sport gained popularity through viral clips of contests in Russia and other locations.
UFC President Dana White formalized the sport into the ‘Power Slap League.’ However, the recent incident involving contestant Chris Debow collapsing due to weight cutting issues sparked outrage among the online community, questioning the need for such practices in a slapping contest.
Here’s how the community reacted:
- Fans wondered why weight cutting was necessary for the contest.
- Some made humorous remarks about the situation.
- Others pointed out the impact of weight cutting on the ability to withstand knockouts.
- Many questioned the legitimacy of Power Slap contestants as athletes.
- Some expressed concern for the risks contestants endure.
- The discrepancy in healthcare between Power Slap performers and UFC fighters was highlighted.
The overall sentiment ranges from amusement to skepticism and concern regarding the risks associated with extreme weight cutting in an unconventional sport. However, veteran MMA referee Mark Smith has come forward to defend the sport’s safety.
Veteran referee defends ‘Power Slap League’ amidst safety concerns
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, referee Mark Smith, with over 100 UFC fights under his belt, defended the safety of Power Slap. Critics have raised questions about the safety of the controversial activity, where opponents slap each other with their hands behind their backs.
Smith emphasized the extensive safety measures in place, including thorough pre-event meetings and the presence of top-tier doctors at ringside. He assured that the fighters are taken through comprehensive safety and rules meetings before every event. Additionally, the league has the support of world-class doctors who are present cageside or matside.
Smith also highlighted that the team surrounding the contest prioritizes the well-being of the participants and can stop the fight at any time to prevent unnecessary damage.
Despite skepticism, Smith’s reassurances challenge the perception that Power Slap is unsafe, demonstrating a commitment to the contestants’ welfare.
