Well, well, well, if it isn’t the latest internet sensation, face-slapping sport! No, you didn’t misread, and no, it’s not a joke.
Face-Slapping Sport
We covered the sport a few years back in the article:
Insane Face-Slapping Competition – Vasily Kamotsky World Champion
Held at the Siberian Power – with the total grand prize money of $1000USD going to the world champ.
It’s now become an actual sport where both male and female ‘athletes’ take turns to slap each other across the face. Yes, you heard it right – a full-fledged, open-handed, cheek-reddening slap!
And guess what? It has been sanctioned, televised, and is rapidly growing in popularity. You might be thinking, “Are we losing our minds?”
Origins of the Sport
The face-slapping sport has its origins in the far-off regions of Eastern Europe. It was initially an unregulated local activity, with videos of these strange competitions making their way around the YouTube sphere. These videos generated millions of views, catching the attention of Dana White, UFC President. He saw a golden opportunity to capitalize on this bizarre, yet intriguing spectacle.
Face-Slapping Sport Today
Fast forward to today, and slap fighting has morphed into a full-grown, organized sport. The Power Slap League, owned by none other than Dana White himself, is the premier organization for face-slapping. Complete with weight classes, rules, and a growing fanbase.
The league has received the stamp of approval from the Nevada Athletic Commission, giving it an added layer of legitimacy.
What Are The Rules?
Are there any rules to this madness? The answer is a resounding yes!
The sport operates in a fairly simple structure. Participants, or “strikers”, take turns to deliver open-handed blows to their opponent’s face. The receiver cannot flinch or defend themselves. After each slap, the receiver has 60 seconds to recover before it’s their turn to dish out a slap.
Fights usually last three to five rounds, and points are based on the effectiveness of the slap and the receiver’s reaction.
The Players of the Game
The Power Slap League boasts a roster of over 30 competitors, with winners collecting anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 per match. Some of the big names in the league include Darius “The Destroyer” Mata-Varona, Christapher “Ko Chris” Thomas, and Mike “Slap Jesus” Smith.
Dana White says these competitors are regular guys and family men who simply love the thrill of competition.
What Is The Controversy Surrounding the Sport?
The sport has come under fire for its brutal nature and the potential health risks it poses to participants. Critics argue that the sport is unsporting and dangerous. The Brain Injury Association of America calling for the suspension of slap fighting because of the risk of repeated concussions.
What Are The Health Risks Involved?
The major health concern surrounding face-slapping is the risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated blows to the head. Neuroscientists and healthcare professionals are concerned over the potential for serious brain injury. Some have called for the sport to be banned.
What Is The Popular Opinion?
Face-slapping sport continues to garner a significant fanbase, particularly in Europe. Videos of matches have garnered millions of views on social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram. On TV, the first four episodes of Power Slap averaged about 275,000 viewers.
What Is The Future of Face-Slapping?
Looking ahead, Dana White is confident that face-slapping will continue to grow and evolve as a sport. He has plans to continue holding events and producing content for the Power Slap League. He firmly believes that face-slapping is the next big thing in combat sports.
Are We Losing Our Minds?
The rise of face-slapping sport certainly raises questions about our thirst for entertainment and our tolerance for violence. As a society, are we losing our minds, or is this just another manifestation of our love for competition and spectacle?
My Personal Take
As for me, while I find the concept of face-slapping sport absolutely bonkers, I also can’t deny its entertainment value. There’s something oddly fascinating about watching two people willingly slap each other silly. Watching these contestants knock each other out, with no safety gear gives me some sort of sick and morbid interest.
Perhaps Will Smith Should Join The Comp?
The sport of face-slapping sport is a spectacle that has taken the world by storm. Whether it is the next big thing in combat sports or a fleeting trend, only time will tell. But one thing is for sure – it has certainly given us something to talk, watch, (and laugh) about!
