Dana White, the prominent figure behind the UFC, is set to introduce power slapping, also known as slap fighting, to Fontainebleau Las Vegas in an exclusive sports residency next year. The announcement, made on Monday, revealed that Fontainebleau Las Vegas will become the new home for a series of live slapping events, starting with Power Slap 10 on Friday, Dec. 6.
Layne “Da Crazy Hawaiian” Viernes will defend his super heavyweight title against Danie “Pitbull” van Heerden, aiming to capitalize on the viral sensation of power slapping videos where contestants strike each other until one is knocked out or concedes. Power Slap, White’s league, boasts six of the top 10 YouTube shorts of all time, amassing 560 million views.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas, situated on the north Strip, will collaborate with Power Slap on this venture, promising “exclusive on-site experiences” for fans. Maurice Wooden, president of the casino hotel, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to expand our partnership with Power Slap. By blending the thrill of high-octane competition with our unparalleled amenities and hospitality, Fontainebleau offers a one-of-a-kind experience.”
The collaboration comes after the successful Power Slap 8 event, held at Fontainebleau on June 28, where Layne “Da Crazy Hawaiian” Viernes retained his super heavyweight title against Danie “Pitbull” van Heerden by unanimous decision. The event drew an audience of over 3,500 people.
Dana White’s Power Slap initiative extends beyond live events. He also produced a reality TV show, “Power Slap: Road to the Title,” which aired for one season on TBS and a second on Rumble. White, however, faced personal controversy in 2022 when he was captured on video slapping his wife, though this incident was not mentioned in the press release.
Power slapping remains a contentious sport due to its potential for causing head trauma, including concussions and the kind of cartoonish dazes depicted in classic animations.
In other news, WWE announced the on-sale date for WrestleMania 41 tickets, scheduled for Las Vegas. Tickets will be available via Ticketmaster starting at 10 a.m. PT on October 25, following a presale beginning at 10 a.m. on October 23. WrestleMania 41 is slated for April 19 and 20 at Allegiant Stadium. While the match card is yet to be revealed, WWE highlighted WrestleMania’s evolution from a television event to a major cultural phenomenon, citing that WrestleMania XL in April was the most-viewed and highest-grossing event in the company’s history, breaking the previous gate record set by WrestleMania 39 by 78%, with 145,298 attendees over two nights at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.
