Posted on: September 23, 2024, 04:28h.
Last updated on: September 23, 2024, 04:28h.
MMA impresario Dana White is bringing power slapping, also known as slap fighting, to Fontainebleau Las Vegas in an exclusive deal sports residency next year, it was announced Monday.
With his Power Slap league, the UFC president aims to capitalize on the viral popularity of videos in which otherwise normal people smack each other until one passes out or gives up.
Power Slap has six of the Top 10 YouTube shorts of all-time, accounting for 560 million views.
According to a Fontainebleau news release, the north Strip casino hotel will host five live slapping events beginning with Power Slap 10 on Friday, Dec. 6. The partnership is also expected to yield “exclusive on-site experiences.”
“We are excited to expand our partnership with Power Slap,” said Maurice Wooden, president of the newest casino hotel on the Strip. “By blending the thrill of high octane competition with our unparalleled amenities and hospitality, Fontainebleau offers a one-of-a-kind experience.”
The first Power Slap match held at Fontainebleau was Power Slap 8 on June 28, in which Layne “Da Crazy Hawaiian” Viernes defended his super heavyweight title against Danie “Pitbull” van Heerden by unanimous decision. According to Fontainebleau, attendance for the event was “more than 3,500.”
White also produced a reality TV show, “Power Slap: Road to the Title,” which aired for one season on TBS and a second on Rumble before it passed out or gave up. White also famously slapped his own wife, Anne, in 2022, but the press release neglected to mention that.
Power slapping is controversial because of the potential it poses for head trauma, including concussions and those swirling stars Wile E. Coyote used to see after getting flattened by an Acme anvil.
WWE Tix
WWE on Monday announced its on-sale date for WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas — 10 a.m. PT October 25 via Ticketmaster.
It’s too early for WWE to announce the match card, but it already booked Allegiant Stadium for April 19 and 20. Fans can register for a presale, which begins 10 a.m. October 23, by going here.
“Over the last four decades, WrestleMania has evolved from a made-for-television spectacle to a cultural phenomenon complete with stadium and arena events, fan festivities and premium experiences,” WWE said in a news release.
According to WWE, WrestleMania XL in April was the most-viewed and highest-grossing event in company 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.
