Slap fighting can trigger severe concussion in 3 out of 4 athletes and induce traumatic brain injury with long-term effects, says recent study

The sport of slap fighting has witnessed a significant rise in popularity in the United States of America and beyond. A recent study reportedly conducted by a team of neurologists has once again emphasized its potential dangers.

UFC CEO and president Dana White founded the Power Slap organization in 2022. Its first season premiered in January 2023, eliciting mixed reactions. Detractors argued that it vastly differs from other professional combat sports, as it generally disallows athletes from evading or flinching, thereby exacerbating the strike's impact.

They alleged that the sport causes short-term and long-term damage, including possible CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and other health issues. A recent study concerning slap fighting was published on the Jama Network, an AMA (American Medical Association) medical journal.

Carly Cassella addressed the study in a report on ScienceAlert, which included a reference to the Dana White-helmed Power Slap. Doctors warned that the sport is marred by an extremely high risk of concussions.

Additionally, in 2023, ex-WWE superstar and retired professional wrestler, Dr. Christopher Nowinski, tweeted a video featuring highlights from multiple Power Slap matches, wherein the slapped competitors fell unconscious. Nowinski is a neuroscientist and co-founder of the Concussion Legacy Foundation. Furthermore, it was reported that he had to retire from professional wrestling due to the concussions he suffered when he was active.

Cassella's report alluded to Nowinski's tweet, highlighting how one of them assumed a fencing posture while unconscious, possibly indicating permanent brain damage.

Warner Bros-owned cable TV network, TBS, parted ways with Power Slap, which is currently featured on the Rumble platform. Some attributed the 2023 split to the sport's hazardous nature.

A team of neurologists from the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and the University of Pittsburgh assessed footage from Power Slap Season 1. They noted the visible indicators of concussions such as impact seizures, vomiting, amnesia, coordination problems, slowness in regard to standing up, and vacant/blank stares in the show's participants.

Though they based it on the visual evidence and not a personal diagnosis of the athletes, the doctors concluded:

"Slap fighting may induce traumatic brain injury in contestants, with potential for long-term consequences."

The team also added:

"Slap fighting may be a more grievous combat sport than previously assumed, and strategies to prevent neurological demise among its participants should be pursued."

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Power Slap founder Dana White responds to health concerns surrounding slap fighting

Speaking to TIME magazine, Power Slap founder Dana White recently addressed the backlash against Power Slap and slap fighting overall. White implied that doctors always warn people about the possibility of death, whereas he views death as an inevitability and something that shouldn't stop you from following your passion.

White recounted his own experience in boxing and claimed that he himself suffered brain damage but doesn't regret lacing up the boxing gloves and loved fighting. The 55-year-old, who continues to promote Power Slap, said:

"I have black spots all over my brain from what I did. I wouldn't take back one punch. Not one."