Listen to Story A recent study conducted by neurologists has raised serious concerns about the dangers of professional slap fighting, particularly the risk of concussions. After reviewing footage from the televised slap fighting competition in the US, doctors concluded that the sport may pose a higher risk of neurological damage than previously thought. Slap fighting, as showcased in the Power Slap competition owned by UFC president Dana White, involves two contestants taking turns slapping each other with full force.
Participants cannot defend themselves, wear headgear, or even flinch, exposing them to significant trauma. Power Slap’s first televised event aired in 2023, and it is currently in its third season. Neurologists from the University of Pittsburgh and the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System reviewed footage from Power Slap’s first season and found visible signs of concussions in nearly 30% of the analysed slaps.
Participants cannot defend themselves, wear headgear, or even flinch. (Photo: Getty) Out of 333 slaps reviewed, 97 resulted in visible concussive symptoms, including blank stares, difficulty standing, coordination issues, vomiting, amnesia, and impact seizures. Of the 56 contestants observed, 44 displayed at least one sign of a concussion, while 20 contestants showed evidence of suffering multiple concussions during the competition.
Those who displayed concussion symptoms lost 75% of the time. Lead researcher Raj Swaroop Lavadi emphasised that while banning.