UFC CEO Dana White is bullish on the potential of Power Slap in the combat sports space, and if safety protocols are handled correctly, referee Mark Smith agrees.
Smith is a veteran MMA referee who has been in the octagon for more than 100 UFC fights over the past two years. As White launched his Power Slap brand in Nevada, Smith has been one of the referees most seen on the broadcasts for the controversial activity, which sees competitors take turns slapping each other in the face while the recipient has hands behind their back.
The lack of defensive functionality and concentration on knockouts and damage has led to critics questioning the degree of safety around Power Slap, but through his experience so far, Smith said the sanctioning body of the Nevada Athletic Commission does not take it lightly.
