https://arab.news/8mr44
- Power Slap makes its mark in Riyadh with knockout moments and championship glory
RIYADH: What happens when you mix raw power, iron chins, and the thrill of combat sports? You get Power Slap 11, which made its electrifying debut in Riyadh’s anb Arena on Jan. 30.
The night was a wild ride of jaw-dropping slaps, knockout victories, and pure competitive grit — because in this sport, there is no dodging, just taking it straight to the face.
In the evening’s most anticipated clash, Vasilii “Dumpling” Kamotskii faced off against Koa “Da Crazy Hawaiian” Viernes in a heavyweight rematch. The last time these two titans met, the clash ended in a draw. This time, Kamotskii made sure there was no question about who hits harder, securing a unanimous decision victory and the World Super Heavyweight Championship.
Ron “Wolverine” Bata wasted no time proving why he is at the top of the lightweight division. One thunderous slap was all it took to send Vern “The Mechanic” Cathey to the floor in round one, handing Bata a spectacular knockout win and the World Light Heavyweight Championship.
If the main card was a fireworks show, the prelims were the fuse that set it all off. Fighters came in swinging — literally — with these standout moments: Luke “Lethal Strike” Simonds knocked out Garrett “Flaco” Blakesslee in round two, Wes “Boom” Mena took out Devin “Big Jinxx” Jenkins via TKO in round one, Darren “The Tarantula” Godfrey delivered a first-round knockout against Merlis “Action” Muusikus, and Ke’ali’i “The Chief” Kanekoa secured a third-round knockout over Brandon “The Ripper” Rhodes.
The main card continued the action, proving that Power Slap is not just about brute force, but also about precision, endurance, and pure willpower. Kalani “Toko” Vakameilalo outlasted Danie “The Pitbull” Van Heerden, winning by unanimous decision, while Sheena “The Hungarian Hurricane” Bathory showed her dominance in the women’s featherweight division, earning a unanimous decision victory over Jackie “The Hybrid” Cataline.
Believe it or not, slap fighting’s roots go way back. It started as a test of toughness among Russian strongmen — just two competitors trading open-handed slaps until someone backed down. What began as underground showdowns soon exploded into viral internet fame, with millions watching these fierce and sometimes brutal exchanges.
Fast forward to 2022, and UFC President Dana White saw the potential to take slap fighting mainstream. Enter Power Slap, an official league with rules, weight classes, and a global stage. In just a couple of years, what was once a backyard challenge has turned into an international event with championship belts on the line.
Power Slap 11 in Riyadh was more than just another sporting event — it was a statement. The energy, the rivalries, and the sheer spectacle proved that slap fighting is carving out its place in the combat sports world.
Many Saudis were seeing Power Slap live for the first time. Asked by Arab News whether the event will inspire young Saudis to become future “slappers,” White said: “I do, because when you think about even the UFC, when we first started the UFC, there were only a couple of camps that existed, and as it started to get bigger and better, I mean, look at those camps all over the world, there are champions from all over the world. There are contenders from all over the world.”
The sport still faces its share of controversy, with concerns over safety and long-term effects on health, but one thing is clear: Fans cannot get enough. The hits are getting harder, the competition is getting fiercer, and the road ahead for Power Slap looks as thrilling as ever.
Love it or hate it, Power Slap is here to stay.