UFC Fighter Anthony Smith's Brutally Honest Take On Sanctioned Slap Fighting

This ranked fighter shares his thoughts on Power Slap.

Fernando Quiles Jr. | Jun 20, 2023

UFC Fighter Anthony Smith's Brutally Honest Take On Sanctioned Slap Fighting /

Much has been made about sanctioned slap fighting, and UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith has some thoughts.

Since UFC President Dana White introduced the Power Slap League, it has been met with negative blowback. Many have criticized sanctioned slap fighting, since the participants can't intelligently defend themselves. They are simply expected to brace for an inevitable flush slap to the face, which many fear could lead to permanent brain trauma.

Two sanctioned slap fighters do battle under UFC President Dana White's Power Slap League. — (via Zuffa LLC)

This has drawn the attention of neuroscientists such as Christopher Nowinski, who have denounced sanctioned slap fighting. Dana White continues to say that safety measures are being taken in the Power Slap League.

One person you aren't likely to hear complaining about slap fighting is Anthony Smith. The 205-pound UFC fighter appeared on "The Schaub Show," and admitted that he enjoys watching sanctioned slap fighting.

"I can't get enough of it," Smith said. "I don't know. I can't get enough of it, bro. I can't look away. I worked a pilot event and called it before anyone even knew it was going on."

"Lionheart" went on to say that the highlight reel knockouts in slap fighting make it hard for him to turn away.

"I've been fighting since '06, you take the top ten knockouts that I've seen in person my entire career, eight of them happened that day. I'm serious, it was the most insane s*** I've ever seen in my life."

The Nevada State Athletic Commission has approved the next Power Slap event for July 7. It'll be held inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event will be live streamed on Rumble.

A battle for the ages between Vernon Cathey and @Alan_Klingbeil 💥#PowerSlap3 is coming July 7 | 9pmET / 6pmPT | LIVE & FREE on Rumble pic.twitter.com/voNxdGewTF
— Power Slap (@powerslap) June 15, 2023

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Published Jun 20, 2023

FERNANDO QUILES JR.

Fernando has over a decade of combat sports news writing experience. He currently covers MMA, boxing, and pro wrestling. Fernando joined MMA Knockout as the Lead Writer/Editor when it was founded in 2023.