Dana White on Super Bowl Weekend: ‘Power Slap Is The Hottest F------ Ticket In Vegas That Weekend’

Dana White discusses UFC 300, Power Slap 6, and Callum Walsh’s next fight

Welcome to The Weekly Takedown, Sports Illustrated’s in-depth look at MMA. Every week, this column offers insight and information on the most noteworthy stories in the fight world.

Dana White on UFC 300, Power Slap 6, and Callum Walsh’s next fight

Late last night, UFC CEO Dana White announced the first title fight for UFC 300. It is a women’s strawweight title bout pitting Weili Zhang defending her belt against Yan Xiaonan.

“This is going to make history,” said White, noting how the title fight features two mixed martial arts from China. “This fight has ‘bad ass’ written all over it.”

BREAKING NEWS: Zhang vs Yan will happen at #UFC300. The first ever Chinese vs Chinese title fight. pic.twitter.com/ztyTnbCxHi

— danawhite (@danawhite) January 11, 2024

Following the news of that night, White is expected to make two more UFC 300 announcements today. He is also building to the season finale of Power Slap season, which will culminate on Friday, February 9 during Super Bowl weekend in Vegas.

“Power Slap 6 will be our first fight out of the Apex,” said White. “It will be at Durango Station, the new casino that the Fertittas just built. That’s Super Bowl weekend: Friday will be Power Slap at Durango, Saturday is UFC at the Apex, and Sunday is the Super Bowl here in Las Vegas. And Power Slap is the hottest f------ ticket in Vegas that weekend.”

It is fitting to see White host Power Slap at a Fertitta-owned property. The longtime partners are also co-owners of the Thrill One Sports & Entertainment group.

“We’re back together again,” said White. “And not just with this. We have a lot of other projects at Thrill One.”

A compelling story that has emerged throughout the second season of Power Slap–which has found a new home on Rumble–is the second chance for middleweight Eddie Brahimir. After losing a three-round fight by decision earlier in the season, he was given a redemption fight on last night’s episode, overcoming Amir Nuriddeen.

“We felt like Eddie had potential, and we wanted to give him another opportunity,” said White. “It’s all working out for him–he’s making the most of it, and we’ll see how does in Vegas.”

Another significant piece of news that broke this week surrounded Callum Walsh. An undefeated boxer from Cork, Ireland, Walsh (9-0, 7 KOs) will make his next fight on Friday, March 15–not coincidentally, St. Patrick’s Day weekend–at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. His fight will be broadcast globally on UFC Fight Pass, and he will defend his WBC USA Silver Super Welterweight title for the third time in a ten-round main event.

Courtesy 360 Promotions

Walsh competed in New York City this past November, defeating top local prospect Ismael Villarreal (13-1) with an impressive ten-round decision.

“I like his style of fighting,” said White. “I think the kid has a ton of potential. And after he comes back to MSG, then his next fight will be in Ireland.”

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Light Heavyweight Contenders Meet at UFC Fight Night

Magomed Ankalaev had won nine straight fights when he got his first crack at the UFC light heavyweight title in December of 2022. That bout ended in controversy, with a split draw the judges’ decision–leaving the vacant championship without a champion.

Courtesy Zuffa LLC

Ankalaev returned to the cage this October at UFC 294 against Johnny Walker. An illegal knee, deemed accidental, rendered Walker unable to continue. The fight was ruled a no contest, and it will start anew this Saturday during the main event of the first UFC Fight Night of 2024.

The winner of this bout will put himself in position for a title shot. Jamahal Hill still stands in front of the line for reigning champ Alex Pereira, but a victory here will put either Ankalaev (17-1-1, 1 NC) or Walker right near the top of the title picture. Prior to the no contest, Walker (21-7, 1 NC) had won three in a row, with his last loss coming in February of 2022 when he was knocked out by Hill.

This fight still favors Ankalaev. Walker is unorthodox and his running knee presents problems, but the edge goes to Ankalaev in striking and wrestling. If he can put together a convincing finish, he will put himself in position for another shot at the title.