What is it Like Getting Hit in Power Slap?

“Your face goes hot, red hot.”

What is it like for a Power Slap fighter to take a hit to the face?

“Hit” is a far better description than “slap”. The sport allows flat, open-handed strike to the face that include the heel of the hand, allowing for brutal knockouts that have made the sport viral, controversial, and extremely painful.

“This isn’t a slap–it’s open-hand haymakers,” said Nate Burnard, a Power Slap heavyweight. “People like the intensity and the tenacity, and I get it. It’s vicious.”

Courtesy Zuffa LLC

Power Slap 6 takes place on Friday at the Durango in Las Vegas, the promotion’s first event outside of the UFC Apex facility. Burnard is part of the card, which airs live on Rumble, in a bout against Ryan Phillips.

If the 6’4”, 265-pound Burnard wins, he should be next in line for a heavyweight title shot. He knows what it is like to absorb a strike to the face–an uncomfortable sensation for anyone.

“Your face goes hot, red hot,” said Burnard. “You’re in it. You woke up. You’re ready to go.

“My second match against Duane Crespo, when he slapped me, I remember thinking, ‘This is no joke.’”

A highlight-reel Power Slap athlete is Sheena Bathory. She has won both of her fights by knockout, a streak she plans to extend on Friday in the co-main event against her opponent Jackie Cataline.

Bathory won Power Slap’s first-ever regulated women’s Power Slap match, and she offered a unique perspective to getting hit.

“I hate being slapped, but Power Slap is my destiny,” said Bathory. “I got through a couple very abusive relationships, so getting slapped always triggered me. But now it is different. I am showing my strength, and this is what is going to make me successful.”

Courtesy Zuffa LLC

Bathory understands the risk involved in the sport. Despite the potential dangers, she is enamored with the opportunities the sport provides.

“When I get hit, I know that’s a lot for the brain,” said Bathory. “In the moment, I’m thinking, ‘I’m still on my feet. Now it’s time to hit back.’”

Burnard shares a similar point of view. Power Slap has enhanced his profile, allowing him to be an even bigger advocate for those in need.

“For me, it’s about the exposure I can do with this,” said Burnard. “I’ve teamed up former Buffalo Bill Stevie Johnson, and we’ve raised money together for people in Buffalo. We bought toys and food for people at the Oishei Children’s Hospital. There are a lot of benefits and blessings that come with it.”

That blessing, of course, can also be a curse–which is why Burnard intends to make the most of his strikes.

“It’s a joy when it’s your turn, especially after you eat a shot,” said Burnard. “You’re ready to rip someone’s head off. You just hope your opponent brings a blanket and a pillow.”

Courtesy Zuffa LLC

Bathory agrees that it is better to give than receive in Power Slap. And she has a plan to reach the heights she is hungry to climb.

“People always talk sh--,” said Bathory. “F--- that sh--. I’m living my life, and I’m going to be a knockout artist.

“I want a knockout highlight reel, and I’m going to create my next knockout on Friday.”