Dana White is an American businessman who serves as CEO and president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, a global mixed martial arts organization. He is also the owner of Power Slap, a slap-fighting promotion. In August 2019, White’s net worth was estimated at $500 million.
Power Slap first gained notoriety by producing a reality television show titled Power Slap: Road to the Title, originally broadcast by the TBS network in the United States and on Rumble internationally. Contestants on the show slapped each other in the face to win the Power Slap League tournament.
The show’s first season consisted of 8 pre-recorded episodes and was followed by the Power Slap 1 live event that aired exclusively on Rumble. The show was due to premiere on January 11, 2023, but was delayed a week after White was filmed slapping his wife in a Mexican nightclub at a New Year’s Eve party.
Dana White Weighs In
Dana White’s track record of success in both the UFC and Power Slap reaffirms his position as a visionary leader in the sports industry, capable of turning innovative ideas into profitable ventures through strategic planning and execution. Making Power Slap already in profit, unlike Professional Fighters League (PFL) and The Rock’s new football experiment between XFL and UFL.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated White said:
“We’re building another new combat sport like we did with the UFC”.
“This is only the first year. The velocity of growth and the amount of traction in business is remarkable. “I don’t want to sh-t on these guys because they’re both my friends, but if you look at The Rock and Eric Shanks, they’re joining forces with the XFL and the UFL to build this new United Football League. PFL just bought Bellator. They’re all trying to make traction, but they’re not making money. Power Slap has only had five events, and we already have profitability in one year. What startup league in any sport can say that?”
White on Powerslap Backlash
Dana White, despite steering Power Slap’s perspectives and financial success, stands firm in asserting that the confrontational reception the sport has encountered mirrors the vehement disapproval both the UFC and MMA encountered in their early days. Critics contended that mixed martial arts was excessively violent to qualify as a legitimate sport.
Dana White’s appreciation for the enthusiasm of fight fans is evident as he announces plans to introduce slap fighting in new states and making it global, recognizing the important role played by the community in the sport’s evolution.
In the grand narrative of Dana White’s contributions to the sports industry, Power Slap emerges not only as a financial success but also reflecting White’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of combat sports.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
