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 at the anb Arena on January 30. This high-energy night showcased jaw-dropping slaps, knockout victories, and pure competitive grit—because, let’s face it, this sport is all about taking it straight to the face.
Highlighting the event was the much-anticipated rematch between Vasilii ‘Dumpling’ Kamotskii and Koa ‘Da Crazy Hawaiian’ Viernes. Fans had been buzzing about this heavyweight clash after their previous encounter at Power Slap 9, which ended indecisively with a draw. This time, Kamotskii made sure there was no question about who hits harder. He secured a unanimous decision, laying claim to the World Super Heavyweight Championship with judges scoring it 50-44, 50-44, and 48-46.
The evening kicked off with the prelims, and the fights delivered as expected. Ron ‘Wolverine’ Bata wasted no time proving why he dominates the lightweight division. With a single thunderous slap, he sent Vern ‘The Mechanic’ Cathey crashing to the floor, claiming victory and the World Light Heavyweight Championship by knockout. It was one of several standout moments during the night, as fighters came out swinging—literally.
Among other prelim highlights, Luke ‘Lethal Strike’ Simonds and Ke’ali’i ‘The Chief’ Kanekoa each delivered impressive knockouts. Rounding out their performances, Sheena ‘The Hungarian Hurricane’ Bathory, celebrating her own unanimous decision victory, showcased women’s featherweight talent and solidified her place within the program.
But what is it about slap fighting that's captured the hearts of fans? The origins trace back to Russian strongmen testing toughness, simply slapping each other until someone faltered. What was once seen as underground entertainment now boasts cutting-edge professional structure, champion titles, and officiated rules. UFC President Dana White recognized the potential of slap fighting and spearheaded the transformation with the Power Slap league, bringing legitimate competition to fighters eager to showcase their skills on the world stage.
After announcing the birth of Power Slap, White emphasized the importance of building communities for combat sports. When asked by Arab News if powerslap will inspire young Saudis, he conveyed optimism: “I do, because when you think about even the UFC, when we first started the UFC, there were only a couple of camps… There are contenders from all over the world.” His words reinforced the belief among supporters and players alike about the growth of this captivating sport.
Despite facing critiques over safety and health risks, the thrill and excitement surrounding events like Power Slap 11 remain at the forefront. Viewers can't get enough, as online streaming and betting opportunities around these high-stakes matches continue to proliferate. Betting sites are taking advantage of this popularity, offering odds and bonuses to entice fans. All eyes were on the action at the ann Arena, with additional wagers wanted for the next events.
Even with the challenges, the thrill of exhibitions continues to draw increasing crowds. Many attendees at Power Slap 11 were experiencing the sport live for the first time, connecting them to something massive and unexpected. They witnessed the hard-hitting clashes, intense rivalries, and adrenaline, leaving them anticipating more.
And as the night wrapped up, both Kamotskii and Viernes addressed the cheering fans. Kamotskii emphasized his readiness to take on whoever Dana White puts before him, showing the genuine excitement around this new chapter.
On the other hand, Viernes expressed his desire to continue competing and to step up even to the heavyweight division, showcasing the spirit of determination these athletes possess. The future of Power Slap might still hang on the balance of safety and competitiveness, but the energy at Power Slap 11 left everyone eager for more action.
Love it or hate it, one thing is clear: Power Slap is now part of the combat sports arena, generating buzz and attracting fans who revel at the sight and sound of fierce competition. With growing national and international interest, viewers around the world want to witness the spectacle and skill involved. Mark your calendars — Power Slap is here to stay, and the next showdown promises to be as electrifying as the last.