Riyadh Slap-Fighting, January 2025

Prepare yourself for the ultimate slapping competition in Power Slap.

This new combat sports venture, supported by UFC head Dana White, is making its debut in Riyadh as part of Riyadh Season's expanded collaboration with the UFC, extending beyond just the octagon.

The agreement will also bring another UFC event to Riyadh on Saturday, February 1, 2025.

The inaugural Saudi Arabian Power Slap event is scheduled for Thursday, January 30, 2025, at The Venue, a fresh Riyadh Season location.

For those unfamiliar, slap fighting involves exactly what you imagine—two participants slapping each other intensely. The match typically concludes when one of them remains conscious.

Like any sport, this unusual event has its own rules. For example, who gets to slap first is determined by a coin toss prior to the event.

Since knockouts in the first round are common in slap fights, going first can be a significant advantage.

Power Slap matches generally last three to five rounds. Competitors take turns striking each other in the face with an open hand, while those receiving the hits stand with their hands behind their backs.

Participants can only deliver open-handed slaps. Their palm's heel cannot extend beyond their opponent's chin, and there is no pivoting of the hips or stepping allowed during a strike.

Power Slap follows the same weight classes as MMA. There are currently five male weight divisions—welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight, heavyweight, and super heavyweight.

For female fighters, only the featherweight class has been featured so far, though additional female weight classes might be introduced in the future.

Source: whatsonsaudiarabia

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.