This week Nevada handed out their first ever doping suspension to a slap fighter for having cocaine in their system in competition. The violation brought a 9 month suspension.
At the same time the regulator has apparently expressed some concern about slap fighting (notably and unsurprisingly with brain injury rates higher than boxing and MMA) with reporter Trent Reinsmith noting as follows:
Despite all this dysfunction a new regulator is now being asked to legalize the ‘sport’. The Florida Athletic Commission has a “slap fight proposal” on their meeting agenda for February 22, 2023.
I have obtained a copy of the proposal which reads as follows:
To: Commission Members
Date: February 22, 2023
From: Patrick Cunningham, Executive Director
Subject: Slap Fight Proposal
Commission Members,
Enclosed for your consideration is a proposal regarding Slap Fighting.
Slap Fighting is a form of combat sports where athletes exchange open
handed single blows to a defined portion of the face during a multi-round contest.
November 10, 2022
Patrick Cunningham
Florida Athletic Commission
Patrick:
I hope this letter finds you well. The purpose of this communication is to make formal
request to have the Florida Athletic Commission review my proposal to sanction
professional slap fighting in the state of Florida and to allow my new venture SLAP CLUB
to promote professional slap fighting in the jurisdiction.
WHAT IS SLAP FIGHTING
Slap fighting is a new and exciting form of combat sports where athletes exchange open
handed single blows to defined portion of the face during a multi-round contest.
WHY SHOULD FLORIDA SANCTION PROFESSIONAL SLAP FIGHTING AS PROMOTED
BY SLAP CLUB
Professional slap fighting has become a global phenomenon where videos of contests
garner millions of views and live events are attended by large audiences. Professional
slap fighting has existed in various forms for years and originated in Europe but is viewed
globally.
The sport has many fans, including Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta of UFC fame. White
and Fertitta have recently launched Power Slap League and will be holding a kick off press
conference tomorrow, November 11th, 2022.
Professional slap fighting has been largely unregulated. However, that is changing as
White and Fertitta worked closely with the Nevada Athletic Commission for over a year to
create a rule set and safety protocols that would put athlete safety at the forefront. As a
result of these efforts, the Nevada Athletic Commission approved regulation of
professional slap fighting. White and Fertitta have indicated that they will have a
broadcast partner in the near future which will further grow the popularity of the sport.
As the sport grows in popularity, the opportunity for exposure and revenue will increase
significantly. The Florida Athletic Commission would benefit by becoming an early adopter
of the sport.
SLAP CLUB
My partner, Jeff Aronson and I have been in the combat sports industry for thirteen years,
owning one of the premiere MMA management companies as well as owning and
promoting MMA,Kickboxing, and Grappling in Titan FC, LLC. Additionally, Jeff and I bring
significant business experience in various industries ranging from consumer goods to
investing.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
In an abundance of caution and in an effort to ensure athlete safety, the league will
leverage our deep bench experience in combat sports to have similar medical
requirements, weight classes, and matchmaking that are utilized in MMA and have proven
safe and effective. Additionally, the rule set (discussed below) has been designed with
athlete safety in mind.
In terms of protective equipment, athletes will be required to wear a fitted mouth guard
and ear protection.
RULE SET
Rounds: Three (3) for non-title, Five (5) for title. Each athlete is afforded one (1) slap per
round.
Target Area: Side of the face, not to extend behind the ear. Slaps to the front of the face
and the back of the head shall not be allowed and are deemed illegal blows.
Judging: A winner will be determined by commissioned judges on a 10-point system
similar to MMA or the knockout or technical knockout of one of the competitors.
Referee: A referee will enforce rules and maintain order on the competition platform.
CLOSING
Professional slap fighting is a new and entertaining sport that is poised to be the next high
growth sport and as such should be regulated to ensure athlete safety and
professionalism of promoters and those looking to capitalize on this unique business
opportunity,
Slap Club has the experience in Combat Sports and business to bring this concept to
fruition in a safe, effective, and exciting manner.
Sincerely yours,
Lex McMahon
Combat Sports Law 