Do Power Slap League Fighters Make More Than UFC Fighters?

By Ali Hammad March 19, 2024 03:57

In recent years, the emergence of new combat sports leagues has sparked discussions about fighter compensation and safety measures. One such league that has garnered attention is the Power Slap League, a controversial sport where competitors slap each other in the face. The compensation of Power Slap League fighters has raised eyebrows, especially in comparison to established leagues like the UFC. This article delves into the payment structure of Power Slap League fighters, compares it to the earnings of UFC fighters, and explores the safety concerns and controversies surrounding this sport.

Power Slap League Fighter Compensation

Former UFC middleweight contender Eric Spicely revealed shocking details about the compensation of Power Slap League fighters. According to Spicely, he was offered a mere $2,000 to show and an additional $2,000 victory bonus for his debut in the slap-fighting league. This minimal compensation has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the fairness of such payments for athletes participating in a physically demanding sport.

Comparison with UFC Fighter Earnings

In stark contrast, the minimum purse for UFC fighters signed from the Contender Series is $10,000. This means that Power Slap League guarantees fighters five times less for competing than the UFC. The significant disparity in earnings has drawn intense scrutiny, with fans and experts pointing out that MMA fighters, who compete in a more recognized sport than slap-fighting, are being underpaid by the Power Slap League. This comparison raises pertinent questions about the equity and adequacy of compensation in combat sports.

Dana White's Defense and Controversy

UFC President Dana White, who is also involved in the Power Slap League, has fervently defended the league and its compensation structure. White argued that the pay scale for Power Slap League fighters is not dissimilar to the early days of the UFC in the 90s. He further justified the pay structure by citing that even boxing undercards make similar amounts of money. Despite White's defense, the controversy surrounding the low compensation of Power Slap League fighters continues to generate debate within the combat sports community.

Safety Concerns and Public Backlash

The Power Slap League has faced significant backlash due to safety concerns and criticisms regarding the brutal nature of the sport. Neurologists have warned that slaps to the face can cause lasting brain damage, prompting concerns about the long-term health effects on athletes. This has intensified the scrutiny on the league, with experts, fighters, and MMA observers widely criticizing it for potential danger to its participants.

UFC's Emphasis on Fighter Safety

In response to the safety concerns, Dana White, as the co-creator of the Power Slap League, has assured that the organization prioritizes safety in pre- and post-fight care. However, these assurances have been undermined by violent knockouts captured during filming of the TBS show, raising doubts about the effectiveness of the safety measures implemented by the league.

The compensation of Power Slap League fighters has ignited a heated debate within the combat sports community. The meager earnings offered to the athletes, especially when compared to established leagues like the UFC, have raised significant ethical and financial concerns. Furthermore, the safety of the participants in the Power Slap League remains a subject of intense scrutiny, with experts and observers expressing reservations about the potential long-term health effects on the athletes. As the controversy surrounding the Power Slap League continues to unfold, the combat sports industry is facing pressing questions about fair compensation and athlete welfare.