Power Slap 13 brought unexpected twists, viral moments, and unforgettable emotion—none more compelling than PITA’s last-minute matchup against Chelsea Dodson. Originally set to face Isabella, Pita was thrust into chaos just 20 hours before weigh-ins, receiving news that her opponent wasn’t medically cleared. What happened next is a story of resilience, professionalism, and raw heart.
Last-Minute Weight Jump and a Surprise Opponent
When the call came that Isabella was out, PITA didn’t hesitate. The replacement? A fan-favorite: Chelsea Dodson. But that meant moving up from 115 to 125 lbs—a weight class Pita had never competed in before.
“I didn’t even think twice. Of course I said yes,” said Pita. “Chelsea’s awesome. I’d literally messaged her a week before asking if she was on the card.”
With less than 24 hours to gain 9 pounds, Pita meticulously adjusted her intake, drinking water and electrolytes and monitoring every ounce. She hit 124.5 lbs just before bed the night before weigh-ins.
“I’ve been cutting weight since I was 11 years old, but I’ve never had to put on weight like that. This was new for me.”
Chelsea’s Missed Weight and Pita’s Class Act
On weigh-in day, Chelsea couldn’t make the contracted limit in the designated time—but Pita’s main concern wasn’t competitive advantage.
“I just wanted to make sure they didn’t take 20% of her purse. She saved the match and saved me from not having a fight.”
Training at the UFC PI and the Slap Heard Around the World
Pita credits much of her durability to her strength and conditioning coach Becky at the UFC Performance Institute, who custom-built a slap-specific program.
“We train neck, core, grip, even simulate biting down while absorbing impact. My coach invented exercises nobody’s ever seen.”
When Chelsea struck first, Pita didn’t flinch. Her turn came, and the strike split skin, bloodied Chelsea’s nose, and ended the fight.
“I honestly didn’t even realize her nose was bleeding until I saw my hand covered in blood. I felt horrible—but it was a clean slap. Just a little shallow.”
Responding to Backlash and Going Viral
Despite criticism online accusing her of clubbing, Pita stood firm—and fired back with composure.
“That was not a punch. I would never intentionally hurt someone like that. People forget—I’m strong. I shattered a girl’s jaw in MMA with my right hand.”
She also took a moment to thank her sponsors—like War Ready XP’d—and show off her “War Ready Pita” merch that went viral along with the fight.
“I’m like, low-key scared of my strength now. I think I can slap way harder… and that’s terrifying at strawweight.”
What’s Next: Strawweight Title Aspirations
Pita’s now 0–2 in Power Slap officially, but she’s not letting that define her story.
“I want the Power Slap strawweight belt. I want to be the first to hold it. Then I’ll go back up and get the 125 belt too.”
She says she’s always training, always studying, and always ready—even for Power Slap 14 in New Orleans if the call comes.
“Rhonda said it best. Everything in my life—gymnastics, judo, MMA—it all led to this. The best is yet to come.”
Catch the rise of Pita, one of the most dedicated and explosive athletes in Dana White’s Power Slap. Whether she’s headlining at strawweight or chasing two-division gold, her message is loud and clear:
“Push me down, I’ll get up every single motherf***ing time. I’m just going to keep leveling up.”