Bella Picard was scheduled to make her long-awaited Power Slap debut at Power Slap 13 in Las Vegas—until a last-minute medical clearance issue pulled her from the fight. In an exclusive sit-down with Slap News, Bella opened up about the heartbreak, the process, and why this setback may have been divine timing.
“It was like a nightmare scenario,” she said. “But I just kept telling myself: God knows. He wants me to wait a little longer.”
What Happened in Vegas?
Bella had completed training camp, medicals, anti-doping, signed posters, and took promotional photos—ready to go. Then, the morning of weigh-ins, she received word that the Nevada State Athletic Commission had pulled her due to a history of a broken neck from ten years ago, even though it had fully healed.
“They just wanted some additional imaging of my neck in motion. I get it—there’s liability. But it was tough. I trained for nine weeks for this.”
She emphasized the injury is long healed and surgically stabilized with hardware that has fused into her bone. “My neck is not broken,” she clarified. “If anything, it’s well bolted on.”
The Aftermath
Despite the disappointment, Bella credits the Power Slap team for treating her like family. They immediately arranged medical appointments, MRIs, and a neurosurgeon consultation.
“Dr. D is the man. He and another outside neurosurgeon both signed off. I got the official clearance last week.”
She ended up staying in Vegas for a few days—visiting the mountains with her best friend and taking in parts of the event—but admitted she was too “butt hurt” to fully enjoy Power Slap 13.
Watching Her Replacement
Bella’s replacement, Chelsea, ended up suffering a broken nose in the bout—a surreal and emotional moment for Bella, who had to grapple with the “what ifs.”
“My brothers were there. They recorded the fight and said, ‘That would have been Bella’s nose.’ I know there’s a reason I didn’t compete that day.”
Still Ready to Slap
Since returning home, Bella’s remained focused. She’s been strengthening her neck, looking for a new gym, and training with an old-school method—a bucket of cement mix she squeezes daily, thanks to her dad’s advice.
“Everyone else is a wrestler or a fighter. I’m a slapper. I’ve got nothing to unlearn.”
She’s also mentally preparing for a potential rebooking of her original opponent, Peta—and she welcomes it.
“I dare you to break my nose. This is a professional sport. Mistakes happen, but no one should be praised for hurting someone like that.”
Looking Ahead
Now fully cleared by Power Slap and UFC medical staff, Bella is waiting for the call. With Power Slap 15 coming up in October and an event in Abu Dhabi later that month, she’s hopeful.
“I think more eyes would be on a Bella vs. Peta match now. Two significant situations—me being pulled, her breaking a nose—it just makes sense.”
Bella ended with gratitude and faith, believing this delay is part of a bigger picture.
“God’s always working. Sometimes we think we want something on a specific day, and He just says, ‘Wait a little longer.’ I believe it’s all going to come together.”