Power Slap made its way to New Orleans for the largest live event in the sport’s history, marking the first time the UFC-owned league has hosted outside of Nevada. The city hadn’t seen a UFC-related event in a decade, and with billboards lining the streets, posters in bars, and a vibrant fan base ready to go, UFC President Dana White says the timing couldn’t be better.
White credits the success of Power Slap’s debut in Louisiana to several key factors: Dustin Poirier’s desire to fight in his home state, strong support from local government, and an enthusiastic partnership with Caesars Palace for the official afterparty. With legislation and regulations now in place, White says the goal is to begin traveling Power Slap events around the country — just like he did with the UFC in its early days.
“When you go to a live Power Slap event, nobody leaves saying they’ll never come back,” White said. “It’s an incredible live experience, and if we’re in your city, you will not be disappointed.”
From Regulation Hurdles to Rapid Growth
White explained that the biggest obstacle in taking Power Slap on the road hasn’t been public perception but the regulatory process itself. Combat sports require state-by-state sanctioning, which can take time to secure. But compared to building the UFC in the early 2000s, he says the pace has been much faster.
“I haven’t built something from scratch like this since 2001,” White said. “This is moving a lot faster than the UFC did back then.”
Not every state has been welcoming — Alabama Senator Gerald Allen recently introduced a bill to ban slap fighting before it even begins there. White hadn’t heard the news at the time of the interview but was confident his team would work to educate officials on the sport.
The “Aha” Moment
When asked about a defining moment in Power Slap’s rise, White pointed to the organization’s deal with the iconic Fontainebleau Las Vegas. After attending an event in person, the venue’s owners were so impressed they made a deal on the spot to host Power Slap.
“That was the moment I knew this was exactly what I hoped would happen,” White recalled.
Looking Ahead: Hawaii, New York, and International Expansion
White revealed interest in bringing Power Slap to Hawaii, given the island’s strong representation in the sport, and didn’t rule out major states like Texas, California, or even New York — despite the political challenges UFC once faced there. On the international front, venues like Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia remain in play, although White wouldn’t confirm whether Power Slap 16 will land in Abu Dhabi this year.
Partnerships and Media Growth
Monster Energy remains one of Power Slap’s most valued partners, with White praising their loyalty and deep involvement in UFC and Power Slap events. He also pointed to ESPN’s increasing support, including a special preview show for the New Orleans event on ESPN2.
“All the ESPN guys internally have become big fans,” White said. “We have a great relationship now, and the fact they’re doing this means a lot.”
On Critics and the Future
White embraces the negativity that often comes with building a sport.
“I love the haters. Negativity is awesome. It’s one of my favorite parts of the business,” he said.
He believes every title in Power Slap is essentially a “BMF belt” and expects the sport to evolve significantly over the next several years.
With Power Slap 15 scheduled for October 3 in Las Vegas and future expansion in the works, White’s vision is clear: take the sport to new markets, grow the live event experience, and build the brand into another global combat sports powerhouse.