New Orleans, LA — Former UFC fighter Emily Whitmire has quickly made a name for herself inside the Power Slap cage. At Power Slap 14, Whitmire earned her first promotional victory against Tyler Schaeffer, showcasing poise, precision, and a veteran’s presence in just her second appearance with the organization.
Finding Her Rhythm in Power Slap
Whitmire entered the bout determined to correct mistakes from her debut loss against Mikael Michelle Brown. The focus this time was on discipline and execution.
“My first match, I was still figuring out the table, the box, the distance — it’s just so different once you’re actually up there,” she explained. Against Schaeffer, Whitmire’s strategy was clear: clean slaps, no fouls, and sharp defensive reactions.
The adjustments paid off. Across three rounds, Whitmire’s strikes landed with consistency, each one delivered with crisp technique and just enough extra power to separate her from her opponent.
Balancing Competition With Everyday Life
It had been eight months since Whitmire’s debut, and the long wait between matches tested her patience. During that time, she stayed busy working full-time at a golf course, often logging more than 100 hours a week.
“I was bummed when I didn’t get the Vegas card,” she admitted. “But when they called me for New Orleans, I knew it was the right time.”
For Whitmire, returning to competition wasn’t just about chasing wins. After stepping away from the UFC in 2021, she had focused on building a stable life outside of fighting. Still, the hunger to compete never left. “Power Slap came at the perfect time,” she said. “I needed something exciting again.”
Matchmaking Possibilities at 125 Pounds
Currently 1-1 in Power Slap, Whitmire expects to move down to 125 pounds, where she believes she’ll be better matched physically. And while she isn’t the type to trash talk, she recognizes some compelling potential matchups.
“I think everyone wants Paige,” she admitted, referring to fellow UFC alum Paige VanZant. “It would be an easy fight to sell, and I respect her a lot. But I’d also be interested in Belly [Makini Manu’s opponent], or even a rematch with Mikael Michelle Brown.”
Tyler Schaeffer Hits Harder
When asked to compare her two opponents so far, Whitmire didn’t hesitate. “Definitely Tyler,” she said. “Her second slap had me thinking, okay, she’s here to try and take my head off.”
That kind of toughness made Whitmire’s win all the more meaningful. She credits her confidence not only to preparation, but also to having already experienced the nerves and unfamiliarity of her debut. “I knew Tyler was going through exactly what I went through the first time,” she said.
Surgery Before Returning in 2025
Despite the victory, Whitmire won’t be rushing back into the cage this fall. Instead, she’s scheduled for surgery to repair a long-standing deviated septum that has caused years of breathing issues.
“They actually called me for October, and I really thought about canceling my surgery,” she revealed. “But I think this is the right time. I’ll be fully healed by early next year and ready to go in March.”
Thoughts on Risk and Responsibility
The women’s divisions in Power Slap are still developing, and Whitmire addressed concerns raised after the controversial Peta vs. Chelsea match earlier this year.
“You can’t open palm someone in the nose — that’s not the sport,” she said. “When people do things they’re not supposed to, it gives the wrong impression. But if everyone competes clean, the risk goes way down.”
Hungry for More
At 34, Whitmire knows her competitive years are limited, but she’s motivated to make the most of her time in Power Slap.
“It’s like an adrenaline junkie’s dream,” she said. “I love it. I’ve taken harder shots in MMA than in Power Slap. This sport makes me feel alive, and I’m excited to see what’s next.”