UFC President Dana White is setting his sights on the long-term potential of “Power Slap” – a new combat sport that kicked off in early 2023.
In a conversation with Sports Illustrated, White expressed his enthusiasm for the rapid growth of the sport, despite facing some controversies within the combat sports community:
We’re building another new combat sport like we did with the UFC.
This is only the first year. The velocity of growth and the amount of traction in business is remarkable.People say Slap is just about knockouts, but two of the most popular videos, including this one, aren’t knockouts.
This sport is on fire. It’s the fastest-growing sport on the planet.
Having been at the helm of UFC since 2001, White finds the gradual rise of Power Slap both fulfilling and distinct from other ventures.
He contrasted it with the struggles of organizations like the PFL:
The PFL, those guys are out there trying to raise money trying to stay alive and relevant.
We have a small, tight group of owners with no outside investors. High margin with high cash conversion.
This sport, it’s going global.
White drew parallels between the early challenges of UFC:
It reminds me of when we started with the UFC in 2001.
But the difference is, 23 years later, I’m a lot smarter.That’s why we are where we are entering 2024.
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