Wait, Woman Power Slap Fighting Is A Thing?
Just when I thought I’d heard and seen it all, right? Look, I’ll be honest, I’m not even 100% on board with women’s professional wrestling, and it’s staged. So, every time I’ve tried to watch women’s boxing or women competing in mixed martial arts, I don’t last long. It’s not that I don’t respect the ladies as athletes, on the contrary, I’m blown away by their athleticism. And it’s not that I don’t think they have the right to compete in these. I do. Go for it. It just makes me uncomfortable. I keep hearing my parents’ voices telling me to “do the right (gentlemanly) thing, and break that up!”
Yesterday I came across some videos I wasn’t ready for. At first, I thought this was some pro wrestling gimmick I missed. No, Women’s Professional Power Slap Fighting is apparently a thing. Power Slap is the governing organization owned by Dana White, who owns UFC. A quick check of Wikipedia gives the rules:
Power Slap, which has been licensed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, uses rules similar to those established by other slap fighting leagues. After a coin toss to decide who goes first, the first striker has a time limit of 60 seconds to deliver an open-handed slap to the opponent. Slaps must be below the eye but above the chin, without leading with the palm such that all hand to face contact takes place at the same time. Those being slapped may not flinch, raise their shoulder or tuck in their chins. After being slapped, the slapped competitor then has 60 seconds to recover and get back into position before it’s their turn to slap. Fights which don’t end in a knock out and go three rounds go to the judges’ decision, using a 10-point system with judging based on slap strikers’ effectiveness as well as the slap receivers’ reaction and recovery time. Fighters are separated into different weight and gender divisions similar to other combat sports.
Okay, now back to these videos. Christine Wolmarans was competing against Sheena Bathory. This is not a good idea. Bathory is a problem. Although, Wolmarans did pretty good at first.
Christine Wolmarans with the stare down after taking that slap 😳 pic.twitter.com/fUrR9MlpCa
— Power Slap (@powerslap) October 26, 2023
However, it doesn’t end well. I warn you. If you’re sensibilities are like mine, this is a bit on the disturbing side.
THE POWER OF SHEENA BATHORY 🤯
— Power Slap (@powerslap) October 26, 2023
[#PowerSlap5 | Tune in now LIVE & FREE on Rumble ] pic.twitter.com/kuQtxeEo68
Sheena Bathory won the 2-round fight by knockout and is poised to become the “Ronda Rousey” of the Power Slap world. In fact, Sheena has intimated it would be interesting for the UFC women’s legend to get in the women’s slap fighting ring with her. Better Rousey than me. I’m not man enough. <g>