Power Slap Slides Into YouTube After Broadcast Rejection, But Dana White Promises It’s “Thriving”

The slap heard ’round the combat sports world just got a little quieter. Dana White’s controversial Power Slap league is officially headed to YouTube after failing to secure a traditional broadcast partner. But according to the ever-optimistic UFC president, this isn’t a step down—it’s actually a sign that the face-smacking spectacle is “thriving.” Yeah, right.

Power Slap’s TV Deal Goes Splat

After an eight-episode run on TBS that delivered less-than-stellar ratings (that’s putting it kindly), Power Slap’s television future was looking shakier than a competitor after taking a palm to the temple. The writing was on the wall when TBS declined to renew for a second season, but White remained confident another network would scoop up his pet project.

Spoiler alert: none did.

At the UFC 302 post-fight press conference, White finally confirmed what many had suspected—Power Slap is going digital-only.

“We’re going to YouTube,” White announced with his trademark defiance. “Actually, the deal with YouTube is incredible. The numbers are incredible. Power Slap is doing very well and thriving.”

From Cable to Free Streaming: A “Strategic Move”?

Let’s be real for a second. When a promotion goes from a cable television deal to a free YouTube channel, that’s usually not what we in the business call “moving up in the world.” But if you ask Dana (and somebody did), this is all part of some master plan.

“Listen, I told you guys from day one what my vision was for [Power Slap],” White explained. “I believed in it, I still believe in it, and it’s doing great. I’m happy with it.”

The Numbers Game: Is Power Slap Actually Popular?

While White insists Power Slap is “doing great,” the television ratings told a different story. The TBS debut drew just 295,000 viewers, and numbers continued to slide from there. Even a move to a better timeslot couldn’t save the sinking ship.

But here’s where Dana might actually have a point. Power Slap clips consistently rack up millions of views across social media platforms. The format—quick, shocking clips of people getting slapped into next week—seems tailor-made for viral sharing.

The “Slaphead” Community Soldiers On

If you’re one of the dedicated “Slapheads” (yes, that’s apparently what Power Slap fans call themselves), don’t worry. White insists the YouTube shift will make the content more accessible to the global audience Power Slap has somehow cultivated.

I have to admit, as much as I roll my eyes at the concept, there’s something morbidly fascinating about watching grown adults voluntarily stand still while someone winds up and smacks them across the face with full force. It’s like a car crash—terrible, potentially life-altering, but hard to look away from.

The Medical Community’s Take: Still a Hard No

While Dana celebrates his YouTube “victory,” the medical community continues to sound alarms about the dangers of competitive slapping. Unlike MMA or boxing, competitors can’t defend themselves or roll with the punches—they just stand there and take unprotected blows to the head.

“This is about as dangerous as it gets,” said Dr. Brian Sutterer, a sports medicine physician, in a previous interview about Power Slap. “The participants have no way to defend themselves, the blows are directly to the brain, and the risk of traumatic brain injury is extremely high.”

White’s Response to Critics

White’s typical response to medical concerns? “They don’t understand the sport,” or my personal favorite, “These guys are athletes.” I’m sorry, but standing still while someone smacks you doesn’t make you an athlete—it makes you a human punching bag.

What’s Next for Power Slap?

According to White, Power Slap will now produce exclusive content for YouTube, with plans for “more and more frequent events.” The next Power Slap event is scheduled for June 1st in Las Vegas.

Whether this YouTube pivot represents the beginning of the end or a genuine new chapter for the controversial league remains to be seen. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Dana White over the years, it’s that he’s not one to admit defeat—even when the writing is on the wall.

For all you Slapheads out there, you can catch all the face-smacking action on the official Power Slap YouTube channel. For the rest of us… well, there’s always actual MMA to watch.

What do you think? Is Power Slap the next big thing in combat sports, or a dangerous sideshow that’s already past its expiration date? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: UFC 302 post-fight press conference