‘Slap fighting’ causes long-term brain damage – study

Slap fighting, also known as ‘Power Slap’, is a licensed combat sport where competitors take turns delivering open-handed slaps to each other’s faces. The objective is to knock out the opponent or win on points after a set number of rounds.

Popularised by UFC president Dana White, the sport is sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. During matches, contestants stand face-to-face with no protective gear. One competitor delivers a slap while the other must remain still, no flinching, ducking or dodging allowed.

After a short recovery period, the roles switch. Judges score the bout based on performance and damage dealt.

But the brutal nature of the sport has raised serious concerns. Fighters are often knocked out, revived, and then knocked out again, which, according to Professor Patricios, is 'asking for trouble'.

A recent University of Pittsburgh study found alarming evidence of brain injury in slap fighting. Researchers analysed 78 matches, 333 slaps, and 139 slap sequences involving 56 Power Slap competitors. The results showed that nearly 80% of fighters displayed at least one visible sign of concussion during a match.

More than half of all slaps or slap sequences resulted in signs of concussion, such as loss of balance, blank stares, delayed response, or motor incoordination.

The findings highlight serious safety concerns and the need for a deeper investigation into the long-term effects of repeated head trauma in slap fighting.

“Concussion is a traumatic brain injury,” Patricios explains. “And the intention is to deliberately injure that person’s brain, which may lead to serious, long-term consequences.”