Power Slap Has Competitors Slap Each Other as Hard as Possible. Yes, It Has Critics.

The article discusses the emergence of slap fighting as a new combat sport, highlighted by the debut of the TBS show "Power Slap: Road to the Title," which is backed by the UFC and its president, Dana White. Critics, including sports-medicine experts and MMA fighters, express concerns about the safety of the sport, particularly regarding the risks of brain injuries from the strikes, especially in light of recent incidents in other sports that have raised awareness about the dangers of head trauma. Despite these criticisms, proponents like Chris Thomas, a featured striker, argue that the sport has its own appeal and that participants willingly accept the risks involved. The article also notes the mixed reception of the show's premiere, with a significant drop in viewership from its lead-in program. [Extracted from the article]