Power Slap: Dan Hooker compares his MMA career to Power Slap while explaining how it can become a recognized sport: “Suddenly become incredibly legitimate"

Dan Hooker compares his MMA career to Power Slap while explaining how it can become a recognized sport: “Suddenly become incredibly legitimate"

By Liam Fresen

Modified Oct 16, 2024 11:09 GMT

Dan Hooker (pictured) explains how Power Slap could grow into a legit mainstream sport [Image courtesy: Getty Images] — Dan Hooker explains how Power Slap could grow into a legit mainstream sport. [Image courtesy: Getty Images]

Dan Hooker has broken down how UFC CEO Dana White's latest project, a slap-fighting promotion called Power Slap, could become a legitimate entertainment sport in coming years.

Since its founding in 2022, the promotion has caused plenty of controversy in the MMA world. Many fans and pundits regard Power Slap as nothing more than glorifying brain trauma, with athletes being slapped unconscious frequently by opponents without any chance to defend themselves.

White's claims that Power Slap is generating more clicks online than all other major global sports have also caused fans to usher skepticism the way of the UFC CEO.

While Power Slap may not be recognized by many as a legitimate sport, 'The Hangman' recently explained why that could change with an injection of cash. Hooker appeared on an episode of TheMacLife's Pub Talk and said this:

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"You'll see far more high-profile go over to [Power Slap] as the money starts to rise within the event, because we know in terms of mainstream entertainment the only thing that legitimizes it is money."

He continued:

"If I was out there fighting for $20 people would think I'm an absolute moron. If I'm fighting for $1000 I'm a moron. If I'm fighting for $10 million I suddenly become incredibly legitimate and I'm a genius. It's the same thing with my career, once I own property and houses and you've got money in the bank, automatically people are like, 'What a smart guy. He made some really wise decisions.' No, that's not what happened."

Catch Dan Hooker's comments below (15:45):

Dana White reacts to Dan Hooker and Conor McGregor agreeing to fight

Dan Hooker was in attendance for the latest Bare Knuckle FC event in Spain, where co-owner of the bare-knuckle promotion Conor McGregor was also in attendance.

With McGregor's expected clash with Michael Chandler falling by the wayside, the Irishman has been left opponentless for his potential UFC return. But it appears that he and Hooker agreed a deal to fight after conversations at the recent BKFC event.

Following this week's edition of 'Dana White's Contender Series,' the UFC CEO appeared in front of the media where he was asked about McGregor vs. Hooker. he said this: