UFC CEO Dana White has no interest in promoting pillow fighting despite his new venture into the world of slapfighting.
Dana White and the UFC had another successful night of business in Australia at UFC 312. The card was headlined by two entertaining title fights with both of the event’s champions, Dricus du Plessis and Zhang Weili, impressively retaining their belts.
In addition to building the UFC into a global brand, White recently took on a new venture in Power Slap, the first major slapfighting promotion. Power Slap recently held its latest event in Riyadh during UFC Saudi Arabia fight week.
As White and the matchmakers prepared for the UFC’s second pay-per-view card of 2025, they saw another unorthodox sport on local television; pillow fighting. But despite White’s willingness to explore unique ventures, don’t expect him to get involved in pillow fighting anytime soon.
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Dana White rips Pillow Fighting Championship amidst Power Slap criticism
During the UFC 312 post-fight press conference, White ripped Australians for promoting the Pillow Fighting Championship.
“I saw f—— pillow fighting on f—— TV tonight here in Australia, I don’t want to ever hear another word from you people about Power Slap, okay? Ever,” White said.
The Pillow Fighting Championship has made waves on social media, similar to slap fighting’s viral growth. But while it has taken off in some markets around the world, it’s not nearly in the same conversation as Power Slap, whether you support Power Slap or detest it.
Former MMA and judo champion Julia Dorny is one of several combat sports stars to dip their toes into the world of pillow fighting. Despite the bizarre nature of pillow fighting, Pillow Fighting Championship markets itself as a professional fighting organization with sanctioned bouts.
- READ MORE: Dana White hints potential champ vs champ fight following Zhang Weili’s title defense at UFC 312
Power Slap could expand into new markets in 2025
In regards to Power Slap, White envisions continuing to expand the promotion’s marketability in 2025 and beyond. Slapfighting is sanctioned in just a handful of markets, most notably Nevada, where Power Slap hosts the majority of its events at the UFC Apex facility.
Several high-profile athletes, including UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, have expressed differing views on Power Slap and slapfighting. Several current and former UFC standouts have expressed interest in competing in Power Slap, and Paige VanZant made her Power Slap debut in 2024.
Despite White’s creativity and openness towards unconventional combat sports, it doesn’t sound like Pillow Fighting Championship will be in his future business portfolio.
- READ MORE: Sean Strickland broke impressive record set by legend during UFC 312 defeat to Dricus du Plessis