UAE Strengthens Its Position as a Global Sporting Destination

In recent years, the United Arab Emirates, particularly Abu Dhabi, has rapidly evolved into one of the world’s most dynamic venues for international sports. From hosting major events in mixed martial arts, boxing, and Formula 1 to increasingly embracing emerging combat sports, the capital city has become a consistent stage for high-impact, high-profile competitions. Now, Abu Dhabi is set to once again host Power Slap, the world’s premier slap-fighting promotion, as part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week 2025, headlined by UFC 321. Following a widely successful debut in 2024, Power Slap will return to Space 42 Arena on Friday, October 24, 2025, reaffirming Abu Dhabi’s status as a magnet for both established and rising sports disciplines.

The 2024 edition of Power Slap 9: DUMPLING vs DA CRAZY HAWAIIAN marked a significant milestone for the promotion, serving as its first-ever international event and making a bold entrance onto the global stage. Held in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, the main event featured Da Crazy Hawaiian, the reigning Super Heavyweight Champion at the time, going head-to-head with Vasilii “Dumpling” Kamotskii, the division’s top-ranked contender. The high-stakes matchup unfolded before a sold-out crowd and culminated in a dramatic draw, delivering an intense and memorable showdown that showcased the sport’s raw appeal and competitive depth.The event drew immense global attention, generating over 700 million total views across social media platforms through its promotional content and event coverage. It attracted a wide array of global influencers whose combined online following exceeded 1 billion, significantly amplifying visibility for both the sport and the host region. The overwhelming digital reach and international interest not only underscored the appeal of Power Slap but also reinforced Abu Dhabi’s position as a key market for combat sports innovation and audience expansion.

Power Slap’s Meteoric Rise and Return to the Middle East

The upcoming 2025 event highlights Power Slap’s growing international presence and the Middle East’s increasingly significant role in the sport’s evolution. Scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2025, at Space 42 Arena in Abu Dhabi, the event will take place during Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, which will also feature UFC 321. In an official public statement, Power Slap founder Dana White expressed his enthusiasm for the promotion’s return to the UAE capital, stating, “Power Slap has had 13 straight sold-out events, and is now heading back to Abu Dhabi, one of the premier fight capitals in the world.” He added, “In just two years, Power Slap has exploded with nearly 30 million followers and close to 20 billion video views across our platforms. The Middle East is becoming a hotbed for Power Slap, and I’m excited to bring it back.”

What to Expect This Year

While the full fight card for the 2025 event has yet to be announced, fans can expect another evening of high-intensity action featuring top-tier slap-fighting athletes. Additional information regarding match line-ups, ticket availability, and fan engagement opportunities, including appearances and experiences, will be revealed in the coming weeks. As with previous events, Power Slap will maintain its commitment to accessibility by streaming the event live and free to a global audience on both YouTube and Rumble. Power Slap was founded by Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta, and Craig Piligian, in partnership with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The promotion is regulated and sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and is also recognized by other governing bodies, including the California State Athletic Commission. Through this formal oversight, Power Slap has established itself as a professionally managed, high-visibility global competition platform, bringing structured legitimacy to the raw intensity of slap fighting with a strong focus on safety, regulation, and production quality.Q. When and where is the next Power Slap event? The next event takes place on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Space 42 Arena in Abu Dhabi, as part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week.Q. Will the event be streamed online? Yes, it will be streamed live and free worldwide on YouTube and Rumble.Q. Is Power Slap a regulated sport? Yes, Power Slap is sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and recognized by other bodies like the California State Athletic Commission.Q. When will tickets and match line-ups be available? Details on tickets, match-ups, and fan experiences will be announced in the coming weeks.