How to Join Power Slap: Tryouts, Requirements & Application
Power Slap is actively seeking competitors. Unlike traditional combat sports where years of amateur competition are typically required before turning professional, Power Slap offers a more direct path from unknown to televised competitor. That does not mean it is easy. Here is everything you need to know about getting into Dana White's slap fighting league.
The Application Process
Step 1: Online Application Power Slap accepts applications through its official website. The application typically requires:
- Personal information (name, age, location)
- Physical stats (height, weight, reach)
- Athletic background and competition history
- Photos showing current physical condition
- Video submission demonstrating your slap power (many applicants film themselves hitting pads or demonstrating their technique)
- Social media handles (following and engagement matter)
Step 2: Screening The Power Slap talent team reviews applications and selects candidates for further evaluation. Having a compelling story, impressive physical attributes, or an existing audience improves your chances significantly.
Step 3: Tryout Invitation Selected applicants receive invitations to in-person tryouts held at various locations, primarily in Las Vegas at the UFC APEX.
Step 4: Live Audition At tryouts, applicants demonstrate their abilities against other hopefuls. Evaluators assess power, durability, technique, and personality.
Step 5: Contract or Contender Series Successful tryout performers may receive a direct Power Slap contract or an invitation to compete on the Contender Series, where they must earn their contract through competition.
Physical Requirements
There are no strict physical requirements published by Power Slap, but successful applicants typically share these characteristics:
| Attribute | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Age | 21-45 years |
| Weight | 170+ lbs (larger competitors are preferred) |
| Height | 5'10"+ (proportional to weight class) |
| Neck circumference | Above average (durability indicator) |
| Athletic background | Some form of competitive athletics preferred |
What evaluators are looking for:
- Raw power: Can you generate significant force with an open hand?
- Durability: Can you absorb a full-force slap and remain standing?
- Recovery: How quickly do you bounce back from a hard shot?
- Composure: Can you remain calm and focused while taking damage?
- Personality: Are you entertaining? Do you have a story that audiences connect with?
How to Prepare for Power Slap Tryouts
If you are serious about trying out, begin preparation at least 8-12 weeks before a tryout date:
Physical Conditioning
- Neck strengthening: The single most important preparation. A strong neck absorbs rotational force and reduces knockout likelihood. Train with neck harness, manual resistance, and isometric holds daily.
- Core stability: A stable core transfers power from your legs and hips into your slap
- Cardiovascular fitness: Matches may go the distance; your recovery between rounds matters
- Follow a general conditioning program adapted for slap fighting
Technique Development
- Practice your wind-up: Film yourself and analyze your hip rotation and arm path
- Aim for accuracy: The strike zone is specific—practice hitting the cheek area on a pad
- Open hand conditioning: Toughen your palm and fingers through bag work with open hands
- Study film: Watch every Power Slap event on YouTube and analyze technique patterns
Mental Preparation
- Take hard shots voluntarily: Have training partners slap you (controlled) to understand your reaction to impact
- Practice stillness: The no-flinch rule requires you to stand completely still while being struck. This is an unnatural behavior that must be trained.
- Build competitive composure: Compete in anything that puts you under pressure in front of an audience
What Happens at a Tryout
Tryouts typically follow this structure:
- Registration and medical screening: All participants receive a basic medical evaluation
- Physical assessment: Height, weight, reach, and basic fitness measurements
- Slap power test: Demonstrate your striking power on a measurement device or pad
- Durability test: Absorb slaps from other tryout participants (the most intense phase)
- Interview: A brief conversation with talent evaluators about your background and motivation
- Selection: Standout performers are contacted within days to weeks of the tryout
Tips for tryout day:
- Arrive early and be professional
- Bring your own mouthguard (essential)
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
- Do not trash-talk other participants—evaluators value sportsmanship
- Be authentic in your interview—forced personas are obvious
The Contender Series Path
Many successful tryout performers are routed through the Dana White's Power Slap Contender Series rather than receiving direct roster contracts. This developmental program:
- Films competitive bouts between aspiring slappers
- Airs on YouTube and social media platforms
- Allows Dana White and the matchmaking team to evaluate competitors over multiple bouts
- Contract offers are made to standout performers at the end of each episode
The Contender Series mirrors the UFC's model and serves as the primary pipeline for new Power Slap roster additions.
Financial Considerations
Before pursuing a Power Slap career, understand the financial landscape:
- Tryouts are typically free to attend but travel costs are on you
- Initial contracts may be modest (see our fighter pay guide for details)
- There is no guarantee of regular bookings even after signing a contract
- Most Power Slap competitors maintain other income sources alongside their fighting career
- Performance bonuses exist for knockouts and outstanding performances
Alternative Paths into Slap Fighting
If Power Slap tryouts are not immediately accessible, consider building a competitive resume through:
- Regional slap fighting events: Many cities host local competitions that serve as proving grounds
- SlapFIGHT and other organizations: Competing on other promotions builds experience and film
- Social media challenges: Building a following through slap-related content can attract Power Slap's attention
- CrossFit/strongman communities: Size and strength demonstrated in these communities often leads to slap fighting recruitment
The history of slap fighting shows that the sport's path from underground novelty to professional competition is recent. Opportunities for new competitors continue to expand as the sport grows.
Remember: Power Slap carries real health risks. Consult with a physician before pursuing competitive slap fighting, and make your decision with full awareness of both the opportunities and the dangers.