Power Slap returns to Abu Dhabi Showdown Week

Frank Lamicella, CEO of Power Slap. (Chris Unger/Schiaffo LLC)
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Updated 10 October 2025
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Power Slap returns to Abu Dhabi Showdown Week

  • The second edition of the event in Abu Dhabi, $VET Power Slap 16: Wolverine vs Klingbeil will be held on Oct. 24 at Space42 Arena

ABU DHABI: Power Slap is set to  return to the UAE capital as part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, which culminates with UFC 321: Aspinall vs Gane at Etihad Arena.

The second outing of the event to take place in Abu Dhabi,  $VET Power Slap 16: Wolverine vs KLINGBEIL Presented by Monster Energy, will be held on Friday, Oct. 24 at Space42 Arena.

Power Slap CEO Frank Lamicella said that he was excited to bring the event back to Abu Dhabi, pointing to last year’s breakthrough when the sport made its international debut, drawing a sold-out crowd and generating more than 700 million views worldwide.

The city, according to Lamicella, offers everything the sport needs to thrive: World-class venues, passionate fans and a stage that commands global attention. “Power Slap is the fastest growing combat sport,” he said. “Last year, the show was a massive success. Returning to the emirate during Abu Dhabi Showdown Week adds another tentpole event for fight fans in the region.”

The sport’s first international event outside the US left a lasting impression when it took place in Abu Dhabi last October. One of Power Slap’s most anticipated matchups pitted Da Crazy Hawaiian against Dumpling for a Super Heavyweight title showdown, with fans from across the region and influencers from around the world attending.

“Fans in Abu Dhabi are invested in combat sports and the athletes that compete and have anticipated the return of Power Slap for nearly a year now, and we’re excited to return to Abu Dhabi,” Lamicella said.

This year’s main event promises a clash of eras. Light Heavyweight Champion Wolverine (5-2, 2 KOs), who has reigned for nearly 800 days, will defend his title against rising challenger Alan “The Kryptonian” Klingbeil (3-2, 2 KOs).

“Wolverine is a legend in this sport and has always been considered one of the best in the world,” Lamicella said. “Fans are extremely interested in whether he can keep his title defense streak and cement himself as one of the best to ever do it. Meanwhile, Alan represents a crop of slap fighters inspired to get into the sport by Wolverine, and now he has the chance to prove he is a champion.”

The card also includes a super heavyweight showdown between Dumpling (2-1-1, 1 KO) and undefeated Makini “Big Mak” Manu (4-0, 3 KOs). For many of the athletes, competing in Abu Dhabi adds an extra layer of excitement.


FIA, Formula 1 and all 11 race teams sign 9th Concorde Agreement

Updated 13 December 2025
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FIA, Formula 1 and all 11 race teams sign 9th Concorde Agreement

  • FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem says new contract secures the FIA Formula One World Championship’s long-term future

DUBAI: The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, the global governing body for motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, and Formula One Group, the commercial rights holder, have announced the signing of the Concorde Governance Agreement, a contract defining the regulatory framework and governance terms of the FIA Formula One World Championship until 2030.

This follows the announcement in March that the 2026 Commercial Concorde Agreement had been signed by all the teams and Formula One Group.

Together, these agreements constitute the ninth Concorde Agreement, a major step forward in the professionalisation and global development of the sport.

First introduced in 1981, the Concorde Agreements are designed to promote sporting fairness, technological innovation and operational excellence, and align all key stakeholders around a shared vision for structured governance and continued growth of the sport.

Each iteration of the Concorde Agreements has shaped the FIA Formula One World Championship into the global spectacle it is today.

The ninth Concorde Agreement announced today marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration between the FIA and Formula One Group, who have worked together to write the next chapter in Formula One history, demonstrating mutual respect, transparency and shared purpose between the two organisations.

It confirms the participation of all FIA Formula One World Championship teams, including the incoming Cadillac Formula One team, through the end of the decade, and provides a stable foundation for the sporting and technical evolution of the sport.

The Concorde Agreement underscores the commitment of the FIA, Formula One Group and all teams to continue growing and developing the sport, and to keep driving the momentous expansion it has enjoyed in recent years.

The new contract enables the FIA to invest further in improved race regulation, race direction, stewarding and technical expertise for the benefit of the championship, and means the sport can continue to evolve, providing exciting technological innovation and sporting action for fans, broadcasters and partners, all within a stable and structured regulatory framework.

Combined with record viewership growth, a dynamic race calendar, and increasing engagement from younger audiences, the FIA Formula One World Championship enters this next chapter with unprecedented momentum.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, said: “The ninth Concorde Agreement secures the FIA Formula One World Championship’s long-term future and I am proud of the dedication that has been invested in this process.

“I would like to thank Stefano Domenicali and his team in what has been a strong collaboration, building a framework grounded in fairness, stability, and shared ambition. This agreement allows us to continue modernising our regulatory, technological, and operational capabilities, including supporting our race directors, officials, and the thousands of volunteers whose expertise underpin every race.

“We are ensuring that Formula One remains at the forefront of technological innovation, setting new standards in global sport.”

Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula One Group, said: “Today is an important day for Formula One. As we celebrate 75 years of this incredible sport, we are proud to write the next chapter in our long and amazing history.

“This agreement ensures that Formula One is in the best possible position to continue to grow around the world. I want to thank the president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem and all the teams for the collaboration and determination to achieve the best results for the entire sport in our discussions.

“We have a huge amount to be proud of, but we also are focused on the opportunities and exciting potential for Formula One in the years ahead.”