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.
