5 UFC Fighters Made for Power Slap
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Dana White has spent decades building the UFC into a global powerhouse. Along the way, he’s ventured into other projects; from boxing and bull riding to, recently, Power Slap. As Power Slap looks to expand, it has looked to combat sports veterans to entice the audience. Names like Paige VanZant, Matt Mitrione, and Zach Zane come to mind. But, many others have hinted at a potential crossover.
Fans recently noticed Power Slap athletes appearing on the UFC roster page due to shared backend systems. This discovery has sparked plenty of online speculation. Seeing Power Slap athletes listed alongside UFC fighters made matchmaking rumors inevitable and inspired this article. (To find Power Slap athletes on the UFC roster, simply filter by division.)
As fans, it’s fun to imagine what would happen if some of the UFC’s toughest and most entertaining fighters stepped into the Power Slap arena. Success in slapping takes more than just brute strength—it demands a granite chin, swagger, showmanship, and nerves of steel.
There’s a lot to consider when figuring out who could be a Power Slap champion. What makes a great Slap Fighter?
- A steel jaw and a fearless mentality.
- The ability to face adversity head-on and fight back.
- Enough swagger to sway the judges in your favor.
- Raw power above all else.
- The unique mindset it takes to own the Slap Stage.
With that in mind, here are the top five UFC fighters who would make formidable Power Slap competitors:
#5. Jose Medina (0-2 UFC)
If you don’t know Jose “Chicho” Medina, today’s the day to change that. Medina joined the UFC on October 3, 2023, through Dana White’s Contender Series. But here’s the twist… He lost his fight and still earned a contract, becoming the third fighter that season to do so.
The Bolivian standout had never experienced a proper training camp or worked with a real gym. At the time, he was balancing his fight career while working full-time as a veterinarian.
When White gave Chicho his contract, he credited the MMA fighter for his heart, toughness, and ability to take a punch. In that fight, his opponent landed 117 strikes and six takedowns, but none of it kept Medina down. That sounds like a blueprint for Power Slap success: a chin made of steel, a heart that never quits, and a story fans can get behind. As Medina got adjusted to the UFC way of life, he lost significant weight, began training with professional partners, and has transformed his body.
In Power Slap, he would be highly conditioned, familiar with the PI’s way of work, and ready for the competition. There is no doubt that he’ll be game and calling on his opponent for more. With eight Knockout wins in 11 professional victories, Medina has plenty of power.
While Medina may have just one more shot in the UFC, Power Slap offers a unique opportunity to explore other avenues within combat sports. It feels like a perfect fit.
#4. Marvin Vettori (9-6-1 UFC)
“The Italian Dream” has been a staple of the UFC’s Middleweight division for nearly a decade. While he only has two professional knockouts, Vettori is primarily a striker—one with an iron chin and a fearless approach. He’s known for walking opponents down with a grin, eating shots like few others in the sport.
A former title challenger, Vettori has been in the spotlight for years. His upcoming main event against Brendan Allen only adds to his résumé. That experience, combined with his durability, makes him a perfect fit for Power Slap. Never having been knocked out, Vettori embodies the qualities Dana White looks for: toughness, charisma, and a built-in fanbase.
Vettori consistently brings style and confidence to fight week. He’s outspoken, active on social media, and never one to shy away from a verbal back-and-forth. You can easily picture him on the Power Slap stage, hyping up a matchup and entertaining fans and judges alike.
With the Power Slap middleweight title heading into a trilogy fight, the division needs a fresh contender. Enter The Italian Dream. Vettori not only fits the mold of a Power Slap star—he could very well wear gold. And with him already under the UFC banner, Dana White wouldn’t have to look far.
#3. Sean Strickland (16-7 UFC)
Sean Strickland, a former UFC Middleweight Champion, is known for his bold personality and fearless approach. He never backs down from a fight and isn’t afraid to make a statement—inside or outside the cage. He famously put Israel Adesanya on the back foot, dictating the pace and controlling the octagon.
Now imagine Strickland on the Power Slap stage, staring down his opponent and commanding that environment just as effortlessly.
With 29 total professional MMA wins, with 11 by Knockout, Strickland has shown to have power in his hands. Despite that power, he has shown an innate ability to fight to the distance and win grueling wars. The most appealing part of him joining Power Slap is his ability on the microphone. On the Slap Stage, he’d probably talk to his opponent, the ref, the crowd, and maybe even the commission mid-slap.
A press conference between current Power Slap Middleweight Champion Brandon Bordeaux and Sean Strickland would be electric. The division needs fresh matchups, and Strickland brings the star power and unpredictability to deliver just that.
We all know Strickland’s signature promise to fans before every fight: “I’m going to war for you guys.” Power Slap would give him another stage to live out that warrior mentality.
Instead of jabs and front kicks, he’d trade four-ounce gloves for a Power Slap t-shirt, some chalk, and an open-handed slap. The transition would be seamless, and with it, he’d bring a massive wave of attention to the sport. This one is especially fun to imagine.
#2. Marlon Vera (15-9 UFC)
When you think of UFC fighters with hard heads, Vera is the poster child. Marlon “Chito” Vera has had an illustrious UFC career. In his most recent fight against Deiveson Figueiredo, Vera was knocked down for the first time in 23 UFC fights. He is notorious for his toughness, having fought a full five-round bout with Sean O’Malley while fracturing his skull.
Imagining Chito on the Slap Stage staring down his opponent is an intimidating thought. With a panther tattooed on the back of his head and numerous others across his body, he commands attention. Add to that his eight professional MMA knockout wins and willingness to perform, and it’s clear the crowd would be thoroughly entertained with him in the promotion.
One of Vera’s biggest advantages would be his long arms. In the lighter weight classes, those long limbs would add whip and extra power to his shots. Combined with a chin as strong as his and his striking skills, Power Slap almost feels tailor-made for him.
Though he lost his first UFC title fight, Power Slap could offer a new path to championship glory. The thought of Chito standing across from Robert Trujillo for the belt is chills-inducing. Bringing his eight post-fight awards to the Slap Stage would make for must-see entertainment.
#1. Alex Pereira (9-2 UFC)
How does this list get made without “Poatan”? The Brazilian warrior with the most intimidating walkout in UFC history might knock out his opponent before even reaching the Power Slap stage. There are plenty of reasons he’s the perfect fit.
As a former two-division UFC champion and world-class kickboxer, Alex Pereira would instantly become one of the most skilled strikers in Power Slap. His resume speaks for itself: 10 knockout wins in 13 professional MMA victories. Known for his devastating left hook and leg kicks, Power Slap would give him the chance to showcase both hands. Based on what we’ve seen from his left, imagining him landing with either hand is terrifying.
Alex also knows how to take a punch and has overcome adversity throughout his career. He’s not one for trash talk, but his silent, stoic energy would speak volumes. He’d bring a completely different vibe to the roster — calm, composed, and deadly. And unlike many, he’s always looking for the toughest challenge.
Pereira joining Power Slap would bring major attention. As one of the UFC’s biggest stars, he’d pack arenas and elevate the sport’s profile overnight. The social media content would be gold, and the Brazilian fanbase would have a new hero to rally behind. It would be another badge of honor for Poatan and a game-changer for Power Slap.
Honorable Mention: Nate Diaz (16-11 UFC)
As promised, this article sticks to five UFC fighters. But how can you imagine MMA fighters in Power Slap and not think of Nate Diaz? While he hasn’t been with the UFC in over three years and doesn’t qualify for the list, he’s too perfect a candidate to ignore.
Diaz has spent his entire career taking on all challengers, never backing down, and fighting the best. That mindset would carry over seamlessly to Power Slap.
From his trash talk to his presence on stage, and his “take one to give one” mentality, Diaz was built for the Slap format. The Stockton Slap became a staple of his brand, so he already has his signature strike. On top of that, he’s proven time and time again that he can own a crowd.
Diaz is also known for his durability. Think of the iconic moments where he walked forward bloodied, still pressing the action. He’s always had a warrior spirit and was nearly impossible to put away. In Power Slap, his chin would be tested in a way we’ve never seen.
The image of Diaz commanding the stage, followed by a first-round knockout and the crowd erupting, just feels right.
While Power Slap may not be the ultimate goal for every UFC fighter, imagining these warriors on the Slap Stage is a fun dive into crossover chaos. Even if they never make the leap, it remains an exciting example of cross-promotion under the TKO banner.
From the stoic power of Alex Pereira to the unfiltered energy of Sean Strickland, each fighter brings something unique to the table, and fans would enjoy every second of it.
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