UFC star trying Dana White’s Power Slap gets immediately rejected by Hunter Campbell
UFC veteran Anthony Smith expressed his interest in joining Dana White's Power Slap initiative to UFC CBO Hunter Campbell.
Follow Us
Hunter Campbell rejects a UFC fighter's aspiration to join Dana White's Power Slap competition (Image via Fighters' Only/MMA Fighting)
In addition to his role at the UFC, Dana White has recently ventured into new fields, notably founding a slapping competition called Power Slap. This unique endeavor has attracted interest from several top MMA fighters. Recently, UFC fighter, Anthony Smith was denied the opportunity to participate by White’s colleague, Hunter Campbell.
UFC veteran Anthony ‘Lionheart’ Smith recently appeared on the Ariel Helwani Show. During the interview, he explored various interesting topics with host Ariel Helwani. In addition to discussing his and Bryce Mitchell’s friendship, Smith disclosed that an intriguing offer to let him join Dana White’s Power Slap and compete, stating disappointment with the UFC Chief Business Officer, Hunter Campbell.
I tried, they told me no… Straight-up. I asked Hunter, and he told me no… He wouldn’t even bring it to Dana!
Anthony Smith via The Ariel Helwani Show
UFC CEO Dana White founded Power Slap in 2022. Since its inception, the sport has faced intense scrutiny, primarily due to its brutality. Despite this criticism, Power Slap has experienced significant growth and has gained immense popularity. This success has attracted many UFC stars to participate, with former UFC strawweight and flyweight fighter Paige VanZant being a notable example.
😅 Anthony Smith wanted to try Power Slap after he retired but Hunter Campbell rejected him immediately. (via @arielhelwani) pic.twitter.com/MzcPFOfTCw
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) January 21, 2025
Similar to VanZant, Smith has expressed his desire to compete in the Power Slap competition. However, Hunter Campbell, who manages several key areas within the UFC, is reluctant to allow the veteran to pursue that opportunity. As for the UFC veteran, at 36 years old, ‘Lionheart’ appeared to be seeking a transition away from professional MMA.
Anthony Smith confirms his retirement plans after ‘one more’ UFC outing
The UFC community has witnessed many veterans retire on a positive note, often after a strong performance. Interestingly, 36-year-old Anthony Smith, who made his UFC debut over a decade ago under the previous banner known as Strikeforce, is currently facing challenges in the promotion. Throughout his UFC career, Smith has defeated several legendary fighters, including Mauricio Rua and Rashad Evans.
In his last two UFC appearances, Smith has experienced significant defeats. Most recently, he faced Dominick Reyes at the UFC 310 pay-per-view event last month. Smith has been quite devastated by these consecutive setbacks, and as a result, he seems hesitant to pursue more fights in the promotion. During a conversation with Ariel Helwani, Smith also shared his potential plans for retirement.
Yeah, it’s one more… Win, lose, or draw, that’s going to be it…. Yeah, [the fight is already made], yeah… No [the fight hasn’t been announced yet], no… I do [want to announce it], but I can’t, you can’t get fired on your last one!
Anthony Smith via The Ariel Helwani Show
Anthony Smith says he will fight one more time.#HelwaniShow pic.twitter.com/J54VJUpgq6
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) January 21, 2025
Furthermore, Smith announced that his last fight in the UFC is scheduled for April. However, his potential opponent has not been disclosed. Notably, neither the promotion nor Dana White has announced any fight cards or matchups for April 2025 yet. Given this, it will be interesting to see if Smith can conclude his UFC career with a victory.
Stay Updated!
Nilaav Gogoi
(558 Articles Published)