Dana White, CEO of UFC, is confident in his own decisions, especially when it comes to Power Slap.
Power Slap, the slap fighting promotion led by White, is shifting from Rumble to YouTube. Events will now be exclusively aired on YouTube, starting this Friday with Paige VanZant’s return. This move is supported by a $76 million, six-year title sponsorship from crypto firm VeChain.
Despite reports suggesting the VeChain deal is less lucrative than the previous $30 million per year from Rumble, White isn’t worried. Forbes indicated the VeChain deal is structured as a traditional sponsorship, and doesn’t fully replace the Rumble revenue through a broadcast rights deal.
However, White stated he’s in talks with two more potential sponsors. These deals could boost the total “rights deal” value to $35 million annually, exceeding the previous Rumble income.
Furthermore, YouTube’s massive user base presents additional revenue potential through streaming payouts.
White also mentioned interest from three cable channels in broadcasting Power Slap. He declined these offers to retain full control over linear, digital rights, and sponsorships.
Maintaining control allows White to pursue additional sponsors alongside VeChain and dictate Power Slap’s direction.
“I like to bet on myself,” White told Forbes, emphasizing his full ownership and control over Power Slap, allowing him to shape its future.
White is counting on Power Slap’s ability to generate viral moments, as demonstrated by the recent event’s 4.3 million views on Rumble.
Beyond YouTube, Power Slap is expanding internationally. Following a debut in Saudi Arabia, further events are planned there in 2025 and 2026, each with a $15 million site fee. Similar agreements exist in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, with Brazil and South Africa targeted for future expansion.
Growth is also happening in the U.S., with more states expected to sanction slap fighting, including Missouri and New Jersey.
White aims to elevate Power Slap to UFC levels, ambitious given the UFC’s own broadcast rights goals exceeding $1 billion annually.
For Power Slap’s growth, White prioritizes maintaining control, which the YouTube move facilitates, allowing him to operate independently and execute his vision.
“I don’t like to have to answer to anybody,” White stated, highlighting his preference for autonomy in building and managing his businesses.
