Dana White’s controversial ‘Power Slap League’ sees first drugs suspension dished out
The controversial Power Slap League launched by UFC president Dana White has seen its first fighter suspended after failing a drug test.
The league has come under criticism due to its brutal nature, as competitors take it in turns to slap each other in the face. The Power Slap League’s reputation has taken another hit after one of their fighters has been handed a nine-month suspension after testing positive for cocaine.
The Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) has issued Jon Kennedy with the nine-month suspension and fined him £397, which includes £272 worth of legal fees.
READ MORE: Slap-fighter suffers memory loss from savage KO in new Dana White promotion
Kennedy, aged 37, tested positive in a drug test surrounding his brutal knockout defeat by John Davis, the NAC announced during a monthly meeting on Wednesday. Kennedy can return to combat sports competition in the state from August 30.
During the defeat, Kennedy took a brutal slap from Davis,which visibly shook him before dropping down to the floor, followed by cheers from the crowd. The Power Slap League competitor regained his feet and looked to continue. However, the referee forced the fighter to walk towards him as he backed away assessing his health.
With Kennedy clearly unable to continue, the referee called an end to the fight. This is the first positive drugs test and ban to come out of the Power Slap League.
Currently the new league relies on the NAC’s drug tests after White suggested using a specific drug-testing partner like U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which the UFC currently uses.
“There’s definitely going to be drug testing,” White told reporters in November. “There’s drug testing just like every other combat sport that’s regulated. We haven’t gotten to a USADA level. USADA ain’t cheap.”
(Image: AP)
Former WWE wrestler and neuroscientist Christopher Nowinski, who co-founded the Concussion Legacy Foundation after post-concussion syndrome forced him to retire from wrestling, has been highly critical of the sport, after sharing the clip of a fighter who suffered memory loss from a savage knock out.
During a concerning moment, Chris Kennedy had to be caught by doctors standing behind him as he appeared to take on a fencing posture, which is known to be a sign that someone has experienced serious head and brain trauma.
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