UFC boss Dana White has sent a cease and desist letter to the promoters of “Power Spank”, a parody of the Power Slap events put on by the MMA chief.
White, 57, is an owner of the controversial Power Slap which debuted in 2023.
It pits two competitors against one another as they take turns delivering and absorbing open-handed slaps to the face over a maximum of three rounds.
Last month, the Lingerie Fighting Championship appeared to mock the concept by debuting “Power Spank” at the start of their events.
It consists of women in lingerie slapping their opponent’s backside.
On Wednesday, the LFC revealed they had received a legal letter from Power Slap back in October.
Taking to social media, they posted: “We received a cease & desist over Power Spank, LFC’s parody that opens every U.S. event.
“Power Spank is owned by Lingerie Fighting Championships, and parody is protected speech under the First Amendment. We’re not backing down.”
As reported by USA Today, LFC CEO Shaun Donnelly added: “We respect Power Slap and its founders, but we will not be bullied into abandoning protected speech.
“We will defend our right, and the right of every American, to free speech, and if that takes us to the Supreme Court, we are prepared to go.”
Donnelly also addressed the dangers of Power Slap — which often results in competitors being knocked unconscious.
He said: “We watched one of our fighters get seriously hurt (at Power Slap).
“Power Spank is our answer: same energy, same theatrics, none of the brain damage. And let’s be honest, a spank is a lot more fun to watch than a slap.
“This isn’t a gimmick to us – it’s a statement. Combat sports can be bold and outrageous without being reckless. Power Spank proves you can still pack a house without packing an ambulance.”
News of White’s legal letter comes after he made headlines earlier this week when US President Donald Trump claimed he wanted the UFC boss as his next press secretary.
White then visited the White House on Monday, and Trump brought him out for a press conference in the James Brady Briefing Room.
White went on to decline Trump’s offer by claiming: “I don’t want to be in politics.”
