The Nevada Athletic Commission sanctions slap fighting, a sport in which opponents slap each other in the face

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – In the “Entertainment Capital of the World” and the Silver State, a fast-growing new sport is coming and we promise we’re not making it up: it’s called slap fighting.

It is exactly what it sounds like. Professional fighters beat each other up with open handshakes until one person can’t handle it anymore.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission unanimously approved slap fighting Tuesday, meaning they reviewed it to make sure they were overseeing safety procedures and making sure proper rules were in place, including medical personnel on site.

It will be a professional sporting event along the lines of MMA or UFC, with the participation of fighters who have previously worked in this sector.

“It’s highly entertaining. It’s unique and growing business in Nevada. I think it’s fantastic. That’s what we’re here for. As long as it’s regulated, because it looks pretty wild,” said Stephen Cloobeck, chairman of the commission, “you hear these slaps, it’s almost tangible and you’re like, ‘Oh my God.’ I definitely don’t want to be on the receiving end.”

Schiaffo LLC, a company run by UFC President Dana White, made the submission to the commission on Tuesday.

“It’s been around for a few years,” said a company representative. “It’s gone viral across the internet in a number of ways, not unlike what we did with UFC.”

And it’s possible that Nevada could see its first slap fighting match by the end of the year. The goal is to host it at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

White challenged professional slappers to audition; a link to it is here.

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