Slapping is insanely stupid, which is why it’s nice to see a high-profile professional sports organization like the UFC go all out trying to legitimize it with the Power Slap League, which airs weekly on TBS.
To be clear, slapping is not stupid just because it is dangerous and causes head injuries. After all, MMA and other traditional combat sports can also be dangerous and cause head trauma. What makes a slap fight so stupid is that the contestant just has to stand there with an open palm and concentrate on slapping their own face.
There are no defenses against traumatic brain injury.
Which brings us to Frank Lamicella, president of Power Slap, who was working with John Morgan of MMA Undergroundhas something to say about the slap defense (bold added for emphasis).
“By ‘defenseless,’ I mean, there’s no evasion of defense. If your definition of defense is just evasion, then there’s obviously some truth to that,” Lamicella said. “However, again, talking to these guys, there’s definitely going to be defense. There’s training the head, neck, shoulder muscles, and the exercise science and movement data that we put out will start to support that. Learning how to tense the muscles, how to tense up Clenching the jaw, all of that is important. Learning to roll under the slaps without committing flinching fouls. (Matter) So time is really a lot. when do you close your eyes Do you keep your eyes open? There are (defensive) elements. “
How ridiculous is the explanation of what constitutes a defense. Let’s break down Lamicella’s answer:
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we give him Some Reluctantly admitting the lack of evasion has some merit, but we all know that actual defense also includes the ability to cover and block attacks, just like in boxing and MMA. Referees call it clever defending themselves. According to the rules, it is forbidden to clap your hands to do so.
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Training your body — in this case the “head, neck, shoulder muscles” — to absorb impact is not a defense, no matter how much you try to rotate it.
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Grit your teeth? Slap and roll? That’s just preparation for impact, not defense.
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Sorry, did this person seriously suggest close your eyes Is it a form of defense? It’s unbelievably stupid.
No wonder he couldn’t say this with a straight face.
related
‘Dana White and TBS should be ashamed of Power Slap’, says neuroscientist Chris Nowinski
Joe Rogan: UFC owner Dana White’s Power Slap league ‘not my thing’
Trevor Noah slams UFC for slapping league: ‘Is Will Smith the defending champion?’
NAC approves slap in public blow to traumatic brain injury fears | Viewpoint
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Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie
