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UFC Star Paige VanZant Opens Up About Power Slap’s Post-Fight Party Culture Not Found Anywhere Else

Paige VanZant Opens Up About Power Slap's Post-Fight Party Culture Not Found Anywhere Else Paige VanZant is a multi-faceted combat sports star. MMA has nothing on Power Slap. Recently, she shared her unique…

Paige VanZant is a multi-faceted combat sports star. MMA has nothing on Power Slap. Recently, she shared her unique experience with the culture surrounding Dana White’s Power Slap league, particularly the post-fight camaraderie that sets it apart from traditional MMA events.

Paige VanZant

In a recent podcast episode, Paige VanZant, alongside her partner, described the unusual nature of the social scene following a slap fight, saying, “We’re all at the bar afterward, drinking, hanging out, having a good time together. Like, bizarre! The world is so different than MMA.”

Slap Fighting or MMA

Having transitioned from UFC to Power Slap, VanZant highlighted the stark contrast between the two worlds. “Like, you do see, after fights—I mean, you don’t really see people… but everybody from Power Slap collectively agreed to go out drinking after, like everybody!” she explained, emphasizing the partying culture that is not commonly seen in MMA. “Yes, you don’t see that on MMA cards where every single person on the card is like, ‘All right, we’re all going to go drink together.’ It was crazy! But yeah, we all met at the bar, and we’re all drinking. It’s different.”

Paige VanZant’s experience offers a glimpse into the hardcore community of Power Slap, a sport still in its infancy but gaining attention slowly. For someone who’s been through the ups and downs of MMA this level of camaraderie was surprising.

After a career marked by both challenges and achievements in the UFC, including notable victories over Felice Herrig and Bec Rawlings, VanZant has embraced a new chapter in her combat sports career. While her UFC career ended in 2020, she quickly found new outlets in bare-knuckle boxing and professional wrestling before making her mark in the slap fighting world. Her debut in Power Slap saw her dominate Christine Wolmarans, earning a unanimous decision with all judges scoring it 30-25 in her favor.

Now, VanZant seems to be enjoying her role in the new sport. And the post-fight shenanigans set Power Slap apart. Paige VanZant is both an athlete and a social media influencer with a highly successful modeling career. She recently signed with the GFL and will compete later this year in MMA.

Islam Makhachev Reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Brutal Training Regimen ‘Everybody shuts up and listens’

UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has opened up about the demanding training regimen he endures with Khabib Nurmagomedov. Known…

UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has opened up about the demanding training regimen he endures with Khabib Nurmagomedov. Known for his unparalleled discipline and dedication, Nurmagomedov’s approach to training leaves little room for rest or compromise, according to Makhachev.

Islam Makhachev on Coach Khabib Nurmagomedov

Islam Makhachev shared that despite the advanced recovery tools available, Khabib’s insistence on hard work during camp means there’s no time to slack off. “Today, honestly, we started with the team. We wanted some guys to go light, maybe rest tomorrow, and do some recovery. Okay, you just go light and do like 30 minutes of running, like easy training.”

“But,” Speaking to Demetrious Johnson, Islam Makhachev continued, “When we came to the gym—12 rounds on the boxing bags. And after, everybody runs. It’s not easy. And tomorrow, 10 in the morning, we have sparring.”

This demanding schedule is typical of Khabib’s coaching philosophy, which Makhachev described as unwavering. “This guy, he doesn’t know any other way. He has one way: hard work. It’s always hard. But I know I’ll be ready 100%. Just believe him, just do what he says, and that’s it.”

Khabib Nurmagomedovretired from MMA with an undefeated record of 29-0, has now transitioned into coaching since hanging up his gloves. His success in the octagon has translated into a successful coaching career, where he has mentored fighters like Makhachev, his cousin Umar Nurmagomedov, and others.

Despite his growing influence in the MMA world, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coaching style remains rooted in the relentless hard work that made him one of the sport’s greatest champions.

Islam Makhachev’s respect for his coach is clear. “If you want to be a champion, you have to follow the way the champs did… He knows how it works. That’s why everybody shuts up and listens to him and trains.” he said, acknowledging the pivotal role Khabib Nurmagomedov’s experience plays in shaping the mindset of the fighters he coaches.

Islam Makhachev will next fight at UFC 311 looking to defend his lightweight title. Khabib Nurmagomedov will be in his corner.

Islam Makhachev Reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Brutal Training Regimen ‘Everybody shuts up and listens’

UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has opened up about the demanding training regimen he endures with Khabib Nurmagomedov. Known…

Islam Makhachev on Coach Khabib Nurmagomedov

Despite his growing influence in the MMA world, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coaching style remains rooted in the relentless hard work that made him one of the sport’s greatest champions.

Islam Makhachev will next fight at UFC 311 looking to defend his lightweight title. Khabib Nurmagomedov will be in his corner.

Islam Makhachev Questions Black Belt Standards in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – Are BJJ Black Belts Given Too Easily?

Reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has sparked a heated debate within the martial arts community, questioning whether black…

Reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has sparked a heated debate within the martial arts community, questioning whether black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are being awarded too easily. The Dagestani fighter is known for his elite grappling and ground game and he shared his candid thoughts on the matter in a recent interview.

Islam Makhachev on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

“Why are you scared to go with him on the ground? You’re a black belt,” Makhachev said to Demetrious Johnson, referring to instances where BJJ black belts appear hesitant to engage in grappling exchanges. “But now, it’s a big deal to give some fighters a black belt. No, it’s not. It shouldn’t work like this, you know. I think people agree with me. If you’re a UFC champion, you cannot be a black belt in one day. No, it’s not working like that.”

Islam Makhachev emphasized that earning a black belt should require years of dedication, competition experience, and proven mastery of the art. “Train, like, hours—hours like five, six years—to be a black belt. They have to go to some competitions, World Championships, like international, and do something special, you know, to deserve this,” he continued.

Islam Makhachev’s remarks reflect his own martial arts upbringing in Dagestan, where wrestling and Sambo are pillars of the region’s athletic identity. As a four-time Russian National Combat Sambo Champion and a World Combat Sambo gold medalist, Makhachev has firsthand experience with the rigorous demands of elite-level grappling. His foundation in Sambo has shaped his perspective.

Since debuting in the UFC in 2015, Islam Makhachev has solidified himself as one of the best grapplers in MMA, often overwhelming his opponents with his ground control and submission skills. His success in the Octagon, including his championship victories over BJJ Black Belts Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier has only added weight to his critique of the current BJJ ranking system.

Are BJJ Black Belts Given Too Easily?

Makhachev’s comments have reignited a long-standing debate in the martial arts world. Traditionalists argue that earning a black belt should symbolize years of hard work, competition, and technical proficiency.

In MMA, black belts are often awarded to fighters who display exceptional grappling skills during fights, even if they lack the competition experience traditionally required in BJJ. This practice has drawn criticism from purists who feel that the integrity of the black belt is being diluted.

Makhachev’s stance echoes the frustrations of many who believe that the martial art’s highest rank should not be given out as a symbolic gesture. “It shouldn’t work like this,” he asserted, calling for a return to more stringent standards.

Whether or not the BJJ community will take his words to heart remains to be seen. For a fighter who has spent years proving himself on the mats and in the Octagon, he knows the power of grappling being a lifetime student under the UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Islam Makhachev Questions Black Belt Standards in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – Are BJJ Black Belts Given Too Easily?

Reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has sparked a heated debate within the martial arts community, questioning whether black…

Islam Makhachev on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Are BJJ Black Belts Given Too Easily?

Khamzat Chimaev Should Face Bo Nickal Rather Than Fighting For a Title Explains UFC Veteran

Khamzat Chimaev really should face Bo Nickal rather than fighting for the UFC middleweight title, at least according to…

Khamzat Chimaev really should face Bo Nickal rather than fighting for the UFC middleweight title, at least according to one former UFC contender. Chael Sonnen, UFC veteran and current MMA analyst, has sparked debate by advocating for a blockbuster matchup between rising star Bo Nickal and UFC middleweight juggernaut Khamzat Chimaev. While Sonnen’s enthusiasm for the fight is palpable, many fans and analysts believe that Nickal is still far behind Chimaev in terms of experience and skill.

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Bo Nickal

“Bo Nickal versus Khamzat Chimaev,” Sonnen said in a recent interview. “There is nothing I enjoy speaking about more than what would happen with Bo and Khamzat. And I don’t just want to talk about the fight or three rounds versus five rounds.”

“I want the specifics,” Sonnen continued, “Who’s going to go for the takedown, and who’s going to get the other one. Are they going to go for a double leg? Is it going to be over-under? I like that entire argument. Which one is going to get tired first? Which one is going to try the takedown first? Everything about Bo versus Khamzat is exciting for me. Somebody’s ‘O’ has got to go—that line never stopped working in sports.”

The matchup, as Sonnen frames it, would pit two undefeated middleweights with elite wrestling pedigrees against each other in a highly technical grappling battle. However, critics point out that Nickal, who transitioned to MMA in 2022, is still developing his overall skillset. Despite his rapid ascent and top ranking in the UFC middleweight division, Nickal’s level of opposition has not approached the caliber of Chimaev’s. Although, the US-born athlete does come from a storied collegiate wrestling career.

Khamzat Chimaev has built a reputation as one of the most dominant and well-rounded fighters in the division. He is widely seen as next in line for a middleweight title shot. The UFC’s middleweight championship picture will likely become clearer once reigning champion Dricus du Plessis defends his belt against former titleholder Sean Strickland in an anticipated clash later this year.

While Sonnen’s excitement over the hypothetical fight is contagious, many in the MMA community argue that the timing isn’t right. With Chimaev already on the cusp of title contention, pitting him against the still-rising Nickal could stall the momentum of one of the UFC’s most marketable stars.

For now, Sonnen’s proposed showdown remains a tantalizing “what if” scenario. But as both fighters continue to climb the ranks of the middleweight division, the possibility of a future clash may not be as far-fetched as it seems.