Friday, August 14, 2026

Power Slap Viewership Slips on TBS, Finds Social Media Audience

  • Power Slap’s third episode didn’t hold the audience it gained in last week’s episode.
  • Th series created by UFC president Dana White sees gains on TikTok, Instagram.
Power Slap
Power Slap

Power Slap: Road to the Title settled back down to close to its premiere viewership total in Week 3 of the episodic slap-fighting show created by UFC president Dana White. 

Wednesday’s broadcast on TBS had 284,000 viewers, according to ShowBuzzDaily. That estimate is just under Power Slap’s Jan. 18 debut and nearly 130,000 fewer than last week’s episode. 

While Power Slap’s three broadcasts have seen some yo-yo in viewership, the show has gained traction on social media, according to information provided to Front Office Sport by the promotion. 

  • Jewel Scott’s knockout from the debut episode has been viewed 183.7 million times on TikTok.
  • The hash #PowerSlap has 561 million views on TikTok.
  • Power Slap’s followers on Instagram have increased by 79 percent since the show’s premiere. 

The personal stories of the fighters were played up in the most recent episode of Power Slap, which is using the same mix of competition and reality TV that helped UFC achieve a wider audience after “The Ultimate Fighter” debuted in 2005. 

One competitor drank too much and nearly caused a brawl in the house where they all stayed during filming. There was a training montage. We learned about the rough lives of Mike Smith (Slap Jesus) and Jon Kennedy (Slap Daddy). 

Power Slap

Dana White’s ‘Power Slap’ Sees Major Viewership Bump

The second episode on TBS netted 413,000 viewers, a nearly 30% increase.
January 27, 2023

“I haven’t always been the best dad, but parenting has been a learning thing for me,” Kennedy said. “I am just trying to be the best I can. I am not trying to live off my past and what happened back then.”

Kennedy was TKO’d by Jon Davis, who found slap fighting after he said a shoulder injury resulted in a medical discharge from the Marines. 

Smith beat Jesus Gaspar Diaz via a decision. In the last fight of the episode, Chris Thompson knocked out Waylon Frost, whose arms were left in a fencing position that is indicative of a concussion. 

“I love you, dog,” Thompson told Frost as he lay on the canvas.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, speaks during the Paramount Pictures presentation at CinemaCon, the official convention of Cinema United, in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., April 16, 2026.

Paramount Antitrust Trial Delayed As Ellison Makes Case for Merger

Company CEO David Ellison is much more outspoken about the transaction.

UFC’s White House Event Lost $30M, but Business Kept Growing

The business grew despite red ink from the June showcase.

Jake Paul Responds to Critics: ‘I Brought Boxing to Netflix’

Paul believes the Tyson fight’s Netflix audience will never be matched.
Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Conor McGregor (right) attempts a flying kick at the start of his fight against Max Holloway during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

McGregor Return Draws Nearly 16 Million Viewers on Paramount+

UFC 329 trailed Freedom 250 in total and average viewership.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Lakers’ Shocking $12.5B Sale, Cuban Drops Mavs Suit, Field of Dreams Tickets Soar

0:00

Featured Today

Trendy Golf Hat Divide Is More Than a Fashion Fight

As golf has gotten trendier, so has the sport’s style.
Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes
August 6, 2026

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”
August 6, 2026

Tom Brady Explains His Aggressive Push Into Trading Cards

Brady talked to FOS about his eponymous card company.
FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India - April 23, 2026 Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav in action
August 5, 2026

India Is Stealing Cricket’s Throne From England and Australia

India’s insatiable appetite for cricket has shifted the traditional locus of power.
WPBL
July 30, 2026

Who’s Playing Women’s Professional Baseball?

Sixty players from 11 countries are descending on Illinois for six weeks.
Mar 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Lakers Join Sixers, Knicks, Spurs Atop NBA’s National TV Slate

The Thunder, meanwhile, will play 30 national TV games this season.
Exclusive
August 13, 2026

Jimmy Traina, Sal Licata, John Jastremski Joining Media Start-Up

Traina left Sports Illustrated earlier this week.
Nov 24, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; A detailed view of the ESPN Monday Night Football touchdown Pylon on the field at Levi's Stadium.
August 13, 2026

ESPN Kicks Off Increased NFL Preseason Presence After Equity Deal

The ESPN app has 12 out-of-market preseason broadcasts.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses his Champions Fund launch and finding success after football.
Mar 15, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; FS1 announcer Jason Benetti during the game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Washington State Cougars at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Exclusive
August 13, 2026

Jason Benetti Will Call NBA Games for NBC This Season

Benetti will supplement NBC’s roster, not replace any of its NBA voices.
August 12, 2026

ESPN Boosting Coverage of PGA Tour Playoffs

The move comes after a trial run in January.
ESPN personality Pat McAfee, left, shakes hands with President Donald Trump during the Patriot Games held at Spire Academy, Aug. 11, 2026, in Geneva, Ohio.
Opinion
August 12, 2026

Critics Can No Longer Claim ESPN Is ‘Woke’

ESPN stars and executives had a significant presence at the Patriot Games.
Nov 23, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; The NFL shield logo on the field at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
August 12, 2026

NFL Faces AI Accusations Over ‘Move the Sticks’ Podcast Feed

The podcast posted a new episode hosted by an unidentified voice.