Friday, July 17, 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

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.
Jul 10, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Conor McGregor fights Dustin Poirier during UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

UFC Eyes Record-Setting Weekend with McGregor’s Return

Dana White said UFC 329 will be the highest gate in UFC history.
Jun 14, 2026; Washington, D.C., USA; Justin Gaethje (blue gloves) celebrates after winning the UFC Freedom 250 fight against Ilia Topuria (not pictured) at the White House South Lawn. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

UFC Touts 34M Global Audience for White House Event

The event’s overall audience doubles with the inclusion of international figures.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with MLS Commissioner Don Garber on World Cup, Messi, Future & More

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the Houston Rockets during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Silver Wants LeBron Decision So NBA Can Finalize Schedule

James’s free agency choice will help shape the NBA’s national TV schedule.
Jul 13, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) bats in the second round of the All Star-Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park.
July 17, 2026

Home Run Derby Ratings Drop 7% on Netflix

The event’s pivot to streaming results in a slightly lower average audience.
Gilbert Arenas Podcast Playmaker
Exclusive
July 17, 2026

Gilbert Arenas Podcast Lands at Playmaker After Underdog Exit

Arenas recently departed Underdog after three years.
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
Jul 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; General view of fireworks over Citizens Bank Park during the fourth inning of the All-Star Game.
July 16, 2026

MLB All-Star Game Ratings Get a Boost From World Cup

The midseason showcase’s audience rises with a World Cup lead-in.
Nate Burleson Front Office Sports
July 16, 2026

Nate Burleson: ‘I’d Gladly Take a Pay Cut’ for CBS to Hire Travis Kelce

Burleson also had high praise for CBS’s hiring of Russell Wilson.
2026 ESPY Awards New York Knicks
July 16, 2026

5 Takeaways From the 2026 ESPY Awards

The annual ESPN awards show returned to New York this year.
Adam Friedland
July 15, 2026

How the World Cup Turned Adam Friedland Into a Sports Pundit

The comedian says he’ll continue to create sports content post–World Cup.