UFC fan favorite Alex Caceres is interested in trying his hand, literally, at Dana White’s newest combat sports venture, Power Slap.
‘Bruce Leeroy’ returns to the Octagon this Saturday night as the UFC closes out its 2022 inside the familiar confines of The APEX in Las Vegas. Meeting Caceres in the cage is Julian Erosa as the two fighters are scheduled to clash in a featherweight bout. Ahead of this weekend’s final fight card of the year, Caceres told reporters at the UFC Fight Night media event that he is open to giving Power Slap a try.
“I have considered it,” Caceres said. “I think it’s hilarious, it’s cool. I don’t know, it’s funny. It’s pain tolerance. I’m pretty sure that’s what it’s mostly about. I figure I have pretty big hands. I know I’m like one of the only 145-ers who wears large gloves in the UFC. I think I could be pretty decent at slapping somebody.”
Alex Caceres is one of the promotion’s most tenured fighters, debuting all the way back in season 12 of The Ultimate Fighter. Though his record is a middling 14-11 with one no-contest, ‘Bruce Leeroy’ has been generally loved by fans for his energetic style of fighting and popular nickname.
Alex Caceres doesn't have a problem with slap fighting and, in fact, thought about doing it himself #UFCVegas66 #PowerSlap pic.twitter.com/eW5uWAsqB5
— Amy Kaplan (@PhotoAmy33) December 15, 2022
Alex Caceres Responds to the Dangers of Power Slap
After sharing his interest in Power Slap, Caceres was informed of the dangers that come with competing in such a sport. Dr. Brian Sutterer, a sports medicine physician, who called it one of “the most absurd and senseless sports in the world” believes Power Slap could bring potential long-term brain damage to its combatants
“What do we always say here in combat sports whether it’s boxing, mixed martial arts or whatever? It’s ‘protect yourself at all times,’” Sutterer said on his YouTube channel. “In slap fighting, there is no defense. You literally are not allowed to protect yourself. And so what you get is basically just two people trading concussive blows for one another.”
After being informed of the dangers that could accompany those who partake in Power Slap, Caceres responded, saying:
“Neither is smoking cigarettes, neither is working in factory plants, neither is eating bad food or getting punched in the head for a living like I do. I mean, a lot of things are dangerous. Sitting still is dangerous. Being too sedentary can mess up your brain. So, yeah, take your chances. It’s your life. (h/t MMA Junkie)
