Chris Barnett has another unusual stop on his combat-sports resume.
Power Slap announced that the former UFC heavyweight has signed with the promotion. The announcement did not list Barnett’s opponent or debut date, so the move is the concrete news for now rather than a fight booking.
Power Slap made the signing official with a direct welcome:
“BEASTBOY 🤝 POWER SLAP. @BeastboyBarnett is officially joining the Power Slap roster! Welcome to the podium 😎”
Barnett, 40, left the UFC after a 2-4 run in the Octagon. MiddleEasy readers last saw him rebound outside MMA when he scored a 61-second Karate Combat finish in December.
Barnett Adds Another Ruleset After UFC And Karate Combat Runs
The signing fits Barnett’s long habit of bouncing between formats. He built a 23-10 MMA record, competed in kickboxing and boxing, and became one of the more recognizable heavyweight personalities from his UFC stretch.
His best UFC moment came at UFC 279, where he stopped Jake Collier in a wild comeback. His promotional run also included bouts with Ben Rothwell, Martin Buday, Chase Sherman, Jake Collier, Hamdy Abdelwahab, and Kennedy Nzechukwu.
The Power Slap move does not erase the risk debate around the format. Jon Jones previously said Power Slap is very dangerous while still supporting Dana White’s venture, and Barnett now becomes one of the most familiar former UFC names attached to it.
Until Power Slap confirms Barnett’s first matchup, the signing mainly gives the promotion a heavyweight with a built-in combat-sports audience and a track record for memorable entrances, sudden finishes, and crowd-friendly theatrics.
