Jon Kennedy has become the first competitor in the new Power Slap League to be suspended after testing positive for cocaine.
Kennedy, 37, was suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after testing positive for the recreational drug following a slap-fighting match which took place last November. Cocaine use is prohibited for all athletes competing in Power Slap, a slap-fighting league launched by UFC boss Dana White.
As a result of his nine-month suspension, Kennedy will not be allowed to compete until August 30. He will also have to pay a £125 fine along with £270 in prosecution fees. Kennedy's last slap-fighting match aired on February 1, but was pre-recorded, as he was knocked out by Jon Davis.
Kennedy holds a 2-2 record in Power Slap and has previously competed in MMA, putting together a 10-38 record whilst competing for promotions such as North Iowa Fights and Dynasty Combat Sports. During Kennedy's hearing, the NSAC approved minor rule changes for Power Slap as the promotion prepares to hold live events at the UFC Apex in March
What are your thoughts on the slap-fighter being banned for using cocaine? Let us know in the comments section below
“It seems like there’s a market for this, whether you like it or not,” chairman of the commission Anthony Marnell said during the meeting. “It is unarmed combat so it fits the definition but it seems to me, it needs some further regulation.”
The launch of Power Slap has been highly controversial, with neuroscientist Chris Nowinski suggesting that a contestant may "never be the same" after being knocked out on the debut episode. "This is so sad. Note the fencing posture with the first brain injury," Nowinski wrote. "He may never be the same. Dana White and TBS Network should be ashamed. Pure exploitation. What's next, who can survive a stabbing?"
Power Slap's introduction was not helped by UFC boss Dana White being filmed slapping his wife in an altercation that took place on New Year's Eve. Contestants in the league are paid as little as $2,000, which is five times less than the minimum purse UFC fighters receive for a contest.
White defended this decision when a fan wrote on one of his Instagram posts joked that Power Slap's 'Road to the Title' didn't mean hold as much weight if contestants are only making $2,000. White replied that it was "how MMA started" and added: "Boxing undercards make this kind of money still. Educate yourself before you open the YAP."
