In a shocking debut at the World Slap Fighting Championship held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Chinese athlete Zhao Honggang suffered a serious facial injury that left him with a cheekbone fracture and five stitches around his eye socket. The incident quickly went viral, with social media users hailing him as a “Lion Heart” for his resilience.
The Incident
On October 31, 2025, Zhao Honggang faced his first Power Slap contest — a brutal sport where competitors take turns slapping each other with full force. Despite suffering a visible facial injury, Zhao continued to stand his ground, showcasing extraordinary grit.
According to official medical reports, Zhao did not sustain a concussion, but doctors confirmed a cheekbone fracture and deep cuts near his eye, requiring immediate stitches. Footage from the event spread rapidly on social media, drawing both concern and admiration.
About Zhao Honggang
Zhao Honggang, 35, is the first Asian athlete from China to officially sign with Power Slap. He is also the ninth-generation inheritor of the traditional Qijiatong back-fist martial arts form, a rare lineage of Chinese martial arts.
His participation in Power Slap marked an important milestone for Asian representation in the sport, despite his debut ending with a severe injury.
About Power Slap
Power Slap, created by UFC President Dana White, is a controversial combat sport that tests the strength, endurance, and willpower of its competitors. Participants alternate turns to slap each other until one is unable to continue or the judges decide the winner based on technique and impact.
While the sport has gained global traction, it has also faced criticism for potential health risks — especially after injuries like Zhao’s.
Social Media Reactions
Fans from around the world flooded social media with supportive messages, praising Zhao for his bravery. Phrases like “true warrior spirit” and “Lion Heart of Asia” trended on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.
Sports enthusiasts also debated the safety measures in Power Slap competitions, urging organizers to introduce stricter medical protocols.
FAQs About Power Slap and Zhao Honggang
Q1. Who is Zhao Honggang?
A: Zhao Honggang is a 35-year-old Chinese martial artist and the first Asian athlete to sign with Power Slap. He’s known as the ninth-generation inheritor of the Qijiatong back-fist martial arts form.
Q2. What happened during the Power Slap event in Saudi Arabia?
A: During his debut in Riyadh, Zhao sustained a cheekbone fracture and required five stitches after receiving a heavy slap from his opponent.
Q3. Did Zhao Honggang suffer a concussion?
A: No, according to reports, Zhao did not suffer a cerebral concussion, though he had significant facial injuries.
Q4. Who created Power Slap?
A: Power Slap was created by Dana White, the president of the UFC, as an official slap-fighting competition.
Q5. Why is the incident trending on Google?
A: The combination of injury visuals, combat sports controversy, and Zhao’s courage led to rapid search traction and engagement, pushing the blog to trend on Google Discover and Google News under the sports-injury category.
Published on : 7TH November
Published by : Sounak Mukhopadhyay
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