Power Slap, a regulated and sanctioned combat sport will take place in Abu Dhabi on October 23. It involves two competitors taking turns to deliver open-handed strikes to each other’s faces,
Now with 25 days to go, anticipation is building for the second meeting between two contestants – Da Hawaiian “Hitman” Viernes and Vasilii “Dumpling” Kamotskii.
Viernes defeated Dumpling by majority decision over five rounds at POWER SLAP 13 in June 2025 to claim the title. He has since successfully defended the belt against #1 ranked Super Heavyweight Makini Manu.
“I learned a lot by facing Dumpling that night. I learned that I have the will of a champion,” said Viernes. “I just need a knockout to secure legendary status and to call myself the greatest Super Heavyweight in the history of POWER SLAP.”
A rivalry with Abu Dhabi ties
The rivalry between Dumpling and the Viernes family goes back further and has strong ties to the capital. Dumpling first faced Dayne’s older brother, Layne “Da Crazy Hawaiian” Viernes, in Abu Dhabi in October 2024, and the contest ended in a majority draw.
The pair later met again, with Dumpling defeating Da Crazy Hawaiian to claim the Super Heavyweight title.
Although both brothers have first-hand experience against Dumpling,
Dayne says they have not spent much time comparing their encounters. He considers every matchup different and has instead been studying Dumpling’s previous appearances to understand how best to defeat him.
“He has power, but so do I, and I think I can take a slap better,” he said.
While October 23 will mark Dayne’s first appearance in the UAE capital, Dumpling will be returning to compete in the city for a third straight year.
“The crowds in Abu Dhabi are great. I think the fans love me, plus fans from Russia will be coming to cheer me on,” he said.
He added: “The weather is nice in the fall, and there’s plenty to see and do. I love everything about Abu Dhabi. I’m happy to be back, and I’ll do my best to make the Power Slap fans happy.”
The title rematch headlines an event that marks the third consecutive year Power Slap has staged a live marquee event in Abu Dhabi.
Also on the card
In the co-main event, #1 ranked and former lightweight title challenger Dakota McGregor (3-2, 3 KOs) faces #3 ranked Reiley Montoya.
Both fighters look to cement their place in the lightweight division as potential future title challengers to undefeated Lightweight champion Robert Trujillo.
Power Slap was sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and other athletic commissions across the United States. It was founded by Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta and Craig Piligian, in partnership with Ultimate Fighting Championship.
