Oklahoma Attorney General Confirms Slap Fighting Under State Athletic Commission’s Jurisdiction

Oklahoma’s slap fighting, a new combat sport, is now officially regulated. Attorney General Gentner Drummond has ruled that the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission can oversee the sport. This decision followed a request for clarification from Commission administrator Diana Fletcher, who wanted to know if slap fighting should be considered a combative sport.

According to

Oklahoma Attorney General

, the sport meets the criteria as defined under the Oklahoma Athletic Commission Act. “Slap fighting is ‘unarmed combat’ because contestants use only their hands to strike their opponent. The second element requires a ‘blow usually struck which may reasonably be expected to inflict injury.’ An undefended slap to the face qualifies. Though slap fighting differs from existing combat sports as defenders may not ‘defend’ against the slap, the definition of ‘combative sport’ contains no requirements about available methods to defend against blows,” states the opinion.

This clarification brings slap fighting into the same regulatory scope as more traditional combat sports such as wrestling and boxing, which are already under the Athletic Commission’s watch. The newfound inclusion of slap fighting under the Commission’s jurisdiction means they’ll oversee not just the rules of the sport but also the licensing of its participants.

Even though slap fighting participants can’t defend themselves in the traditional sense, it still falls under regulation. Drummond’s ruling fits with the Oklahoma Legislature’s broader intent to include various fighting sports under the Athletic Commission’s authority, as the law doesn’t specify restrictions. Both fans and regulators recognize this approach, as per

Oklahoma Attorney General.

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