Chris Barnett built his popularity by doing things few heavyweights could, or would, attempt. His next career move may be his most unconventional yet.
Power Slap announced Wednesday that the former UFC heavyweight has officially signed with the promotion. Barnett’s opponent, weight class and debut date were not revealed.
The 40-year-old “Beastboy” becomes the first former male UFC fighter to cross over into Power Slap. Former UFC contender Paige VanZant became the first Octagon veteran to compete for the organization when she made her successful slap-fighting debut in June 2024.
Barnett brings significantly more size and knockout experience to the format. He owns a 23-10 professional MMA record, with 18 of his victories coming by knockout or technical knockout.
Despite standing only 5-foot-9, Barnett became a recognizable figure in the heavyweight division through an unusual combination of power, speed and athleticism. His performances regularly included spinning kicks, explosive attacks and elaborate post-fight celebrations rarely associated with fighters weighing more than 260 pounds.
Barnett joined the UFC in 2021 following an extensive international career that included appearances in Japan, South Korea and several regional promotions.
He compiled a 2-4 record during his four-year UFC run. His most memorable victory came against Gian Villante at UFC 268, where Barnett landed a spinning wheel kick before finishing the fight with punches. The performance earned him a $50,000 bonus and was followed by a trademark front-flip celebration.
Barnett later stopped Jake Collier at UFC 279 but finished his Octagon tenure with consecutive losses to Kennedy Nzechukwu and Hamdy Abdelwahab. He parted ways with the UFC following the Abdelwahab decision in October 2025.
His departure did not end his combat-sports career.
Barnett made his Karate Combat debut in December and defeated Johnathan Miller in only 61 seconds. A trip sent Miller crashing into the promotion’s ramp, and Barnett added punches before the fight was stopped.
Power Slap represents another new ruleset for a competitor who has also participated in kickboxing, boxing, bare-knuckle boxing and submission grappling. Barnett notably faced former UFC middleweight title challenger Yoel Romero in a grappling match in 2019.
The signing gives Power Slap one of its most recognizable heavyweight personalities and a proven knockout finisher. How Barnett’s striking power translates to a competition in which opponents must remain stationary—and how he handles receiving unanswered blows—will provide the intrigue surrounding his debut.
For now, only the signing is official. Power Slap has not announced when Barnett will step onto the podium or who will stand across from him.
