On Saturday, November 30th, Slap Fighting star Franciska Szabo made a successful MMA debut after transitioning from Dana White’s Power Slap.
Szabo, also known as Sheena Bathory, competed at Hargita Fight Night 1, where she won her first professional MMA fight.
Known as ‘The Hungarian Hurricane,’ Szabo has gained recognition in Power Slap. This is a slap-fighting promotion which is owned by UFC CEO Dana White. Dana White has touted Power Slap as one of the fastest-growing promotions since its launch back in 2022. He even predicted that it could one day surpass the UFC in popularity.
Franciska Szabo Talks MMA Debut and Following Ronda Rousey’s Footsteps After Power Slap Success
Ahead of her highly anticipated MMA debut, Szabo has expressed her desire to follow in the footsteps of her idol, Ronda Rousey.
Rousey, a trailblazer for women in the UFC, was instrumental in the promotion’s decision to integrate a women’s division and became the first female fighter to hold a UFC title.
Like Ronda Rousey, Szabo has a background in Judo and was exposed to various combat sports growing up, thanks to her father who is a martial arts coach. Speaking to The Mirror Szabo said;
“I enjoy anything involving power and strength,”
“I didn’t just compete in judo. As a kid, I did track and field, handball, and tried multiple sports.”
“I love the challenge. The more dangerous it is, the more I want it. My family has always supported me.”
Despite criticism of Power Slap’s legitimacy and pay, Szabo, with three knockouts, emphasized that money isn’t her focus.
“For me, working with people like Dana White is a privilege,”
“It’s part of why I joined. Also, I was driven by the self-challenge. I didn’t know how I’d perform or react when slapped. It sparked my curiosity.”
Franciska Szabo Draws Inspiration from Ronda Rousey, Eyes UFC Opportunity After MMA Success
After competing in Power Slap and various combat sports, Szabo believes her experience will aid her in MMA, much like Rousey.
“I’ve tried almost every combat sport. MMA seemed like a great fit, and I was inspired by Ronda Rousey and Kayla Harrison, both judo fighters who excelled. My desire to compete in MMA brought me here,”
Szabo’s success in Romania’s MMA scene and relationship with Dana White could lead to a UFC opportunity via Contender Series.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
