Sports · Combat Sports · 3 hrs ago
Josh Barnett criticizes Jake Hager’s move to Power Slap
Jake Hager was injured in his third Power Slap match against Johnny Magna in September, losing by referee stoppage.
Hager, a former professional wrestler and Bellator fighter, joined the slap-fighting company earlier this year and had won one of his first two bouts.
The injury required surgery, and Hager later underwent another operation for a detached retina.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett criticized Hager’s decision to compete, saying he had more worthwhile career options.
Barnett said Hager would be better off fighting in mixed martial arts than taking part in slap fighting.
Hager is still recovering, and there is no confirmed update on when he might return.
Josh Barnett criticized Jake Hager’s involvement in Power Slap, calling slap fighting not worth the risk.
Barnett made the comments in an interview with Ariel Helwani.
Hager suffered an eye injury in his third Power Slap match against Johnny Magna and lost by referee stoppage.
Hager has undergone surgery for the injury, including surgery for a detached retina, according to Wrestling Observer.
Hager signed with Power Slap earlier this year and had competed in three fights.
- Who
- Josh Barnett criticized Jake Hager’s involvement in Power Slap.
- What
- Barnett said slap fighting was not worth it and said he could not say anything good about it.
- When
- The articles were published on November 9 and 10, 2026; the interview date is not stated.
- Where
- Hager faced Johnny Magna in Lubbock, Texas.
- Why
- Barnett said Hager had more options for his life and career and that MMA would be a better choice than slap fighting.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Hager signed with Power Slap.
Hager made his Power Slap debut.
Hager faced Johnny Magna in his third match and lost by referee stoppage after an eye injury.
Fightful published Barnett’s comments about Hager and Power Slap.
Wrestling Observer published a report on Barnett’s criticism and Hager’s injury.
- Jake Hager’s age
- 44
- Power Slap debut
- April 17
- Third match opponent
- Johnny Magna
- Match location
- Lubbock, Texas
- Injury
- Eye injury; later surgery for a detached retina
- Barnett’s alternative
- MMA instead of slap fighting
2 sources
What people are saying
It’s just not worth it.
It’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life.
I can’t say anything good about slap fighting, that’s it.