Contests have sparked safety fears

Comedian Elliot Steel is to front a documentary about the new, controversial sport of slap fighting.

In the contest, fighters alternate slapping one another as hard as they can in the hope of knocking out their opponent – who is not allowed to block, dodge or even flinch,

A slap-fighting leagues grow around the world, combat sports-lover Steel sets out to understand more about the sport which has received criticisms over safety. 

Thomas Pullen, who commissioned the show for Channel 4’s YouTube documentary channel said: ‘Slap fighting has been dominating algorithms the world over. It’s brutal, bizarre and impossible to look away from. 

‘Elliot’s investigation sensitively pulls back the curtain on this growing phenomenon, diving into a world that’s as gripping as it is dangerous. Slap Fighting: Uncovered is adrenaline-charged, thought-provoking viewing that’ll have audiences watching through their fingers right to the final slap.’

Steel is a blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu, and has taken part in amateur Muay Thai and MMA competitions, as well as the 2016 Comedians’ Boxing event. 

His film is produced by Belfast-based Recorded Time and will air on Channel 4 Documentaries on Sunday  November 9 from 5pm.

Published: 31 Oct 2025