Ellie Dempster’s Journey in Combat Sports
During a recent training session, Ellie Dempster received a few encouraging words from a bald man in his mid-50s. She quickly responded with a “thanks” as UFC president Dana White walked by, not initially putting much thought into it.
While speaking in between workouts at her home in Las Vegas, Dempster said she mostly ignored his presence because her focus was set on her upcoming fight at Power Slap 13. With her hair neatly braided, earplugs in, and nails freshly manicured, she was prepared for the competition ahead.
At just 28 years old, Dempster had only three weeks of notice before stepping in as a replacement fighter against Mikael Michelle Brown, following the latter’s opponent, Paige VanZant’s unfortunate health issue. Living in Las Vegas, she was already training extensively in mixed martial arts after dedicating several years solely to Muay Thai.
In those three weeks, Dempster engaged in rigorous training that included cardio workouts for weight loss, using rubber bands to perfect her slap technique, and using chalk to enhance the effectiveness of her swings. Following a strict diet, she successfully lost 22 pounds while preparing for her fight.
Dempster characterized her initial experience with slapping: “After I took my first hit, I felt my body relax and thought, ‘that’s it?’ I could handle this.” Although not how she planned to win, her opponent Brown was disqualified due to fouls. This marked an important milestone for Dempster as she aspires to enter the UFC.
After the event, she received a congratulatory message from Dana White, which signified her entry into the world of competitive slap fighting. Although the sport has faced skepticism regarding its safety, Dempster views it as another adventure worth exploring.
Growing up in Kitchener, Ontario, Dempster had always been active in sports, enjoying contact sports such as tackle football and rugby. She later expanded her horizons after moving to Australia, before diving into Muay Thai during her time teaching in Thailand. Her experience there, including a deeper realization about self-defense, has motivated her to pursue fighting seriously.
