BKFC title challenger Tai Emery has come to terms with the viral moment that defined her debut celebration. After securing a victory, Emery stunned the audience by spontaneously flashing them—a move that catapulted her into global recognition.
“You show a t*tty to the world and you kind of [get labeled] for life,” Emery joked during an interview with Cageside Press. While unplanned, she has embraced the attention it brought. “How was I meant to know that it was going to go so viral like literally globally viral? Come on guys, it was marketing genius at least give me the kudos.”
The moment followed her into other ventures, including Power Slap, where organizers were concerned about her reputation. “That’s why I wasn’t on the live for Power Slap because they were like, ‘Lionel, can you keep her under control?’” she said, referencing her manager.
Competing in BKFC, Power Slap, and Beyond
Despite the viral fame, Emery’s combat sports career has been years in the making. Before entering BKFC, she played American football for teams such as Vegas Sin and LA Temptation. Training in Thailand for four years, she endured significant challenges, including adoption struggles and the fight for recognition in combat sports.
Currently, Emery holds contracts with both BKFC and Power Slap, an emerging sport promoted by Dana White. “I am in love with Power Slap,” Emery said, emphasizing its psychological intensity. “There’s full communication between two fighters or two athletes through eye contact.”
Her management team at “Clocked and Loaded” has secured contracts that allow her to compete across multiple combat sports platforms, including a possible stint in Misfits Boxing. “Winning the belt, not winning the belt, I’m still allowed to do Power Slap, also jump over and do Misfits Boxing,” Emery confirmed.
Title Shot Against Britain Hart
Emery is set to challenge Britain Hart for the BKFC 115-pound championship on April 4 in Dubai. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed her determination: “To see it all kind of start to come now… eventually people can’t unsee the hard work or how I perform and execute in my fights.”
She acknowledged Hart’s experience and skill, stating, “She’s an OG for a reason and she holds that belt for a reason.” Emery highlighted Hart’s well-developed jab and her ability to adapt in fights.
The Dubai event will feature back-to-back nights with women’s fights in co-main event slots, a move Emery believes will elevate female fighters in the sport. “I feel like with these opportunities for both female fights that we’re going to be able to bring something back and really establish the women in this game.”
Potential Matchup with Paige VanZant in Power Slap
Emery has also expressed interest in facing Paige VanZant in Power Slap. With VanZant hinting at a title run in the sport, Emery sees the matchup as a compelling possibility. “There’s just this different sort of intensity compared to a fight,” she said, describing the unique nature of slap fighting.
With a scheduled Power Slap event during UFC International Fight Week in June and her BKFC title fight in April, Emery is poised for a defining year across multiple combat sports.
Building a Legacy Beyond the Viral Moment
Although her debut celebration made her a household name, Emery is determined to be remembered for her performances in the ring rather than a single viral act. As she continues her career across multiple combat platforms, her focus remains on proving herself as a serious competitor.
