By Slap News | April 2025
For the first time ever, Power Slap brought together over 20 athletes at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas for a full-scale Combine Training Camp — and who better to help lead it than Anthony “Babyface” Blackburn.
We caught up with Blackburn after Day 1 wrapped to hear how it’s all going behind the scenes.
A New Era for Training
“It’s a start to something really cool,” Blackburn said. “Something brand new that we’ve never done — but really, it’s a turn in a good direction.”
Gone are the days of strikers arriving in Vegas with little time to prepare. The new training camp model gives athletes the ability to simulate the full Power Slap experience — before they ever step onto the stage.
“Now you’ve got a whole camp. You’ve thrown strikes. You’ve experienced what it’s like with judges, refs, coaches,” he explained. “You go back home with the right habits. It’s gonna improve the show in the long run.”
Smashing the Power Cube
The UFC Performance Institute was buzzing with activity, as new recruits ran through force testing and strength measurements — including the infamous Power Cube and neck force machines.
“Nothing too crazy on the Cube,” Blackburn said, “but some guys were smacking it off the wall. The Velcro was getting blown out.”
One lightweight made serious waves.
“One of the smaller guys maxed out the neck force machine at 600 pounds. I was like — damn. Dude was gripping the mat and ripping through it.”
What Do Power Slap Athletes Look Like?
When asked what kind of athlete Power Slap attracts, Blackburn didn’t hesitate.
For the men:
“Big linemen, big D-linemen — guys bred in the trenches,” he said. “Toughest guys out there. Light heavyweights are looking solid. Some of these lightweights are coming in built. They’ve clearly been in the gym.”
One name that stood out: Austin Dunning, a 6’6” lightweight out of New York.
“Kid’s tall,” Blackburn laughed. “He might actually be able to make 155. Crazy.”
For the women:
While Blackburn worked more with the big guys this time, he noted the female athletes were just as focused.
“They were getting after it just as hard as the guys. Asking questions, taking it seriously. It’s been great to be part of.”
Looking Ahead to Day 2
Day one was all physical — but Day two brings in another important element: media training.
“The social media and PR team is coming in to help out. Honestly, we need it. I’m terrible at social media,” Blackburn admitted. “It helps to have that guidance when you don’t have experience.”
The Bottom Line
Power Slap is growing — fast — and the athletes are evolving with it. With leaders like Anthony Blackburn helping shape the next generation of talent, the sport’s future looks in good hands.
“These guys are getting better every hour. They’ll be ready when it’s their time.”
🖊️ Stay tuned to Slap News for more coverage as the Power Slap Combine continues.