By Slap News | April 2025
In a room full of hungry strikers, Phillip “Bubba the Dog” Medina showed up with something more than just a heavy hand—he brought legacy, grit, and fatherly fire.
The 36-year-old union mason from Kansas City, by way of California, wasn’t just at the Combine to chase a dream. He was there to inspire the next generation—his kids, who were the ones that first pushed him to apply for Power Slap.
“My boys asked me one day if I would ever do it. They believed in me before I did,” Medina told Slap News. “Now, I’m just trying to prove to them—and to myself—that you can chase your dreams at any stage.”
Blue Collar Power
A lifelong athlete, Medina grew up playing baseball and football, holding down positions like third base and defensive end. But life came fast—early family responsibilities led him to construction, where he’s been grinding ever since.
“We build up walls and tear them down every day. I stay in shape for that.”
That work ethic showed up at the Combine. He threw down a 51,000 score on the Power Cube—one of the highest registered in the camp—and cranked out a 540-pound reading on the neck strength machine, hanging tough with even the biggest super heavyweights in the room.
“I’m in the heavyweight division, but I felt like a super today.”
Training With Titans
Getting to learn from Wolverine, Robert Trujillo, Mark Smith, and other slap fighting icons wasn’t lost on Medina. In fact, it might have been the most surreal part.
“I was starstruck pulling into the Apex. But then you realize—they’re people like us. They just earned it. I plan to do the same.”
What stuck with him most? The clean precision of Wolverine’s strike.
“He’s calm. He’s consistent. No fouls in his game. I want that level of technique.”
Family First, Slap Second
Medina’s biggest motivator remains his family. Since landing back in KC after the camp, he’s been training daily with his 7-year-old son, sharpening his form and prepping like he’s got a debut date on the calendar—even if the contract hasn’t arrived yet.
“We train in the garage. I got a strike pad set up, and we go to work. The Combine was just the beginning.”
The Dog Is Coming
Whether it’s tearing down brick walls during the day or building his future one slap at a time, “Bubba the Dog” is determined to become a household name in the heavyweight division.
“I’m looking to leave a trail behind me on the way to that belt,” he says. “I’ve held the heavyweight title belt in my hands. That thing is no joke. I want it.”
Follow Phillip “Bubba the Dog” Medina:
🐾 Instagram: @bubba.the.dog