By Slap News | April 2025
From inside the MMA cage to the center stage of Power Slap, Destiny McCubbin has seen it all. With over a decade in combat sports, the Las Vegas-based athlete, reporter, and ring announcer just completed the first-ever Power Slap Combine — and she’s walking away with a renewed sense of purpose.
“It was actually really cool,” McCubbin told Slap News. “Yesterday I wasn’t sure if I was cut out for this, but today felt a lot better.”
A Combat Sports Veteran Embracing a New Challenge
McCubbin’s background is deep in the fight game. She’s boxed. She’s fought MMA. She’s worked as a commentator, reporter, and ring announcer for Tough Enough and other organizations. But with competition on pause, the door to Power Slap opened — and she answered without hesitation.
“I’m not really competing right now, but this opportunity just knocked. I figured, why not? Power Slap could open more doors for me on the media side too.”
Her motivation is clear: stay involved in combat sports, stay competitive, and continue to grow — whether that’s through slapping or reporting.
Power Slap Combine: Learning, Testing, Growing
The two-day training camp at the UFC APEX tested new athletes physically, mentally, and technically. McCubbin admits Day 1 had her doubting things, but Day 2 brought a total shift.
“After learning technique and training with the coaches, especially working with [Michael-Michelle] Brown, I felt like my slap improved so much just from one day to the next.”
McCubbin also credited Robert Trujillo, one of the Power Slap champions turned coaches, for helping her tighten her mechanics and build confidence.
“Robert was with us the whole time. He taught me a lot — really helped.”
While she didn’t top the leaderboard on the Power Cube, Destiny did flash elite-level neck strength, an important metric for absorbing impact in slap fighting.
Teaming Up and Training Smart
Destiny revealed that she and Michael-Michelle Brown are likely to start training together at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas, continuing the mentorship and skill-building outside of camp.
“She made me feel a lot better. I think me and her are going to start working together a lot more on slap stuff.”
She also brought her own strength & conditioning coach Shino Van Hoose (an accomplished fighter herself) to the Combine to tailor her training specifically for slap performance.
Weight Class Dilemma: Flyweight or Bantamweight?
McCubbin is currently walking around 138–141 lbs, putting her in range for either the 125 lb flyweight or 135 lb bantamweight division.
“If I can make 125 without a big cut, I’d do it. But I don’t want to drain myself and lose power. I just want to be smart about it.”
She also admitted there’s added motivation in the flyweight class:
“Paige VanZant’s at 125… why wouldn’t I want to slap Paige VanZant?”
Trivia Time: Testing the Analyst
As a former reporter, we hit McCubbin with some Power Slap trivia. She nailed the female roster and recognized undefeated champ Robert Trujillo, but admitted the male weight classes caught her off guard.
“I didn’t realize all the men’s divisions were that big! I’ve got to study up.”
Next Steps: Stay Ready
Now that Combine is behind her, Destiny is focused on staying in shape, sharpening technique, and waiting for that call from Power Slap matchmaker Erika.
“I train full-time anyway — jiu-jitsu, pads, strength and conditioning three times a week. If they send the contract, I’ll be ready.”
Final Word from Destiny McCubbin
“This is a legit sport. There’s real technique and danger. I’ve got a whole new respect for it. If they give me the shot, I’m going to take full advantage.”
Stay tuned to Slap News as we track Destiny’s journey from seasoned fight veteran to one of Power Slap’s fastest-rising new prospects.
Follow her @DestinyMcCubbin on social platforms for updates.