Rob Trujillo said he would finish Dakota before the judges ever had a say—and that’s exactly what he did.
Fresh off a brutal KO win in their rematch at Power Slap 14, Trujillo stood tall, proud, and maybe a little emotional. Not just for the win, but because this time, his son was in the crowd to witness it live.
“It was so special. My son was out there screaming his little butt off,” Rob said. “I haven’t even seen him yet, but I watched the replay of him jumping up and down when I won. That got me emotional.”
A Strategic Adjustment Leads to Devastation
In their first matchup, Rob admits he was aiming too high, catching Dakota around the eye. But in New Orleans, he corrected the trajectory—and clipped the chin twice. That was all it took.
“You’re not knocking anyone out hitting them on the eye,” he said. “I dialed in, aimed a little lower, and put him out.”
Even after a high shot from Dakota bloodied Rob’s nose early in the match, he didn’t waver. If anything, it pissed him off.
“I wasn’t hurt. I was just mad,” he said. “That’s probably what brought the knockout.”
Eyes on the Next Belt
Frank Lamicella hinted at the possibility of a showdown between Trujillo and welterweight champ Anthony Blackburn. And Rob didn’t shy away from the callout.
“I weighed in around 172 today. I’m ready for the 170 division,” he said. “Blackburn hasn’t faced anyone on my level. I can take him out too.”
Still, Frank appears hesitant to let Rob chase two belts just yet—wanting him to continue building the lightweight division. Rob’s answer? Bring in more worthy challengers.
“Keep lining them up, I’ll keep taking this easy money. Like fruit hanging on a tree.”
The Chin That Won’t Crack
Rob was asked about his famously unshakable chin—and whether it’s something you’re born with or built.
“You’re born with it, but I work on it. I do tons of neck training. That’s the key—your neck keeps you from going out cold,” he said.
He credits his background in MMA and wrestling for building the strength and confidence to stand in the fire.
“I’ve always liked sparring. My coaches used to tell me to put my hands up. I just like getting hit sometimes.”
Raton, New Mexico: All Eyes on Rob
For Trujillo, the pressure of performing doesn’t just come from opponents—it comes from representing his hometown of Raton, New Mexico, where April 24th is officially “Robert Trujillo Day.”
“When you’re from a small town, everyone knows you. My phone’s blowing up. My town’s got my back. They’ve even thrown parades for me,” Rob said. “That love means the world.”
At Power Slap 14, Rob Trujillo didn’t just defend his title—he proved once again why he might be the toughest man in the sport. Whether he stays at lightweight or moves up to challenge Blackburn, one thing is certain: Trujillo’s chin isn’t going anywhere.