By Slap News | April 2025
Power Slap veteran and coach Robert “The Real Deal” Trujillo is boots-on-the-ground this week in Las Vegas as over 20 athletes take part in the first-ever Power Slap Combine Training Camp. With a focus on talent scouting, technical development, and real-time performance metrics, Day 1 brought serious energy — and Trujillo gave us the full breakdown
New Faces, Big Energy
“The energy was high,” Trujillo told Slap News. “None of these guys are signed yet — except one. So they’re here to make a statement. That hunger shows.”
The lone returning athlete? Peta, a strawweight striker who already made her Power Slap debut and trains full-time at the UFC Performance Institute.
“She’s a grinder, man,” Trujillo said. “She’s powerful for her weight and her showing up here with the new class says a lot about her character. She’s just hungry to learn.”
Prospect Watch: Austin Dunning Stuns at 6’6”
With a full roster of prospects ranging from lightweight to super heavyweight, one name quite literally stood above the rest — Austin Dunning, a 6’6” lightweight.
“It’s wild,” Trujillo said. “He’s my weight — and I actually weigh more than him right now. But he’s 6’6”! Frank [Fertitta] even had us line up next to each other to see what it would look like.”
“Let’s just say, if that ever happened, I’d need a few phone books,” he joked.
Technical Work, Metrics & The Cube
Day 1 wasn’t just about showmanship — it was about fundamentals and performance testing. Athletes were guided through striking technique sessions, rules meetings, and the infamous Power Cube and neck strength testing.
“We drilled on Bob, worked defense, spacing, foot placement — just tightening up their mechanics,” Trujillo said. “Most guys were standing too tall. We helped them widen their base and clean things up without changing their slap style.”
“Then came the combine numbers. The cube, neck strength testing — seeing the data is what really got guys fired up.”
One super heavyweight even impressed with his flexibility:
“One of the big guys can do the splits,” Robert laughed. “Super athletic for that size. Definitely one to watch.”
What’s Next on Day 2?
Looking ahead, the athletes will get a dose of off-the-stage training as well:
“They’re bringing in media training, social coaching, and nutrition info — everything they’ll need to carry themselves as pros,” said Trujillo. “Power Slap wants athletes who can push the sport, and that includes online.”
He also hinted at a potential difference in opportunity depending on gender.
“I told the girls — I think they might be a little luckier. If Power Slap wants to build women’s titles and divisions, they’ll need to sign more female athletes. The featherweights and Sheena’s class — those girls are looking sharp.”
How Many Contracts Are on the Table?
While there’s no official word yet on how many athletes may be signed out of this camp, Trujillo said the evaluation process is very real — and that coaches like himself are part of it.
“We’re watching closely. We’ve got a big say. Day 2 is about seeing who separates themselves.”