Cuban former taekwondo athlete Robelis Despaigne made his debut this Thursday with a historic knockout in the Karate Combat circuit.
In just four seconds, Despaigne knocked out his opponent, the Polish fighter Dominik Jedrzejczyk, setting a new record for this discipline and igniting the euphoria of the fans present at the KC 51 event held in the heart of Miami.
The fight was as swift as it was spectacular. From the outset, Despaigne showcased his technical skill with a side kick, followed by a powerful right hook that left his opponent with no options.
The referee had no choice but to stop the fight almost immediately, as those present were left in awe at such a display of skill.
The victory, recorded in just four seconds, quickly went viral on social media, solidifying the Cuban's reputation as an elite fighter.
This victory marks a significant turn in Despaigne's career, as he seeks to move past the ups and downs of his time in the UFC and rediscover his best self in a format that seems tailor-made for him.
After finishing the match, the Cuban-born athlete expressed enthusiasm for his new sport and reiterated his desire to reach the top.
With this performance, the Cuban "Big Boy" reaffirmed that his name remains synonymous with showmanship and quality in combat sports.
Transition to Karate Combat
The signing of Despaigne by Karate Combat was announced on November 11, just two weeks after his departure from the UFC.
This organization, known for its focus on stand-up fighting and its unique format in a pit, seems to fit perfectly with the skills of the Santiago native, who specializes in quick and powerful strikes.
The signing of "Big Boy" was no coincidence. With a record of five first-round knockouts in his mixed martial arts (MMA) fights, Despaigne poses a serious threat in any matchup.
In addition, his experience as an Olympic medalist and his achievements in taekwondo have captured the attention of fans and competition organizers.
A journey of ups and downs
Robelis Despaigne's career has been marked by brilliant moments and challenges.
The Cuban made his debut in MMA in 2022, achieving swift and spectacular victories that propelled him to the UFC, the leading organization in this sport.
In March 2024, he made his debut with a knockout in 18 seconds against Josh Parisian, a performance that earned him the Performance of the Night bonus.
However, his time in the UFC was not without its setbacks.
Consecutive defeats against Waldo Cortés-Acosta and Austen Lane, which highlighted his weakness in grappling, resulted in his dismissal from the organization.
Rather than giving up, Despaigne found a new opportunity in Karate Combat, where the rules prioritize striking from a standing position, favoring his aggressive and technical style.
A new era in Karate Combat
With his victory at the KC 51 event, Despaigne has not only reaffirmed his quality as a fighter, but he has also set a record that will be difficult to surpass.
This victory marks the beginning of a new phase in his career, where he emerges as one of the top contenders for the title in Karate Combat.
At 36 years old, standing 2.01 meters tall and weighing 117 kilograms, the Cuban "Big Boy" seems to have found the perfect stage to showcase his full potential. His focus now is on continuing his winning streak and establishing himself as a key figure in this combat format.
Next year promises to be crucial for Despaigne, who has also been linked to other competitions such as the Global Fighters League. For now, the Cuban is focused on continuing his rise in Karate Combat, where expectations are high following his overwhelming debut.
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