The Cuban Robelis Despaigne achieved a decisive victory in his second karate combat match by knocking out his opponent, the Brazilian Marcos Brigagao, in just 12 seconds.
The former taekwondo athlete once again demonstrated that he is in great form after achieving a quick and undeniable victory at the Karate Combat 52 event held on Friday in Miami, where many of the attendees were Cubans cheering for their idol.
The veteran Brazilian could do nothing against the speed and strength of the Santiago fighter's punches. Brigagao fell four times, and although he seemed willing to continue, the referee determined that there was nothing more to be done and stopped the fight.
The "Big Boy" wrapped himself in a Cuban flag and walked around the pit while the applause and shouts of "Cuba, Cuba" from the fans echoed.
This is Despaigne's second consecutive victory in karate combat, following his knockout of Polish fighter Dominick Jedrzejczyk in just four seconds last December, which set a new record in this discipline and marked a historic debut for the Cuban.
Despaigne, Olympic bronze medalist in taekwondo at London 2012, began his transition to mixed martial arts in 2022. After four unblemished victories, in December 2023 he signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
His debut was historic: he knocked out the American Josh Parisian in just 18 seconds at the Kaseya Center in Miami, in March of last year.
But after two defeats, the UFC decided to release him in October.
Frequently Asked Questions about Robelis Despaigne and His Journey in Karate Combat
Who is Robelis Despaigne and what did he achieve in his last fight?
Robelis Despaigne is a former Cuban taekwondo practitioner who recently achieved an impressive victory in Karate Combat by knocking out Brazilian Marcos Brigagao in just 12 seconds. This match was part of the Karate Combat 52 event in Miami, where Despaigne solidified his reputation as a formidable fighter in this discipline.
How has Robelis Despaigne's transition to Karate Combat been?
Since his departure from the UFC in October 2024, Robelis Despaigne has found an ideal platform in Karate Combat to showcase his aggressive and technical style. His debut in this format was historic with a knockout in four seconds, and he has continued to impress with quick victories, suggesting that the rules of Karate Combat favor his stand-up fighting skills.
Why was Robelis Despaigne fired from the UFC?
Robelis Despaigne was released from the UFC after two consecutive losses that highlighted his weaknesses in grappling. Despite a promising debut, he was unable to maintain the expected level, which led to his departure from the organization in October 2024.
What records has Robelis Despaigne set in Karate Combat?
Robelis Despaigne set a record in Karate Combat by achieving a knockout in four seconds during his debut against Polish fighter Dominik Jedrzejczyk. This record is the fastest in the history of Karate Combat, establishing Despaigne as an elite fighter in this discipline.
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