Following his release from the UFC, Robelis Despaigne has compiled an impressive record in Karate Combat and other promotions. He has won seven consecutive fights, with six ending in stoppages, including four knockouts within the first 20 seconds and one decision victory. Most notably, Despaigne scored a knockout victory over former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos. The analysis suggests that Despaigne's UFC release may have been premature, as his limited grappling skills are offset by devastating knockout power and exceptional reach. At 37 years old, while acknowledged as a limited fighter, he remains dangerous against any opponent due to his striking capabilities.
Since parting ways with the UFC, Cuban heavyweight Robelis Despaigne has put together one of the more eye-catching post-release runs in recent memory, stringing together seven consecutive victories across Karate Combat and other promotions, with six of those fights ending before the final bell.
Despaigne, known as "The Big Boy," carries a 5-2-0 record from his UFC tenure but has found a new gear outside the organization. The 37-year-old orthodox striker stands six-foot-seven with a remarkable 84-inch reach — 213 centimeters — and has turned those physical gifts into a highlight reel of finishes. Four of his seven post-UFC wins came by knockout within the first 20 seconds of a fight, and a 59 percent striking accuracy underlines just how clean his output can be. His takedown and submission numbers from his UFC days registered at zero, making him a fighter who lives and dies by his hands, but those hands have been more than enough lately.
The most notable scalp in this run belongs to former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos. "Cigano," now 42, carries a 21-9-0 professional record and remains one of the most decorated heavyweights of his generation. The Brazilian stands six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach and built his reputation on sharp, high-volume boxing, averaging 4.49 significant strikes landed per minute during his UFC career. Despaigne's knockout of dos Santos stands as the signature statement of this post-UFC chapter.
Why it matters
- Despaigne's seven-fight winning streak raises questions about whether his UFC release came too soon
- A reach of 213 centimeters gives him a structural advantage over virtually every heavyweight he faces
- His acknowledged grappling limitations have not been tested seriously outside the UFC, leaving a clear hole in his game
- The knockout of dos Santos adds legitimate heavyweight name value to his resume and keeps him relevant in divisional conversations
