Since being released from the UFC, Robelis Despaigne has compiled an impressive record in Karate Combat with seven victories, including six finishes—four of them occurring within the first 20 seconds—and one decision win. Most notably, he knocked out former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos. Despite Despaigne's complete lack of wrestling skills and being a limited fighter at 37 years old, the post argues his UFC release was a mistake. The author believes Despaigne would have continued producing highlight-reel knockouts against third-tier UFC opponents, as his power and reach make him dangerous against any opponent regardless of skill level. His one-dimensional striking style still poses a threat due to his knockout power.
Robelis Despaigne has made a striking case for himself since departing the UFC, racking up seven wins inside Karate Combat — six of them finishes, with four of those arriving within the first 20 seconds of a fight.
The Cuban heavyweight, nicknamed "The Big Boy," carries a 5-2-0 record from his UFC tenure but has found a comfortable home in Karate Combat's format, where his one-dimensional yet devastating striking game plays to maximum effect. Standing six-foot-seven with an extraordinary 84-inch reach — 213 cm — Despaigne is a physical outlier even at heavyweight. His 59 percent striking accuracy in UFC competition speaks to a fighter who throws with intention, even if his output of 2.11 significant strikes per minute was modest. He records zero takedowns and zero submission attempts per 15 minutes, making his game plan entirely transparent but no less dangerous. He is 37 years old and competing out of MMA Temple.
The highlight of his Karate Combat run is a knockout of Junior dos Santos, the former UFC heavyweight champion. Dos Santos, now 42 and fighting out of Brazil under the Champion Team banner, holds a career record of 21-9-0 and remains a recognizable name at the top of the sport's history. He carries a reach of 77 inches — 196 cm — and built his reputation on sharp, accurate boxing, landing 4.49 significant strikes per minute across his career.
Why it matters
- Despaigne's four sub-20-second finishes suggest Karate Combat's ruleset amplifies his knockout power significantly
- The dos Santos scalp, however faded that name may be, gives Despaigne's post-UFC run genuine credibility
- His complete absence of wrestling and grappling remains a ceiling, but also raises questions about whether the UFC discarded him before his highlight potential was fully exhausted
- At 37 with elite size and one-punch stopping power, he continues to pose a legitimate threat to any opponent he touches
