A former dreaded UFC heavyweight with a lot of potential has achieved great success outside the Octagon.
Robelis Despaigne won his UFC debut in just 18 seconds to come forward as one to look at despite his lack of MMA experience.
After previously representing Cuba at the Olympic Games in Taekwondo, the striker of 6'7 ”has absolutely dynamite in his hands.
It was the rest of his overall MMA game that led to some people worried about Despaigne, worries that flourished in the back-to-back losing that ended his short stint in the UFC.
The 36-year-old then signed for Karate Combat who seems to have been made a match in heaven for Despaigne while he continues to steer opponents easily.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty images
Robelis Despaigne wins the one-night heavyweight tournament of Karate Combat after beating two former UFC hunters
On July 18, Karate Combat 55 saw the promotion returning to Miami, where a one-night eight-man heavyweight tournament was the most important draw.
Given his striking background and how devastating he has been in this lines network, it was not surprising to see Robelis Despaigne come in as the clear favorite.
To win the tournament, Despaigne should beat three opponents on the same night, what he did, after he had overcome two former UFC hunters.
His first opponent, Saulo Cavalari, who previously participated in Glorie -Kickboxing, became the first man to take the Cuban to a decision, although it was not enough to secure the upset.
The most devastating version of Despaigne came in the semi-final where he sent former UFC, PFL and Bellator veteran Tim Johnson in just 20 seconds.
Another former UFC hunter in Zac Pauga was waiting for the favorite in the final, and despite the weathering of an early storm in the first round, the damage was already caused to 'the high chief', causing the doctor to lead the fight because Pauga's right eye was closed.
Robelis Despaigne is finished with Karate Combat Heavyweight Champion Sam Alvey
Although it always seemed likely that Robelis Despaigne would thrive in karate fights, the same cannot be said about the current heavyweight champion.
Sam Alvey ended his 24-Fight Run in the UFC by going without a victory in his last 9 outings in the Octagon.
In December 2023 he deducted the upset by dulling Ross Levine to win the heavyweight belt before taking back-to-back title defenses.
After Despaigne came to 'Last Man Standing' at the top, the two men will meet further, as Alvey meets by far his most dangerous challenger.