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Robelis Despaigne, an Olympic bronze medalist in taekwondo, has swiftly transitioned to a new platform in his fighting career. Following his recent release from the UFC, the Cuban heavyweight fighter has signed with Karate Combat, an organization known for its unique blend of traditional martial arts and innovative visual effects. Karate Combat confirmed the signing in an announcement made Monday evening.
Despaigne, who earned Olympic recognition with a bronze medal in the 2012 London Games, has demonstrated formidable power and precision in his striking. He began his professional MMA career with a strong record, going undefeated in his first five fights, all of which ended in first-round knockouts. His notable entry into the UFC included a debut win over Josh Parisian, where he claimed a Performance of the Night bonus of $50,000 for his TKO victory.
Despite this promising start, Despaigne faced challenges in maintaining momentum. His last appearance in the UFC octagon was at UFC Fight Night 245, where he fought Austen Lane in Las Vegas. Despaigne ultimately lost the match by unanimous decision, marking his second career loss and leading to his unexpected release from the organization.
However, Despaigne's career is far from over, as he prepares to bring his elite-level skills to Karate Combat. He is slated to make his promotional debut at the upcoming Karate Combat 51 event, though his opponent and specific fight date have yet to be revealed. The promotion is planning an event for December, which could potentially serve as Despaigne's inaugural appearance.
Despaigne’s entry into Karate Combat represents a new chapter for the fighter and a significant acquisition for the promotion. With his blend of Olympic-caliber experience and MMA finishing power, Despaigne aims to make an impact and re-establish his standing in the combat sports world. As he joins Karate Combat, fans eagerly await his debut to see how his skills will translate in this fast-evolving league.
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