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Robelis Despaigne made a stunning statement in his Karate Combat debut, delivering a historic four-second knockout against towering striker Dominik Jedrzejczyk at Karate Combat 51 in Miami. This lightning-fast finish has now etched Despaigne’s name into the promotion's history books as the fighter with the fastest recorded knockout.
Despaigne, a three-time UFC veteran, transitioned to Karate Combat after being released by the UFC earlier this year. The Cuban powerhouse had struggled to maintain his momentum in the UFC following an explosive debut. Known as "The Big Boy," Despaigne earned his UFC spot after winning his first four professional fights in just over five minutes combined. His UFC debut at UFC 299 in March was spectacular, as he stopped Josh Parisian in just 18 seconds. However, subsequent losses to Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Austen Lane — both of whom leaned on grappling-heavy strategies — ultimately led to his exit from the promotion.
Eager to reignite his career, Despaigne signed with Karate Combat in November. His transition to this new arena appears seamless, as he wasted no time showcasing his striking prowess in Thursday’s bout. Facing Jedrzejczyk, a 6’10” striker with a formidable reach, Despaigne demonstrated his explosive power by landing a fight-ending strike almost immediately after the opening bell.
This victory not only cements Despaigne as a dangerous competitor in Karate Combat but also raises questions about how far his career can ascend in the promotion. Despaigne's explosive style and ability to deliver highlight-reel finishes make him a fighter to watch in the Karate Combat heavyweight division.
Despaigne’s historic performance underscores his adaptability and determination to succeed in a new competitive environment. Fans and analysts alike will eagerly await his next fight, as "The Big Boy" aims to carve a dominant path in Karate Combat.