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What’s Next for Robelis Despaigne?
When Robelis Despaigne made his UFC debut in March 2024, fans were treated to a glimpse of something rare in heavyweight MMA—a freakishly athletic powerhouse with Olympic-level striking. Clocking in at 6’7” with an 84-inch reach, Despaigne entered the Octagon like a Cuban freight train, knocking out Josh Parisian in just 18 seconds and earning a "Performance of the Night" bonus. But after two tough losses and a UFC release, the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next for Robelis Despaigne?
From Olympic Glory to MMA Stardom
Before throwing fists in the cage, Despaigne was throwing kicks on the Olympic stage. The Cuban native captured a bronze medal in taekwondo at the 2012 London Olympics, and followed it up with a gold at the 2011 Pan American Games, and multiple World Championship podiums. By 2019, Despaigne transitioned to MMA, bringing his elite striking pedigree with him—and it showed.
He racked up a string of lightning-fast first-round finishes, including three victories in under 20 seconds, catching the UFC's attention and earning a contract by December 2023. But the UFC run was a rollercoaster: an explosive debut win followed by decision losses to Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Austen Lane. After a quick release, it looked like the MMA dream could be short-lived.
The Rebirth: Karate Combat & Global Fight League
Despaigne didn’t skip a beat.
In November 2024, he signed with Karate Combat, a striking-based promotion that perfectly suits his style. And boy, did he deliver. In his first three KC bouts, he tallied:
A 4-second KO over Dominik Jędrzejczyk
A 12-second KO of Marcos Brigagão
An 8-second KO against Roggers Souza
If the UFC was the proving ground, Karate Combat has been Despaigne's playground. His performances have reignited buzz around his name—and perhaps even caught the attention of larger promotions again.
Then came another twist: Despaigne signed with the Global Fight League (GFL) in December 2024. His debut is already scheduled: May 24, 2025, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, where he'll square off against UFC veteran Todd Duffee. That fight could be a major career pivot, either launching him back into global MMA relevance—or forcing another reinvention.
What Makes Despaigne So Dangerous?
At heavyweight, power is the name of the game—but Despaigne adds a layer of finesse. His taekwondo foundation gives him pinpoint accuracy and lightning-fast kicks, while his unusually long reach allows him to pick apart opponents at a distance. And unlike most big men, his speed is freakish.
Still, critics point to his ground game and cardio as areas needing work—both contributing factors in his UFC losses. If he wants to rise again, he’ll need to round out his game and prove he’s more than just a KO artist.
So… What’s Next?
Despaigne’s future is wide open. A few scenarios are on the table:
Run Through GFL & Karate Combat: If he continues his knockout streak, Despaigne could become the face of these promotions, collecting checks and highlight-reel finishes without the pressure of UFC-level wrestling threats.
Return to the UFC or PFL: One or two statement wins—especially over someone like Todd Duffee—could spark renewed interest from the UFC or land him a lucrative contract with the PFL, which continues to invest in heavyweight talent.
Crossover Appeal: With his size, look, and background, Despaigne could easily venture into boxing, celebrity fights, or even pro wrestling. He’s a promoter’s dream—especially if he keeps delivering viral KOs.
Final Thoughts
Robelis Despaigne’s story is still being written. He’s already gone from Olympic podiums to MMA cages, from UFC highs to Karate Combat chaos. He’s proven he has the tools—and now, the chip on his shoulder—to make a serious comeback.
Whether he becomes a cautionary tale or a comeback king is up to him.
But one thing’s for sure, You don’t blink when Despaigne fights.