Cuban combat sports phenom Robelis “El Big Boy” Despaigne is taking his talents to the rising sport of Karate Combat, signing a contract with the league’s heavyweight division. Known for his explosive knockout power, Despaigne will bring his striking and taekwondo skills to the high-octane world of Karate Combat, a league that’s rapidly gaining traction among combat sports fans.
The announcement came directly from Karate Combat’s Instagram, where the promotion revealed, “We’ve signed @thebigboyufc to our heavyweight division, and he’ll debut at KC51 soon. Robelis has an incredible record, most of his wins coming via first-round knockouts. As an Olympic taekwondo medalist, he’s sure to bring something unique to the Karate Combat pit.”
This move comes after Despaigne’s brief stint in the UFC, where his promising start was marred by inconsistency. Following a stunning first-round knockout of Josh Parisian at UFC 299, many thought Despaigne was on the verge of breaking through in the UFC. However, consecutive losses to Waldo Cortés-Acosta and Austen Lane led to his release from the promotion. Despite the setbacks, Despaigne’s immense talent, highlighted by his 87-inch reach and knockout power, did not go unnoticed.
Despaigne’s switch to Karate Combat seems like a natural progression, as the league places less emphasis on grappling and more on striking, which aligns with his strengths as a former taekwondo champion. With a bronze medal from the 2012 Olympics in his taekwondo career, Despaigne’s transition to mixed martial arts in 2019 showcased his potential for dominating stand-up exchanges.
Now, under the Karate Combat banner, “El Big Boy” has the opportunity to redefine his career. Fans are eagerly awaiting his debut in the foso, where his explosive knockout power could be the perfect fit for the promotion’s dynamic style.
Stay tuned for more updates as Despaigne prepares for his first fight in Karate Combat.
