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- The UFC Just Signed A Very Dangerous Man
Meet Robelis Despaigne:
The 6’7” Olympic Medallist
Carrying A “Death Touch”
There must be something in the waters of Cuba.
At least around where they keep their stable of Olympians.
Because whatever athlete program produced Yoel Romero has produced yet another freak specimen and the UFC’s latest signee: Robelis “The Bad Boy” Despaigne.
So what’s all the fuss about?
Aside from finishing each of his last three fights within 12 seconds (the last two comfortably within six seconds), this professional brawler bronze-medalled in taekwondo at the 2012 Summer Olympics; and twice more at the Taekwondo World Championships (2013, 2015).
He also presents some certifiably terrifying physical dimensions.
260 pounds (118 kilos). Six feet, seven inches (2.01 metres). Plus a staggering 87-inch (2.21-metre) reach — the biggest ever recorded in UFC history. For reference, that’s three whole inches on both the seven-foot Stefan Struve and reigning GOAT Jon Jones.
What makes this entire story even more Hollywood is that Despaigne’s UFC signing was confirmed immediately after his latest bout, the six-second affair against Miles Banks at Fury FC 84, by the ring announcer.
Poor old Banks was practically still out cold when the news broke in Houston…
“Ladies and gentlemen, breaking news. I just received word that the UFC just signed Robelis Despaigne. Confirmed by [promotion matchmaker] Mick Maynard. Robelis Despaigne signed to the UFC.”
Yes, I’m well aware he’s been competing against little more than tomato cans in a lower-tier promotion; the trouble with being a baaad motherf***er is that reasonable people tend to avoid being locked in a cage with you.
Yes, I’m well aware there are still numerous question marks hovering over his ability given we’ve only seen him fight for just four minutes 54 seconds, 12 seconds, three seconds, and six seconds, respectively — with minimal grappling exchanges or anything outside of one-sided demolition jobs on showcase.
And yes… I’m well aware that at the age of 35, he’ll debut in MMA’s big leagues far later than what is generally considered ideal. The same, however, can be said about his compatriot Yoel Romero (36), the iconic Anderson Silva (32), as well as former middleweight titleholder/current light-heavyweight king Alex Pereira (34).
But none of this changes the fact that Robelis Despaigne is, at the time of this writing, 4-0 with a stone-cold 100% KO/TKO rate, what appears to be pure dynamite in his hands, and so far, not a single opponent who has survived an entire round against him.
That, ladies and gentlemen, justifies the price of admission in my eyes. And let’s just say the world of combat sports is a little more interesting for it. If nothing else, Dana White might have found his storebrand Francis Ngannou substitute.
Not sure I've seen this before. 10 minutes after this KO, it's announced that Despaigne has been signed to the UFC. Confirmed by Mick Maynard.
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman)
11:59 PM • Dec 3, 2023
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