10 March 2024 , 05:09
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Olympic bronze medalist Robelis Despaigne, who stands at 6ft 7 and weighs almost 120kg, won his UFC debut by KO in just 18-seconds.
Despaigne, 35, won bronze in taekwondo at the 2012 London games and is now an unbeaten MMA prospect over a decade later. The Cuban put on a stunning performance in his promotional debut at UFC 299 on Saturday night in Miami, knocking out Josh Parisian just seconds into the opening round.
Despaigne had Parisian on the retreat as soon as the fight started and he missed a big uppercut before falling on his backside after attempting a head kick. Parisian rushed towards him and tried to capitalise on his mistake, but was floored by a three-punch combination from Despaigne who closed the show moments later.
“I’ve had this dream since 2019 and thanks to God I’m here realising my dream, fighting at the biggest event in the world. I’m very proud, I have to thank my team and my friends. Everyone in Cuba, thank you to everyone here in Miami for the support," Despaigne said in his post-fight interview.
UFC boss Dana White signed Despaigne to the promotion when he four-second KO last December. That isn't even the Cuban's quickest won as he won by KO in three-seconds last September, with his fight before that only lasting 12-seconds too. Robelis also holds the record for the longest reach on the UFC roster at a whopping 87-inches.
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Elsewhere on the UFC 299 card, bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley avenged his loss to Marlon Vera and defended his world title with a one-sided points win. O'Malley outclassed Vera on the feet over five rounds and the judges' scored the fight 50-45, 50-45 and 50-44 in favour of O'Malley as he defended his belt for the first time.
Michael 'Venom' Page put on a striking showcase in his UFC debut as the British MMA star beat Kevin Holland on points. Page had been linked with a UFC move for almost a decade and his promotional debut lived up to the hype as his unorthodox striking guide him to a unanimous decision win.