The Olympics, the UFC, and now Karate Fight get to expertise Robelis Despaigne. Beginning his journey in taekwondo at simply 9 years outdated, Despaigne devoted 15 years to Cuba’s nationwide crew. His profession spotlight got here on the 2012 London Olympics, the place he secured a bronze medal within the +80 kg class.
Robelis Despaigne
Regardless of his Olympic success, Robelis Despaigne grew disillusioned with the state of sports activities in Cuba and pivoted to combined martial arts in 2019. Searching for higher alternatives, he relocated to Orlando, Florida, in 2022. It didn’t take lengthy for the heavyweight to make waves in MMA—he received his first 5 skilled bouts through first-round knockouts, establishing himself as a rising star.
The UFC took discover, signing him in December 2023. Robelis Despaigne’s promotional debut at UFC 299 on March 9, 2024, was nothing wanting spectacular: an 18-second knockout of Josh Parisian earned him a Efficiency of the Evening bonus. Nevertheless, his UFC tenure proved temporary. Subsequent losses to Waldo Cortes-Acosta in Could 2024 and Austen Lane in October 2024 led to his launch.
Undeterred, Despaigne shortly transitioned to Karate Fight, signing with the promotion in November 2024. Karate Fight seems to be a pure match for the previous Olympic medalist as he embarks on the subsequent chapter of his profession. In an unique interview with Robelis Despaigne, we talk about his profession and Karate Fight. He will likely be making his debut on Thursday, December 19 at Karate Fight 51, stay on YouTube at 6pm ET.
Robelis Despaigne Interview
What initially drew you to Taekwondo, and the way did it form your formative years in Cuba?
I actually love training taekwondo as a result of I like martial arts motion pictures.
Successful an Olympic bronze medal is an unimaginable achievement. What do you bear in mind most about that have in London 2012?
It was one thing unforgettable, very dreamed of and really labored on. I bear in mind feeling it as the best dream of each athlete.
After such a protracted and profitable Taekwondo profession, what motivated you to transition to MMA, and the way difficult was it to adapt to the brand new self-discipline?
It was fairly a problem to adapt, particularly due to the ground work, however I actually prefer it and I’m keen to work exhausting to grow to be the most important heavyweight on the planet.
What was essentially the most useful lesson you discovered out of your UFC stint, each in victories and in defeats?
I discovered that each one the work is little in comparison with how exhausting an MMA fighter should work and I’m keen to work even tougher and obtain my return to UFC.
How did the UFC expertise put together you for the subsequent section of your fight sports activities profession in Karate Fight?
I believe having had the privilege of being within the UFC, which is such an enormous firm, prepares you for any state of affairs. I’m prepared for an awesome present. I thank Karate Fight for this chance and I’m right here for my belt.
Karate Fight has a novel rule set and presentation. How have you ever adjusted your coaching to suit this type?
I like this type of preventing. I’m very excited to be right here at Karate Fight. I all the time adopted these occasions and mentioned I want to struggle right here. God’s plan is ideal and I’m going all out for my first KO in Karate Fight.
What are your objectives in Karate Fight, each short-term and long-term?
To be the Tremendous Heavyweight Champion.
As somebody who has competed in a number of disciplines, what recommendation would you give to younger martial artists seeking to transition between sports activities?
Don’t be afraid of change, in the long run it’s a struggle all the identical. And the problem is enjoyable.
Cuban athletes usually face distinctive challenges when competing internationally. What has your expertise been, and what message would you share with aspiring Cuban athletes?
I hope you benefit from the course of and proceed working exhausting to boost the identify of Cuba.
Let’s construct the right fighter. In your thoughts who has the very best kicks? The Finest Punches? Finest Velocity? And the very best energy?
The most effective kicks: Robelis DespaigneThe Finest Punches: Alex Pereira.Finest Velocity: Ryan Garcia.The most effective energy: Francis Ngannou.
