MMA Knockout

UFC Signs Undefeated 6'7" Olympic KO Machine

His last three fights total 19 seconds.

Mathew Riddle

UFC Signs Undefeated 6'7" Olympic KO Machine
UFC Signs Undefeated 6'7" Olympic KO Machine /

The UFC has signed undefeated Cuban Olympian Robelis Despaigne. "The Bad Boy" is 4-0-0 in professional MMA, with four first round knockouts. His last three bouts have a combined fight time of just 19 seconds.

VIDEO: Olympic Medalist Scores Nasty 3-Second Headkick KO at Fury Challenger Series 7

Not only does Despaigne owe his success to his Olympic Taekwondo experience, where he attained Bronze at the 2012 London games, but his otherworldly physicality is also unparalleled.

Towering at 6'7" with a stunning 87" reach, Despaigne's physical attributes surpass even those of Stefan Struve, who stands at 7' with an 84" reach, and Jon Jones, the current longest reach in the UFC at 84.5".

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Despaigne rose to fame in Fury FC, dispatching four opponents in a combined time of 19 seconds.

Most recently, the American titan knocked out Miles Banks in five seconds with a right hand:

Prior to this, Despaigne scored a three second knockout when he landed an almost identical combination against Stevie Payne at Fury Challenger Series 7:

Before that, Despaigne made a statement by knocking out Travis Gregoire in just 12 seconds at Fury FC 80:

Whether Despaigne is UFC caliber remains to be seen. So far, his opponents have a combined record of 1-0-0, and he has never entered a second round. At 35 years of age, entering the UFC could serve as either a harsh wake-up call or a launching pad to MMA stardom.

As for his debut, there isn't any disclosed information just yet, but fans should anticipate an early 2024 debut for the Cuban giant.

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Mathew Riddle
MATHEW RIDDLE

Mathew is a UK-based combat sports journalist, graphic designer, and SEO expert with over five years of experience in digital marketing and a dedicated four-year track record in MMA journalism. He joined MMAKO in 2023. Mathew's insights have been featured on The Fight Fanatic, Heavy on UFC, Fansided, and Sportskeeda. Reach him at mr@thefightfanatic.com.

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