Robelis Despaigne Batters His Way To First-Round KO
Junior dos Santos became one of the most legendary MMA fighters during the 2010s, becoming a one-time UFC heavyweight champion. This will mark JDS’s first true MMA fight since a loss to Yorgan De Castro in 2022. He has since competed in a pair of bare-knuckle MMA bouts, defeating Fabricio Werdum and Alan Belcher.
Robelis Despaigne began his combat sports journey through taekwondo, becoming a member of the Cuban National team and earning a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics. Despaigne 5-2 in professional MMA, and this marks his first fight since losing to Austen Lane in 2024. Despaigne has really made a name for himself through Karate Combat recently, defeating Sam Alvey in December to become their heavyweight champion.
Which heavyweight will score the major victory in this battle?
ROUND 1
Despaigne comes out to the center, landing a round kick and a punch. Strong right hand from Despaigne. JDS answers and lands a low kick. Despaigne with another strong shot that bothers dos Santos. JDS looks for a level change, but Despaigne gets him off. Low kick by JDS briefly drops Despaigne! JDS with another leg kick. Despaigne answers with one of his own. Right hand by JDS. Despaigne misses an uppercut. JDS backing Despaigne up. Despaigne lands a right. Despaigne with a right hand. And another! Strong combination, starting with an uppercut, and JDS seems hurt! JDS circles. Despaigne slips after landing a left.
JDS moving around on the outside. Despaigne tries to walk him down. Three-punch combination lands flush, and Junior dos Santos is down and OUT!
DESPAIGNE ROUND 1 KNOCKOUT!
— MVP – Most Valuable Promotions (@MostVpromotions) May 17, 2026
———
LIVE NOW
🌎 NETFLIX#RouseyCarano #DiazPerry #NgannouLins pic.twitter.com/7IJmhwZ13P
Robelis Despaigne puts his taekwondo and karate on display with a vicious first-round knockout!
OFFICIAL RESULT
Robelis Despaigne def. Junior dos Santos via first-round KO (2:59)
