Knockout machine Robelis Despaigne is set for his second appearance in Karate Combat, after a spectacular four-second knockout in his debut.
Despaigne debuted in the UFC in May 2024 after amassing a 4-0 record. His previous three performances totalled just 19 seconds of fight time. This trend continued as Despaigne knocked out Josh Parisian in 18 seconds.
‘The Big Boy’s’ hype was ended by back-to-back lacklustre decision losses to Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Austen Lane, and Despaigne was promptly released by the UFC. He will now face a fellow finisher on January 24.
Robelis Despaigne vs. Marcos Brigago set for Karate Combat Miami
Despaigne will face 17-7 MMA veteran Marcos Brigago at Karate Combat 52 in Miami, on January 24, the promotion confirmed on Instagram.
Brigago hails from Dana White’s Contender Series. In 2019, he received his first loss at the hands of Jamal Pogues. He went on to have mixed success on the regional scene, losing to Oleg Popov and Bruno Lopes. He debuted at Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA in 2024, losing to K-1 kickboxer Guto Inocente.
Despaigne-Brigago is a recipe for a knockout, with both men only going to the scorecards twice in 22 combined victories.
Alex Pereira’s sister to fight on same card as Robelis Despaigne
Per the Karate Combat website, only three fights, including Despaigne’s, have been confirmed.
KC lightweight champion Shahzaib Rind will defend his title against Edgars Skrivers, the first-ever KC lightweight champion who is coming to reclaim his belt. Alex Pereira’s sister, Aline Pereira, will also be on the bill.
Pereira is 1-2 in professional MMA but has a steep background in kickboxing. She debuted at KC 50 on October 24, following in her brother’s footsteps with an emphatic left hook knockout. She fights Gisela Luna, who rides a three-fight losing streak, all by knockout.