Robelis Despaigns, a Cuban fighter who stopped his opponent in under five seconds with a KO at Fury FC 84 on Sunday was quickly signed by the UFC.
After knocking out Miles Banks in four seconds, Robelis “The Bad Boy” Despaigne undoubtedly left an impact on UFC President Dana White and the other members of the organization.
Stepping up to Banks, the 6-foot-7 Despaigne—who owns an Olympic medal in taekwondo for Cuba—delivered a kick to his side before slamming a right hand that struck Banks in the head.
Robelis Makes His Way Up To The UFC Roster Fury FC 84: Robelis vs. Miles Banks
With a dramatic knockout victory over Miles Banks at Fury FC 84 this past Sunday in Houston, Texas, the young heavyweight prospect improved his perfect MMA record to 4-0.
Banks was floored with just one well-placed right punch, adding a four-second KO to his record that already included a three-and-a 12-second finish.
Robelis Despaigns victory was short-lived as he made an announcement regarding his future in combat.
“Ladies and gentlemen, breaking news,” the ring announcer said. “I just received word that the UFC just signed Robelis Despaigne” Confirmed by Mick Maynard. Robelis Despaigne signed to the UFC.”
In addition to winning two medals at the World Championships, the 35-year-old taekwondo practitioner represented Cuba in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where he took home a bronze medal.
At 6 feet 7 inches, Robelis Despaigne has the largest reach in UFC history, measuring 87 inches, surpassing both two-weight champion Jon Jones and 7-foot combatant Stefan Struve, who both had a reach of about 84 inches.
Obviously, he’ll have to lose weight to reach the UFC’s heavyweight limit of 265 pounds.
Owing to his advanced age, Robelis Despaigne is probably going to go through the heavyweight class more quickly than Jones or Tom Aspinall, who are the current champions.
