UFC Heavyweight Fighter Achieves Record-Breaking 3-Second KO Victory

Robelis Despaigne may have found his calling in Karate Combat.

The recently released UFC heavyweight took only three seconds to defeat Dominik Jędrzejczyk at Karate Combat 51 in Miami.

Witness the knockout—recorded as the quickest in the promotion’s history.

Having begun his MMA career with four consecutive first-round knockouts, the UFC signed the former Olympic Taekwondo athlete. His UFC debut saw him knock out Josh Parisian in just 18 seconds in May.

However, Despaigne faced challenges against heavyweights Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Austen Lane, who focused on takedowns to neutralize his strengths. Both opponents secured easy unanimous decision victories, exposing Despaigne’s weaknesses in takedown defense.

After his loss to Lane in October, the UFC parted ways with Despaigne along with several other fighters.

Reportedly joining the Global Fight League for 2025, Karate Combat may offer Despaigne a platform to shine in professional combat sports.

Given his age and grappling limitations, significant improvements in that aspect of MMA seem unlikely.

Considering his proficiency in striking, Despaigne could explore opportunities in both Karate Combat and potentially boxing. While kicking is integral to his offense, all six of his professional knockouts have come via punches.

With the right support and marketing, Despaigne could surprise critics or at least secure some lucrative opportunities in combat sports before turning 42.

Despaigne’s KO victory was the standout moment on a slow night for combat sports.

Below are all the results from the event.

Karate Combat 51 Results

• Alexandre de Jesus def Michael Sainz by Split Decision
• Roosevelt Sousa def Daishi Goto by First Round Submission (7:59)
• Arturo Vergara def Eoghan Chelmiah by First Round KO (0:59)
• Cosmo Alexandre def Igor de Castañeda by Third Round TKO (3:00)
• Rafael Alves def Khama Worthy by Unanimous Decision
• Robelis Despaigne def Dominik Jędrzejczyk by First Round KO (0:04)
• Gabriel Varga def Andres Madera by Third Round TKO (1:31)
• Jayden Eynaud def Adam Rosa by First Round KO (2:50)
• Loxbey Montalvan def Israel Gonzalez by First Round TKO (0:32)
• Jade Jorand def Saba Nabavinejad by Unanimous Decision
• Gorjan Slaveski def Noah Cutter by First Round TKO (0:59)
• Oussama Assli def Michel Martinez by First Round TKO (1:06)