Olympic medalist Robelis Despaigne signs with Karate Combat following UFC release

November 11, 2024 8:45 pm ET

Robelis Despaigne already has a new home for his fighting career.

The Olympic medalist in taekwondo has signed with Karate Combat following his recent and, to some, surprising release from the UFC. Karate Combat announced the signing of Despaigne on Monday evening.

Despaigne is scheduled to debut at Karate Combat 51. No opponent or date was revealed, although the promotion does have plans to host an event in December.

Despaigne, who won bronze at the 2012 London Olympic Games representing Cuba, was cut from the UFC following his unanimous decision loss to Austen Lane at UFC Fight Night 245 last month in Las Vegas. That was both his second defeat in the UFC and in his career, as prior to that he had a 5-0 start, with all wins coming by first-round knockout.

The 6-foot-7 heavyweight debuted for the UFC earlier this year with a quick TKO win over Josh Parisian, which won him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus.

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