Waldo Cortez-Acosta vs. Roberis Despaigne, UFC St. Louis showdown Credit: Youtube/UFC
Heavyweight Robelis Despaigne, who heads into UFC St. Louis on Saturday, has spent 37 seconds in the cage in his last four fights, including his UFC debut. He surpassed that record against Waldo Cortez-Acosta, marking a decisive step up in the sport.
As usual, Despaigne appeared with his hands waving downwards. A head kick (block) and several punches were answered by Waldo Cortez-Acosta with a takedown, but Acosta seemed a little shocked before landing.
After Cortez-Acosta carried the Olympic bronze medalist on his back, he took his time. Despaigne took advantage of that and strangled the fence. Cortez-Acosta then grabbed Roberis’ arm, trapping Americana, who looked dangerous for at least a moment.
But although Cortes Acosta racked up control time and spent most of the round in the driver’s seat, he was unable to use that advantage to finish his attempt.
The second round, the first of Robelis Despaigne’s career, began with an exchange of kicks. Cortez-Acosta changed levels and went for a takedown, but Despaigne fought him off at first. It was a matchup between a former pitcher and a former Olympic taekwondo player, and they both took swings off the fence. Despaigne backed up Cortez-Acosta, connecting with uppercuts and hooks. Waldo countered with heavy shots of his own. The more important shot was a takedown that landed with over two minutes left. Cortez Acosta was also left in the mount.
However, despite sitting in mount for literally an entire minute, Cortez Acosta was unable to find the finish and advanced to the third round.
The third match began with Despaigne landing a flurry of powerful leg kicks. Cortez-Acosta was a bit flashy, but there’s no question those kicks were effective. Despaigne then landed a front kick to the face that Cortez-Acosta showed off with a granite jaw. But just as Roberis Despaigne appeared, Cortez-Acosta landed another important takedown. And the graffiti was on the wall considering Despaigne was unable to get up in the first two rounds.
It wasn’t a memorable fight, but it will be a learning experience for Despaigne, who knocked out Josh Parisian in his debut.
Official result: Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Roberis Despaigne unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
