“Dana Blanco, $50k!” Cuban Robelis Despaigne gets wish granted as CEO hands out $350k bonus to UFC 299 stars
Olympic medalist Robelis Despaigne earns a knockout bonus in his UFC debut. It marked one of the fastest debut finishes in UFC history.
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Robelis Despaigne bagged $50K bonus from Dana White (Image via: IMAGO, Instagram)
Robelis Despaigne announced his UFC debut in style with an 18-second knockout of Josh Parisian at UFC 299. Despaigne’s previous three fights cumulatively lasted just 19 seconds. As such, there was a lot of hype behind Despaigne, an Olympic Bronze medalist in Taekwondo.
Despaigne appeared in great spirits at the post-fight press conference of UFC 299. Even though he fought in prelims, the fans cheered for him, and the reaction motivated him. He thanked his team and also showered gratitude to the fans. Moreover, he also sent a message to UFC CEO Dana White. This is what he said.
Dana Blanco, $50K.Robelis Despaigne via UFC 299 post-fight press conference
Blanco is the Spanish word for ‘White.’ Despaigne got his wish as White announced that he would get a bonus. Despaigne’s 18-second knockout is the second fastest knockout by a fighter on the UFC debut. Todd Duffee knocked out Tim Hague in 7 seconds at UFC 102.
Despaigne revealed his plan to become a UFC champion at the presser. He acknowledged that at 35, he did not have time at his side. Nonetheless, the Cuban fighter stated that he would become champion after 4 or 5 fights in the UFC. As part of his plan, he wanted to fight a fighter in the top 15, followed by a top 10 opponent, and then a top 5.
Recipients of the combined $350K bonus at UFC 299
Robelis Despaigne was not the only fighter who got a bonus at UFC 299. The UFC usually gave bonuses to 4 fighters, which amounted to $200K. However, at UFC 299, Dana White happily announced that he would give a cumulative $350K bonus to 7 fighters. White announced that all the fighters who finished their opponents at UFC 299 would receive a bonus.
As such, Jack Della Maddalena, Curtis Blaydes, and Michel Pereira bagged an extra $50K. Sean O’Malley also won the bonus as he made easy work of Marlon Vera in the main event. Dustin Poirier and Benoit Saint-Denis also bagged $50K extra as they won the Fight of the Night bonus. It was Poirier’s 9th Fight of the Night bonus, a UFC record. Edson Barboza also has the same number of Fight of the Night bonuses.
Jack Della Maddalena and Curtis Blaydes were behind on the scorecards before finishing their respective opponents. Michel Pereira made it 2-0 at middleweight after his move, and both fights ended in under 66 seconds. Pereira now has a 7-fight win streak and a 3-fight bonus streak.
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