Netflix and Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions’ first MMA event proved to be a major success, featuring three straight first-round knockouts, including a stunning finish from Francis Ngannou.
However, the fight between Robelis Despaigne and Junior dos Santos ended even quicker, with Despaigne securing the victory in under three minutes, leaving the NFL world in awe.
Robelis Despaigne’s Incredible Knockout Victory Over Junior dos Santos Leaves NFL World in Awe
Despaigne is known for his fast and brutal finishes, and he delivered another one on Saturday night at the Intuit Dome. The Karate Combat heavyweight titleholder has built a reputation for highlight-reel knockouts, including four victories that ended in 20 seconds or less.
Although he entered the bout coming off back-to-back losses, dos Santos, a former UFC heavyweight champion, was returning after more than a year away from competition. But it took the Cuban fighter very little time to knock out the 42-year-old Brazilian.
ROBELIS DESPAIGNE JUST SLEPT JUNIOR DOS SANTOS IN ROUND 1 🔥#RouseyCarano is LIVE now only on Netflix 👊 pic.twitter.com/07RpIS7wSQ
— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) May 17, 2026
Dos Santos is also known for his knockout power, and the two exchanged heavy shots early while searching for an opening. Before the three-minute mark, Despaigne found his moment, connecting with a right hand before following up with a left and a third punch that sent dos Santos crashing to the canvas, leaving the NFL world stunned.
“Despaigne just sent Junior Dos Santos to the SHADOW REALM #RouseyCarano,” wrote former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III.
Despaigne just sent Junior Dos Santos to the SHADOW REALM 🤯 #RouseyCarano pic.twitter.com/P4iypWH9iY
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 17, 2026
Despaigne vs. dos Santos was the first fight of the night, and the next two bouts also ended in first-round knockouts, with Ngannou shutting the lights out on Philipe Lins while Salahdine Parnasse defeated Kenneth Cross.
“3 FIRST ROUND KNOCKOUTS IN A ROW?!?! This Netflix card has been SENSATIONAL #RouseyCarano,” Griffin added.
3 FIRST ROUND KNOCKOUTS IN A ROW?!?!
This Netflix card has been SENSATIONAL #RouseyCarano
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 17, 2026
“Wow Damn!” wrote one sports commentator.
“Brutal. 😕,” added another user.
However, Dallas Cowboys writer John Owning called the matchup “elder abuse,” pointing to the age difference, as Despaigne is 37 years while dos Santos is 42 years old.
Elder abuse https://t.co/HNFVZTXVjE
— John Owning (@JohnOwning) May 17, 2026
Nevertheless, it was a statement victory for Despaigne, who made it clear afterward that the knockout was not the finish line and that he wants to return to MMA. He improved his record to 6-2, with all six victories coming via knockout.
Meanwhile, it marked the sixth straight loss for dos Santos, whose record dropped to 21-11.
According to ESPN, it was also the ninth time in his career that he suffered a knockout or technical knockout defeat, including one stoppage due to injury.
