Junior dos Santos is looking forward to competing on the first MMA card broadcast by Netflix. | Getty/UFC
Junior dos Santos will face a tall task — literally — when he meets the 6-foot-7 Robelis Despaigne on the Most Valuable Promotions “Rousey vs. Carano” card on May 16.
“Cigano” recently spoke with Sherdog.com about the challenges presented by the Olympic taekwondo bronze medalist and current Karate Combat heavyweight champion.
“Robelis is a good fight and a great challenge. He comes from taekwondo, he’s very fast, has dangerous kicks, straight punches and I have my background in boxing, so it´s going to be an interesting clash of styles,” dos Santos said.
Dos Santos revealed that 6-foot-8 former Professional Fighters League champion Renan Ferreira has been a primary training partner in preparation for Despaigne.
“The training sessions are intense here with Renan ‘Problema,’ who is even taller than Despaigne. He should also be fighting soon, so he’s helping me a lot in this camp,” dos Santos said.
Boxing in the Future?
“Cigano” has never hidden his dream of fighting in boxing after his MMA career. With Netflix promoting events in both disciplines, the Brazilian is eager to try his hand at boxing at the next Netflix event.
“I’m very happy with this invitation from Netflix,” he said. “Combat sports needed a movement like this. This is where I wanted to be, and I’m sure the event will be a huge success not only because of the great fights but also because of the impressive audience they already had in boxing will be certainly repeated now in MMA. And I’m available to fight in both formats.”
