Netflix host terrifying MMA beatdown of 42-year-old ex-UFC champion in streamer's first fight

The streamer hosted its first MMA fight this evening, showcasing the brutal beatdown of 42-year-old former UFC champion Junior Dos Santos.

The ex-UFC heavyweight champion faced off against 37-year-old Robelis Despaigne in the main card for the Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano showdown.

The event took place at the Intuit Dome — home of NBA franchise the New York Clippers — in Inglewood, California on Saturday evening.

Dos Santos, ex-UFC heavyweight champion, was brutally beaten down inside of one round in the first ever MMA event broadcasted by the streaming platform, which has forayed into the world of sports in recent years.

Jake Paul co-promoted the card, which featured the likes of MMA fighter turned boxer Francis Ngannou and UFC legend Nate Diaz.

The 42-year-old ex-champion appeared to start the round strongly, landing several strong kicks, before the spectacle event turned into a terrifying beatdown.

Despaigne flattens 42-year-old

After a close opening, which saw Despaigne hit the canvas after being chopped down by a Dos Santos leg kick, the 37-year-old stood back up and delivered two crushing blows.

After landing two right hands, Despaigne followed the quick combination up with a gigantic uppercut, then another brutal flurry of punches.

Dos Santos hit the deck with immediacy, then scenes quickly turned terrifying when the 42-year-old was revealed to be knocked out and confused as to where he was upon awakening.

Despaigne, five years Dos Santos’ junior, hadn’t fought in an MMA fight since late 2024, when the Cuban heavyweight was defeated in his final UFC fight.

His older opponent hadn’t fought in an MMA clash since mid 2022, however, he had won both of his final two fights leading up to the hiatus.

Dos Santos, widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, won the UFC title in 2011 in a first-round knockout of his own, then defended it seven months later.

The heavyweight legend is also known for his UFC debut in 2008, in which he entered as a major underdog before delivering another first round knockout to his heavily favoured opponent, Fabricio Werdum.

That victory earned him a ‘Knockout of the Year’ award, which he then claimed again with another brutal finish against Gabriel Gonzaga in 2010.

The now 42-year-old was almost a two-time heavyweight champion after losing the belt in 2013, but he failed to reclaim the title in a trilogy against Cain Velasquez.

After his brutal victory over Dos Santos, Despaigne described the manner in which he’d won before calling out Ngannou to be his next opponent.

"I'm so happy with the work I've put in to get me here," said the Cuban heavyweight through his translator after the win.

"I saw him stumbling. He kicked me on the legs first, and that's when I struck,” he continued.

Followers of the fan-favourite Dos Santos may have seen him fight for the final time, but the 42-year-old made history in Netflix’s first ever MMA clash and can bow out as the warrior he has long been known for being.