Robelis Despaigne (born 9 August 1988), is a Cuban taekwondo practitioner and mixed martial artist.[1][2] He competes in the heavyweight division of the UFC.
Background
Robelis Despaigne spent his formative years in Cuba, where he immersed himself in the discipline of taekwondo at the tender age of nine. Seven years into his training, Despaigne achieved a remarkable feat by earning a coveted spot on the national taekwondo team—a position he held with distinction for an impressive 15 years. The pinnacle of his taekwondo career came in 2012 when he proudly represented Cuba in the Olympic Games held in London, clinching a bronze medal in the heavyweight category.[3]
However, even during the peak of his success in taekwondo, Despaigne found himself grappling with a growing discontent. In 2012, amidst rumblings of dissatisfaction with the state of sports in Cuba, he decided to make a significant shift. "I was losing love for the sport in 2012. A lot was going on in Cuba where I wasn’t really happy about the sport,” Despaigne explained. Encouraged by his coach to explore mixed martial arts (MMA), he initially hesitated due to concerns about the knockout-heavy reputation of the sport. Eventually, after watching fights and realizing his potential, Despaigne made the bold decision to venture into the world of MMA.[3]
Equipped with a college degree in physical training, Despaigne could have opted for a conventional career, but his passion for combat sports led him in a different direction. In 2019, he commenced MMA-specific training in Cuba, incorporating grappling into his routine. Faced with pandemic-related delays, Despaigne made the pivotal decision to relocate to Orlando, Florida, in 2022, where he continues to reside and train.[3]
Taekwondo career
Despaigne won the bronze medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the +80 kg event.[2] He beat Chika Yagazie Chukwumerije in the first round, before losing to Anthony Obame in sudden death in the quarterfinal. Because Obame reached the final Despaigne was entered into the repechage. There he beat Kaino Thomsen-Fuataga, with the fight stopped because of the points difference. He beat Daba Modibo Keita in his bronze medal match by walkover as Keita could not compete due to injury.[2]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Despaigne made his MMA debut against Katuma Mulumba on 3 June 2022 at Titan FC 77. He won the bout at the end of the first round via TKO stoppage.[4] He then recorded three fight in 2023, winning all by knockout in less than 15 seconds.[5]
