Robelis “The Big Boy”Despaigne

Robelis Despaigne is a Cuban mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC heavyweight division. Before entering MMA, he represented Cuba in taekwondo and won a bronze medal in the men’s +80-kilogram event at the London 2012 Olympic Games. His Olympic run included victories over Kaino Thomsen and Chika Chukwumerije before he received the bronze-medal result after Daba Modibo Keita withdrew.

Despaigne began training in MMA in 2019 after leaving Cuba’s national taekwondo team, according to his UFC athlete profile, and made his UFC debut at UFC 299 on March 9, 2024. His background is built around explosive striking, athletic kicking and finishing power, while his listed martial-arts credentials include a fourth-dan taekwondo black belt. As of September 27, 2026, the UFC lists Robelis Despaigne as an active heavyweight and records his most recent bout as a victory over Tai Tuivasa at UFC 331 on September 19, 2026. The UFC profile also states that he holds a bachelor’s degree in physical culture and sports.