Robelis Despaigne

Robelis Despaigne Sanquet (born 9 September 1988) is a Cuban professional mixed martial artist and taekwondo practitioner who is currently signed with Karate Combat, where he is the current Karate Combat Heavyweight Champion. Despaigne competed in the Heavyweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He won the bronze medal on Taekwondo at the 2012 Summer Olympics - Men's for 80 kg.

Background Robelis Despaigne spent his formative years in Cuba, where he began practicing taekwondo at nine years old. Seven years into his training, Despaigne earned a spot on the national taekwondo team—a position he held for 15 years. The pinnacle of his taekwondo career came in 2012 when he represented Cuba in the Olympic Games held in London, clinching a bronze medal in the heavyweight category.

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 decision to venture into the world of MMA. He then recorded three fights in 2023, winning all by knockout in less than 20 seconds.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Despaigne was signed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship in December 2023.

Despaigne faced Josh Parisian on 9 March 2024, at UFC 299. He won the fight via knockout 18 seconds into the first round. This fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.

Despaigne faced Waldo Cortes-Acosta on 11 May 2024, at UFC on ESPN 56. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Despaigne faced Austen Lane on 19 October 2024 at UFC Fight Night 245. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Despaigne was released from the UFC shortly after his loss to Lane.

Karate Combat

On 11 November 2024, it was reported that Despaigne had signed with Karate Combat.

Despaigne faced Dominik Jedrzejczyk on 19 December 2024 at Karate Combat 51 and won by knockout four seconds into the first round.

Despaigne faced Marcos Brigagao on 24 January 2025 at Karate Combat 52. He won by knockout 12 seconds into the first round.

Despaigne faced Roggers Souza on 28 February 2025 at Karate Combat 53. He won by knockout 8 seconds into the first round.

Despaigne competed and won the 8-man heavyweight tournament for the #1 contender on 18 July 2025 at Karate Combat 55. He defeated former Glory Light Heavyweight Champion Saulo Cavalari by unanimous decision in the first bout, Timothy Johnson by technical knockout in the first round for the second bout, and Zach Pauga via technical knockout by doctor stoppage at the end of the first round to win the "Last Man Standing" tournament.

Global Fight League On 11 December 2024, it was announced that Despaigne had signed with Global Fight League.

Despaigne was scheduled to face Todd Duffee in the inaugural Global Fight League event on 24 May 2025 at GFL 1. However, the first two GFL events were postponed indefinitely.

Most Valuable Promotions Despaigne faced Junior dos Santos on 16 May 2026 at MVP MMA 1. He won the fight by knockout in the first round.

Return to the UFC On 24 July 2026, it was reported that Despaigne had re-signed with the UFC.

Despaigne is scheduled to face Tai Tuivasa on 19 September 2026 at UFC 331.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship Performance of the Night (One time) Longest reach in UFC history (87" wingspan)

Full contact karate Karate Combat Karate Combat Heavyweight Champion (One time; current)

Mixed martial arts record Win

Junior dos Santos KO (punches) MVP MMA: Rousey vs. Carano

Inglewood, California, United States Loss

Austen Lane Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs. Pereira

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Lewis vs. Nascimento

St. Louis, Missouri, United States Win

Josh Parisian TKO (punches) UFC 299

Miami, Florida, United States Win

Miles Banks KO (punch) Fury FC 84

Houston, Texas, United States Win

Stevie Payne TKO (punches) Fury FC: Challenger Series 7

Houston, Texas, United States Win

Travis Gregoire TKO (punches) Fury FC 80

Houston, Texas, United States Win

Katuma Mulumba TKO (punches) Titan FC 77

Miramar, Florida, United States

Karate Combat record Win

Sam Alvey KO (head kick) Karate Combat 58

Doral, Florida, United States Win

Zach Pauga TKO (doctor stoppage)

Win

Timothy Johnson TKO (punches)

Win

Saulo Cavalari Decision (unanimous)

Win

Roggers Souza KO (punch) Karate Combat 53

Denver, Colorado, United States Win

Marcos Brigagão KO (punches) Karate Combat 52

Miami, Florida, United States Win

Dominik Jędrzejczyk KO (punch) Karate Combat 51

Miami, Florida, United States