Robelis Despaigne Sanquet (born 9 September 1988) is a Cuban professional mixed martial artist and taekwondo practitioner who is currently signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Despaigne competed in the Heavyweight division in Karate Combat where he was the Karate Combat Heavyweight Champion. He won the bronze medal in Taekwondo at the 2012 Summer Olympics - Men's for 80 kg.
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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.
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.
Taekwondo career
Despaigne won the bronze medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the +80 kg event. 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.
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. 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.
He competed against current champion Sam Alvey at Karate Combat 58 on 5 December 2025 and won the heavyweight championship by knockout in the first round.
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 faced Tai Tuivasa on 19 September 2026 at UFC 331. He won the fight by split decision.
Championships and accomplishments
Mixed martial arts
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Josh Parisian
Second fastest finish/knockout by a debuting heavyweight in UFC history (18 seconds) (behind Todd Duffee's 7 seconds)
Longest reach in UFC history (87" wingspan)
Full contact karate
Karate Combat
Karate Combat Heavyweight Champion (One time; current)