Has Robelis Despaigne won an Olympic medal?

Robelis Despaigne has been one of the most promising fighters of the present generation in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Competing in the heavyweight division of the promotion, he has become known for his nickname, “The Big Boy”. Despaigne has a background in taekwondo and initially followed it as his profession while he was based in Cuba. However, he later lost love for the sport due to situations in Cuba in 2012 and decided to become a mixed martial artist as suggested by his trainer.

The Big Boy finally debuted in the UFC at UFC 299: O’Malley vs Vera 2 on March 9, 2024 and easily defeated Josh Parisian by KO/TKO in Round 1. He also achieved his first Performance of the Night bonus from his first UFC fight. Notably, The Big Boy has always used knockouts to finish off his opponents inside the Octagon.

Robelis Despaigne is all set to clash with Waldo Cortes-Acosta for his second UFC fight at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs Nascimento, also known as UFC on ESPN 56 on May 11, 2024. He also boasts of an undefeated 5-0-0 streak in his MMA career as of May 2024.

Robelis Despaigne Olympic Medal

Robelis “The Big Boy” Despaigne had been a practitioner of taekwondo for twenty years before he started his UFC career. He competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics Event in London under the men’s +80kg competition while representing Cuba. He had four fights in the event. His first opponent was Chika Yagazie Chukwumerije from Nigeria, whom he easily defated in the first round. His next opponent was Anthony Obame from Gabon, which he unfortunately lost by sudden-death in the quarterfinals. Despite his loss, he was allowed into the repechage as Anthony Obame managed to make it into the finals. He next faced Kaino Thomsen-Futaga from Samoa and won the fight due to point difference. Finally, he beat Daba Modibo Keita from Malia and easily defeated him by walkover to earn his bronze medal at the event.

Other Medals Won by Robelis Despaigne

Robelis Despaigne has also been a taekwondo competitor in several other events on the international stage-

2011 Universidade

Robelis Desopiagne represented Cuba in the 2011 Universiade in Shenzen. He participated in the men’s +87 kg heavyweight division and earned a bronze medal for his efforts.

2013 World Taekwondo Championships

Robelis Despaigne again represented Cuba at the 2013 World Taekwondo Championships in Puebla, Mexico on July 19, 2013. He participated in the heavyweight division. He reached the semifinals where he faced Sajjad Mardani from Iran. However, he lost with his fight with a score of 4-5. Nevertheless, he earned a bronze medal for his efforts.

2014 Central American and Carribbean Games

Robelis Despaigne represented Cuba at the 2014 Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracurz, Mexico from November 15, 2014- November 20, 2014. He competed in the over 87 kg category and received a gold medal for his performance at the event.

2015 World Taekwondo Championships

Robelis Despaigne returned to the 2015 World Taekwondo Championships in Chelyabinsk, Russia from May 12, 2015 to May 18, 2015. He again competed in the men’s +87 kg heavyweight division and was awarded with a bronze medal for his performance.