Four-second KO convinces UFC to sign 6ft 7in Cuban heavyweight with perfect record and Olympic medal

Robelis Despaigne is the latest addition to the UFC roster.

The exciting heavyweight prospect improved his perfect MMA record to 4-0 with a stunning knockout win over Miles Banks at Fury FC 84 this past Sunday in Houston, Texas.

One good right hand was all it took to floor Banks and add a four-second KO to his record which includes a three-second finish and a 12-second stoppage.

Soon after Despaigne’s win, the event was interrupted for an announcement about his fighting future.

“Ladies and gentlemen, breaking news,” the ring announcer said.

“I just received word that the UFC just signed Robelis Despaigne.

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“Confirmed by Mick Maynard. Robelis Despaigne signed to the UFC.”

The 35-year-old is a taekwondo practitioner who captured a bronze medal for Cuba during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London – he has also medalled twice at the World Championships.

Despaigne stands at 6ft 7in and his 87in reach is the biggest in UFC history ahead of 7ft fighter Stefan Struve and two weight champion Jon Jones who both measure in around 84in.  

Naturally, he’ll need to cut down to make the UFC’s 265lb heavyweight limit.

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Due to his age, Despaigne is likely to be fast-tracked through the heavyweight division which currently has two champions - Jones and Tom Aspinall.

‘Bad Boy’ is not the first Olympic medallist to join MMA’s premier league.

Former dual-weight champion Henry Cejudo won gold in wrestling before transitioning to MMA, while ex-bantamweight queen Ronda Rousey claimed Olympic bronze in judo before revolutionising the UFC.

Only time will tell if Despaigne will enjoy the success Cejudo and Rousey did when they changed sports, but he has certainly got all the tools to cause the UFC’s best big men some problems.

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