Heavyweight phenom Robelis Despaigne books quick turnaround for UFC St. Louis

UFC heavyweight prospect Robelis Despaigne is set to make a quick turnaround and return to the Octagon in May.

Over the course of the last few weeks, Robelis Despaigne has been one of the hottest topics in the heavyweight division. Upon being signed, fans couldn’t help but marvel at the 35-year-old Olympic bronze medalist. The taekwondo star with a 4-0 record, having knocked out his three previous opponents in a combined 19 seconds.

RELATED: UFC signs 6’7 Olympic taekwondo medalist Robelis Despaigne after finishing 3 fights in 19 seconds

Then, in his UFC debut, he defeated Josh Parisian in 18 seconds – earning himself a Performance of the Night bonus. Ever since then, fans and media members alike have been wondering what the next step will before him.

As per @AjAriosa on X, it seems we have our answer.

Waldo Cortes-Acosta will fight Robelis Despaigne at #UFCSTL on May 11th. (first rep. @AjAriosa) #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2024 pic.twitter.com/bAjyWFq9FO

— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) March 19, 2024

Despaigne books big return

On May 11, Robelis Despaigne will compete in St. Louis in his second UFC contest. He’ll do so against Waldo Cortes-Acosta, a man who is also viewed as an interesting striking prospect at heavyweight.

Between the two of these individuals, the overwhelming expectation is that we’re going to see fireworks. They have the kind of style that promises violence, and both men are looking to make a real statement to the rest of the division.

For Despaigne, he’ll know that there are a lot of expectations on his shoulders. It’s not like he’s going to be thrown into a title fight tomorrow but if he can rattle off a few more impressive wins, he has the potential to go really far. For now, though, he can’t afford to overlook a challenge like Waldo.

Who do you believe is the favorite in this fight? Do you think Robelis Despaigne has what it takes to become a UFC champion one day? Let us know your thoughts, BJPENN Nation!