UFC re-signs Robelis Despaigne after MVP stint

UFC has re-signed Cuban heavyweight Robelis Despaigne, according to an announcement from his representatives on social media Thursday.

The move comes two months after Despaigne scored a knockout win under the MVP banner in May. Fans had begun calling for a matchup between the 6-foot-7 striker and former UFC champion Francis Ngannou, who also competes for MVP, but that pairing is now off the table.

Despaigne's wrestling weakness remains

Despaigne, who turns 38 next week, was cut by UFC in late 2024 after going 1-2 inside the Octagon. His striking credentials are elite across any division, but his grappling deficiencies gave wrestlers an easy path to victory. MMA Mania noted that little has changed in the two years since his release, leading to speculation that the promotion brought him back primarily to prevent him from facing Ngannou or other MVP fighters.

The Cuban heavyweight last fought for UFC at the Kaseya Center in Miami in March 2024, when he knocked out Josh Parisian at UFC 299. No opponent or date has been announced for his return fight.

A potential matchup with fellow striker Alex Pereira looms as one option at heavyweight, though the promotion has not confirmed plans.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — UFC re-signs Olympian Robelis Despaigne, probably to screw Francis Ngannou and MVP