Olympic bronze medalist Robelis Despaigne has opted to return to the UFC instead of continuing to pursue a fight with Francis Ngannou.

After knocking out Josh Parisian in just 18 seconds at UFC 299, heavyweight Robelis Despaigne was thought of as a potential threat to Jon Jones and other top heavyweights. But back-to-back losses to Austen Lane and Waldo Cortes-Acosta, Despaigne’s first career losses in Mixed Martial Arts, ended up leading to his release from the promotion.

Despaigne recently bounced back with an impressive knockout of former UFC champion Junior dos Santos on the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card earlier this year. The Olympic bronze medalist was then linked to a potential showdown with Francis Ngannou after Ngannou’s win later in the evening over Philipe Lins.

Despite rumored talks for an Ngannou vs. Despaigne fight, the latter has opted to accept an offer to return to the UFC Octagon for a second chance at title contention.

Robelis Despaigne returns to UFC after impressive KO at Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano

As reported on Friday by MMA Fighting and other outlets, Despaigne has re-signed with the UFC and is expected to make his return to the Octagon later this year. As of this writing, a date and opponent haven’t been finalized for Despaigne’s next fight.

A potential fit for Despaigne to fight next is fellow Olympian Gable Steveson, who earned a first-round finish in his highly anticipated UFC 329 debut earlier this month. The UFC could push for Steveson to get a quick push towards the heavyweight Top 15 amidst uncertainty at the top of the division.

Before his first UFC signing, Despaigne tallied four consecutive first-round knockouts, including a three-fight stretch that lasted just 19 seconds. He also won the Karate Combat heavyweight championship by knocking out Sam Alvey last December.

Who should Robelis Despaigne fight in his UFC return? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!