The reigning world champion, nicknamed The Terminator, is regarded as one of the most dominant fighters in the sport despite having only competed at the highest level for the past two years.

Having won gold at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, Khodabakhshi went on to take top honours at last year’s World Taekwondo Championships in Russian city Chelyabinsk.

On his way to doing so, he defeated two of the most famous fighters on the circuit; United States taekwondo legend and two-time Olympic gold medallist Steven López and Moldova’s Aaron Cook.

Cook is ranked second in what is one of the most eagerly anticipated weight categories at next month’s Olympic Games.

He left Great Britain’s programme to compete for Moldova after controversially being left out of the London 2012 squad at a time when he was ranked number one in the world.

His place on that occasion went to Lutalo Muhammad, who will head to Rio de Janeiro ranked third and aiming to either match or better the bronze medal he won at his home Olympics.

Muhammad had to see off a strong challenge from world silver medallist Damon Sansum to book his Olympic berth this time round, earning a slot after overcoming injury to win at the World Taekwondo Federation Grand Prix Final in Mexico City last December.

His victory came at the expense of Cook, who had to settle for the silver medal in Mexico’s capital.

Others who are expected to challenge for under 80kg honours during the Olympics, where taekwondo action is due to take place at the Carioca Arena 3 from August 17 to 20, include Russia’s Albert Gaun, Germany’s Tahir Guelec and Ivory Coast’s Cheick Sallah Cisse.

American López, the under 68kg gold medallist at Sydney 2000 and under 80kg podium topper at Athens 2004, is one athlete who did not make the top six via Olympic ranking points.

The veteran made it to Rio via continental qualification and at the age of 37 will be competing in his fifth Olympics.