Robelis Despaigne Captures Karate Combat Heavyweight Title with Second-Round Knockout of Sam Alvey

Miami, FL – Robelis Despaigne, the formidable Cuban heavyweight, secured the coveted Karate Combat heavyweight championship on Friday night, December 6, 2025, at Karate Combat 58, delivering a decisive second-round knockout against fellow UFC veteran Sam Alvey. The highly anticipated main event, held in the promotion’s distinctive pit arena in Miami, saw Despaigne extend his undefeated streak within Karate Combat and claim the gold in a performance that underscored his reputation for devastating power and precision striking.

Karate Combat 58 served as a pivotal moment for the promotion’s heavyweight division, pitting two athletes with significant mixed martial arts pedigrees against each other. Despaigne, known for his Olympic Taekwondo background and imposing physical presence, entered the bout with an unblemished record in the Karate Combat pit, having quickly established himself as a dominant force. His opponent, Sam Alvey, brought a wealth of experience from a lengthy career in professional MMA, including a substantial tenure in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), before transitioning to the full-contact karate league. The clash represented a classic confrontation of rising power versus seasoned veteran, with the ultimate prize of the heavyweight strap on the line.

Robelis Despaigne, often referred to as "The Big Cuban," boasts a unique athletic background that distinguishes him in combat sports. Prior to his venture into professional fighting, Despaigne was a decorated Taekwondo Olympian, earning a bronze medal at the 2012 London Games and competing at the 2016 Rio Games. This elite striking foundation, combined with his imposing 6-foot-7 frame and a reach that often overwhelms opponents, has translated into a potent and highly effective style in both MMA and Karate Combat. His transition to professional fighting commenced in 2022, and he rapidly amassed a string of quick, violent knockouts, making a brief but impactful appearance in the UFC where he continued to showcase his finishing ability. Entering Karate Combat, Despaigne quickly adapted to the unique ruleset and environment, with his powerful kicks and hands proving to be a formidable combination, leading to a perfect 5-0 record in the promotion before his championship challenge. His previous victories were characterized by explosive, often first-round finishes, building considerable hype around his title aspirations.

Opposing Despaigne was Sam Alvey, a fighter whose career trajectory is marked by resilience and a distinctive persona. Affectionately known as "Smilin’ Sam," Alvey carved out a reputation over nearly two decades in professional MMA, competing against a host of formidable opponents across various organizations. His most prominent run was within the UFC, where he engaged in 21 fights over eight years, showcasing a durable, pressure-fighting style often punctuated by powerful counter-strikes. While his later UFC tenure saw a challenging run of losses, Alvey remained a fan favorite due to his unwavering positive attitude and willingness to engage. Upon his move to Karate Combat, Alvey sought a fresh challenge, and prior to Karate Combat 58, he had successfully navigated the promotion’s unique rules and pit environment, securing victories that demonstrated his adaptability and continued competitive drive. His experience and veteran savvy were expected to be crucial against the explosive Despaigne.

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As the fighters stepped into the distinctive Karate Combat pit, an atmosphere of intense anticipation gripped the audience. From the opening bell of the first round, Despaigne immediately sought to establish his dominance, utilizing his significant reach advantage and potent striking arsenal. The Cuban fighter meticulously picked his shots, landing a variety of strikes including powerful kicks to Alvey’s head, body, and legs, as well as sharp punches. Despaigne’s approach was measured but relentless, as he consistently pressed forward, dictating the pace and range of the engagement. Alvey, demonstrating his characteristic toughness and resilience, absorbed the early onslaught while attempting to create angles and movement. Towards the latter part of the first round, Alvey strategically attempted to close the distance and initiate grappling exchanges, a tactic aimed at neutralizing Despaigne’s striking superiority. Despite these efforts, Despaigne maintained control, but Alvey’s defensive efforts allowed him to survive the opening stanza, heading into the second round having weathered the initial storm.

The second round commenced with Despaigne continuing his aggressive, forward-moving assault. Early in the round, he landed another significant strike that momentarily put Alvey on the defensive. However, demonstrating the heart and grit that have defined his career, Alvey began to show signs of shifting the momentum. He tightened his guard, increased his footwork, and looked for opportunities to counter Despaigne’s advances. The contest reached its dramatic and controversial climax shortly thereafter. Despaigne unleashed a brutal right hand that sent Alvey stumbling backward. The impact caused Alvey to lose his balance, falling awkwardly onto the ramp surrounding the pit. At this juncture, many observers and fight analysts suggested that the bout should have been halted due to Alvey’s compromised state. However, the referee, exercising discretion, allowed the fight to continue. Despaigne, sensing the end, pressed his advantage, landing another powerful shot that dropped Alvey for a second time. Despite Alvey’s clear disorientation, the referee once again chose not to intervene, permitting the fight to proceed. The final, decisive blow came swiftly, as Despaigne delivered a devastating head kick that landed with immense force, sending Alvey crashing to the canvas for a third time, unequivocally ending the contest. The stoppage, though ultimately conclusive, sparked debate among commentators and fans regarding the timing of the referee’s intervention, with some suggesting the fight continued beyond the point of reasonable safety, leading to what was described as an "unnecessary knockdown."

With this emphatic victory, Robelis Despaigne’s professional record in Karate Combat now stands at a perfect 6-0, with all wins coming by way of knockout. The Cuban powerhouse has not only claimed the heavyweight title but has also solidified his status as one of the most dangerous and exciting fighters in the promotion. The win positions Despaigne as a dominant champion, and attention will immediately turn to potential challengers who might dare to step into the pit against him. For Sam Alvey, the loss marks his first defeat in Karate Combat, bringing his promotional record to 2-1. Despite the result, Alvey’s courageous effort against a formidable opponent, enduring significant punishment, once again showcased his unwavering warrior spirit. His future in the promotion remains to be seen, but his veteran presence and engaging personality ensure continued interest.

The Karate Combat 58 main event delivered on its promise of high-stakes action and a memorable finish, albeit with a controversial element surrounding the referee’s decisions. Robelis Despaigne’s ascent to the heavyweight throne marks a new chapter for the division, signaling the arrival of a potentially long-reigning champion with undeniable knockout power. The event further cemented Karate Combat’s reputation for delivering intense, full-contact martial arts spectacle.

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