Robelis Despaigne Dominates in Karate Combat 55 Tournament
Robelis Despaigne made a statement at Karate Combat 55, which took place on Friday, July 18, 2025, live on YouTube from Miami, Florida. The Cuban striker emerged victorious in an eight-man heavyweight tournament, securing three wins and showcasing his dominance in the sport. Among his victories was a brutal 20-second knockout over a former UFC fighter, highlighting his relentless power and precision.
Despaigne has been making waves in the world of combat sports since leaving the UFC in October 2024. Since then, he has built an impressive record under the Karate Combat banner, with a perfect 3-0 record, all secured by knockout. What’s even more remarkable is that he achieved these finishes in just 24 seconds total—no exaggeration, no typo.
At Karate Combat 55, Despaigne faced off against some of the toughest fighters in the division. In the opening round of the tournament, he defeated Saulo Calavari via unanimous decision. While this win did not come via knockout, it still demonstrated his ability to control the pace and outwork his opponents.
The real spectacle came in the semi-finals when Despaigne faced Tim Johnson, another former UFC fighter. The Cuban striker wasted no time, putting Johnson out in just 20 seconds. His explosive performance left fans and analysts in awe, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the lightweight and heavyweight divisions.
In the tournament final, Despaigne faced Zac Pauga, another former UFC heavyweight. From the opening bell, it was clear that Pauga had little chance of surviving the first round. Despaigne used his superior striking and timing to land heavy combinations whenever Pauga tried to close the distance. After three minutes of relentless offense, Pauga was visibly battered, with a badly swollen right eye. Medical staff closely monitored him between rounds, and eventually, the doctor ruled him unable to continue.
While the finish wasn’t the most dramatic, it was still a testament to Despaigne’s skill and power. His performance in the tournament has set the stage for an exciting future in Karate Combat. He is now expected to face the reigning Karate Combat heavyweight champion, Sam Alvey, later this year.
Key Highlights from the Tournament
- Three Wins in One Night: Despaigne secured three victories, including two knockouts and one decision.
- Record-Breaking Knockouts: All of his wins came by way of knockout, with a total of just 24 seconds across all three fights.
- Dominance Over Former UFC Fighters: Despaigne faced and defeated multiple ex-UFC fighters, proving his elite status in the sport.
- Future Matchup: His success in the tournament has earned him a shot at the Karate Combat heavyweight title.
With each fight, Robelis Despaigne continues to prove why he is one of the most feared and respected fighters in the combat sports world. His blend of speed, power, and tactical intelligence makes him a formidable opponent for anyone in the division. As he prepares for his next challenge, fans can only anticipate more high-octane performances from the Cuban striker.
