UFC Lets Robelis Despaigne Defend His Karate Combat Title

The UFC is known for keeping its contracted fighters away from other promotions. In recent years it has relaxed that stance only for wrestling and grappling events. UFC stars Arman Tsarukyan and Khamzat Chimaev, for example, are scheduled to compete at RAF 14 in a freestyle wrestling event, and it will be Tsarukyan's ninth match under the Real American Freestyle Wrestling banner.

Heavyweight Robelis Despaigne is now set to become an exception, because he will compete in a striking promotion while under UFC contract.

A title defense outside the Octagon

Despaigne holds the Karate Combat heavyweight title, which he won by knocking out Sam Alvey last December. According to Karate Combat president Asim Zaidi, the Cuban striker plans to defend that belt around December 5 at Box Studios in Miami. Zaidi revealed the plan during a recent Karate Combat broadcast.

Karate Combat commentator Ben Davis added that the fight will not affect Despaigne's standing with the UFC. According to Davis, the arrangement was brokered between the fighter and the UFC when Despaigne re-signed with the promotion.

From release to re-signing

Despaigne was released in 2024 after back-to-back losses. Earlier this year he scored a knockout win at MVP MMA 1, and in July the MMA world learned that the UFC had brought him back. He marked his return in September at UFC 331, defeating Tai Tuivasa.

Now 38, Despaigne will split his attention between the Octagon and the Karate Combat pit. It is not known how many fights his new UFC contract covers.

According to Davis, the Karate Combat appearance was agreed as part of Despaigne's new UFC contract, and the bout is planned for around December 5 in Miami.