Robelis Despaigne has been re-signed by the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/thebigboyufc
In a chaotic fight, Robelis Despaigne defeated Tai Tuivana by split decision on Saturday night (19), as part of the preliminary card of UFC 331 , in a duel valid for the heavyweight category (up to 120,2 kg). The result marked the Cuban's return to the biggest MMA event on the planet after some time competing in Karate Combat and MVP MMA. Now, he has two consecutive victories, while his opponent suffers eight consecutive defeats, the worst record in the event's history.
The two heavyweights engaged in a brawl at UFC 331.
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Robelis Despaigne leaves #CryptoCom #UFC331 with the Split Decision win over Tai Tuivasa ! pic.twitter.com/LaQH6N0gbL
— UFC (@ufc) September 20, 2026
The Cuban started the fight with his guard low, at hip level, and quickly managed to take Tuivasa down with a left cross. Bambam got back to his feet and the two began a real brawl. Both connected with powerful punches in a scenario more like a street fight than a professional bout. More dazed, Tai tried a takedown against the cage, but ended up on his back on the ground, with Despaigne in half guard. He transitioned to mount and began attacking with strong hammerfists. Unable to escape the position technically, Tuivasa turned his back, while Robelis locked in the hooks, but lost the position.
The two stood up again, and from that moment the fight changed. Tuivasa landed a powerful elbow strike against the cage and took a tired Despaigne to the ground with a takedown. On top, he connected with strong punches and almost finished the fight with a katagatame.
Tuivasa returned much more confident in the second round, stunning his rival with an overhand and a left hook. Despaigne tried to be more technical and land precise strikes, but fell victim to the Australian's physical dominance, who began to alternate between punches against the cage and takedown attempts. The Cuban countered with a beautiful hip throw, but used the dominant position to rest. After a few seconds, the referee ordered both fighters to stand up again, only for Tai to once more trap his opponent against the cage and pursue a takedown until the end of the round.
Tuivasa returned to the same strategy in the final round, and despite being hit by some punches, he kept the Cuban pinned against the cage. The two exchanged heavy blows again for a brief moment, but neither managed to truly stun the other. After another hip takedown, Despaigne managed to gain the advantage and land short punches to his opponent's face, who was bleeding from the nose. Thus, the fight came to an end.
After 15 minutes of fighting, one judge scored the fight 29-28 in favor of Tuivasa, while the other two judges scored it 29-28 in favor of Despaigne.
Marlon Vera ends his bad spell and halts Charles Jourdain's rise.
Marlon Vera and Charles Jourdain delivered a classic duel between the veteran and the new generation. In the fight that closed the preliminary card of UFC 331 , the Ecuadorian was defending his tenth place in the bantamweight division (up to 61,7 kg) and showed the Canadian that more work will be needed to earn a spot in the category's ranking.
With the victory, Marlon Vera reached his 24th career win and ended a streak of four consecutive losses. Furthermore, the veteran brought an end to Charles Jourdain 's good run , who had been on a three-game winning streak.
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
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