Tai Tuivasa VS Robelis Despaigne

Robelis Despaigne defeated Tai Tuivasa by split decision at UFC 331: Van vs. Pantoja 2, in a heavyweight bout on September 19, 2026. Two judges scored the three-round fight 29-28 for Despaigne, with one dissenting 29-28 for Tuivasa, as Despaigne's repeated takedowns and clinch throws proved decisive in rounds two and three. Despaigne staggered Tuivasa with a left hook in round one and transitioned immediately to back control, though Tuivasa scrambled free and reversed to his own takedown, making the opening round competitive. Despaigne continued to drag the fight to the canvas in the championship rounds, executing throws into half guard and landing sweeping power shots on the feet despite visibly fading late. The loss extended Tuivasa's skid to eight consecutive defeats, tying Tony Ferguson's record for the most losses in a row in UFC history.

Tai Tuivasa fights with everything on the line on a seven-fight skid — and he has joined American Top Team in search of a reset against a dangerous Cuban heavyweight in Robelis Despaigne. Despaigne was re-signed after a run through Karate Combat and a first-round TKO of Junior Dos Santos, and enters as a heavy favorite. It is a classic redemption-versus-momentum story in the heavyweight division, where a single punch can change everything.