Tale of the Tape
Result Summary
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.
Fight Overview
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.
Keys to Victory
Tai Tuivasa
- Land his trademark overhand right early before Despaigne's game plan can be fully established.
- Use his durability to walk through early fire and look for the finish once Despaigne begins to slow.
- Apply pressure against the cage and use his physical size to bully Despaigne into awkward exchanges.
Robelis Despaigne
- Use his striking accuracy and pace to pick Tuivasa apart rather than getting drawn into a straight brawl.
- Control the center of the cage and use movement to prevent Tuivasa from landing his powerful overhand.
- Stay disciplined on the ground and finish the fight standing where his recent momentum gives him a clear edge.
Last 5 fights
Tai Tuivasa
Robelis Despaigne
- W Junior Dos Santos
- L Austen Lane
- L Waldo Cortes-Acosta
- W Josh Parisian
- W Miles Banks
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AI-generated This analysis was generated with AI and may contain errors.