Karate Combat returns to Miami for a loaded one-night eight-man heavyweight tournament with ultimate bragging rights and a shot at reigning heavyweight champion ‘Smilin’ Sam Alvey hanging in the balance.
KC55 will see a slew of former UFC heavyweight standouts making their promotional debut, including Zac Pauga, Chase Sherman, and Tim Johnson. Also featured will be ex-BKFC heavyweight titleholder Alan Belcher and Cuban knockout artist Robelis Despaigne, who has been stacking bodies inside The Pit since making his Karate Combat debut in December.
Prelim 1 – Robelis Despaigne vs. Saulo Cavalari
Cavalari looked absolutely terrified from the opening bell, dancing around The Pit and biting on every feint that Despaign threw his way. Despaigne landed some solid straight shots, including an especially nasty uppercut. Still, Cavalari’s chin held up, allowing him to survive the opening round and take Despaigne to the second stanza for the first time in his KC career.
After getting a bit of a confidence boost in the first, Cavalari came out swinging in the second. However, it was Despaigne who controlled the action and landed the more significant strikes, solidifying himself a decision victory on the scorecards and moving onto the second round of the ‘Last Man Standing’ tournament.
Official Result: Robelis Despaigne def. Saulo Cavalari via unanimous decision.
Prelim 2 – Tim Johnson vs. Chase Sherman
Prelim 3 – Zac Pauga vs. Alan Belcher
Prelim 4 – Daniel James vs. Braxton Smith
