Robelis Despaigne, Alan Belcher in for Karate Combat one-night heavyweight tournament

Tyler Durden 2025.07.11 2 min read

Robelis Despaigne | Photo via Karate Combat

Karate Combat will hold a one-night, 8-man heavyweight tournament to determine who will be the first to challenge two-division champion Sam Alvey. The grand prix will go down at Karate Combat 55 on July 18, the first leg of a doubleheader in Miami.

UFC veteran Robelis Despaigne, who scored three wild knockouts in a combined 24 seconds since joining the promotion, will face former GLORY light heavyweight champion Saulo Cavalari in the opening round.

The winner advances to the semifinal against whoever emerges victorious between longtime MMA heavyweight veterans Tim Johnson and Chase Sherman.

On the other side of the bracket, former BKFC champion Alan Belcher takes on fellow Karate Combat newcomer Zac Pauga, while Daniel James battles Braxton Smith for the fourth semifinal spot.

Karate Combat officials told MMA Fighting that the quarterfinal and semifinal matches will be contested in two three-minute rounds, adding a third round for the final. A sudden-death round will determine the winner in case of a draw.

The Friday event will be topped by Arturo Vergara vs. Adam Noi for the bantamweight title. On Saturday, Karate Combat 56 will have Shahzazib Ring and Luiz Rocha unifying the lightweight belts in the main event, while Alex Pereira’s sister Aline Pereira faces off with Fani Peloumpi for the flyweight championship in the co-headliner.

Check the updated lineups below.

Karate Combat 56