Sun Dec 07 05:10:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Despaigne Backs Pereira for Heavyweight Domination, Predicts Potential Jones Upset
ORLANDO, FL – October 25, 2025 – Cuban heavyweight Robelis Despaigne, known for his knockout power and upcoming Karate Combat title fight against Sam Alvey, has thrown his support behind UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira’s potential move to the heavyweight division. Despaigne, who sparred with Pereira, believes “Poatan” possesses the necessary attributes to succeed against larger opponents.
“Honestly, Pereira is a heavyweight,” Despaigne stated, emphasizing Pereira’s substantial weight cut to make the 205-pound limit. “He has heavyweight power… he’s a heavyweight who cuts to 205, and he could even afford to make 185 if he wanted to.”
Despaigne also commented on the highly anticipated potential superfight between Pereira and Jon Jones, proposed for a UFC event at the White House in 2026. While acknowledging Jones’ formidable skills, Despaigne believes Pereira’s striking prowess could be a game-changer. “If Jon Jones makes a mistake, you know he can put him to sleep. Not easily — we know Jon Jones’ quality… Pereira has his striking, and Jon Jones, you know, I imagine will try to take advantage of his wrestling. Let’s see who wins.”
Despaigne’s immediate focus remains on his Karate Combat title challenge against Sam Alvey. He acknowledged Alvey’s recent surprising knockout victory over Tyrone Spong and expects a tough battle. “He’s not champion of the division by accident,” Despaigne said of Alvey. “He knows what it is to fight, he knows what it is to compete for a title, and I think it’s going to be a very tough fight.”
Despaigne vs. Alvey takes place this Friday in Florida.
First Piper 