Tai Tuivasa’s wait for a drought-breaking UFC victory will continue, with the Australian’s fall from grace extended with a loss to Robelis Despaigne in a “crazy” fight at UFC 331.
Having not won in the Octagon since February 12, 2022, Tuivasa faced an opponent in Despaigne who had never previously won a fight that had gone beyond the first round.
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But in a heavyweight tussle featuring lengthy grapples in all three rounds and ended with both men completely out on their feet, the judges awarded the Cuban victory via split decision.
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The 28-29, 29-28, 28-29 loss is Tuivasa’s eighth consecutive UFC defeat, bringing his career record to 14-11, and puts his spot on the roster in serious jeopardy.
Beginning with a flurry of punches, Tuivasa was left bleeding from the nose by the end of the first round as he and Despaigne traded heavy blows.
“This is crazy, nasty!” commentator Daniel Cormier explained as the Australian wore a heavy right hook to the head, only to respond in kind.
“Just wild exchanges.”
After the early onslaught, Despaigne initiated a lengthy grapple which took up much of the rest of the first round, as Tuivasa struggled to break free.
In the second, the Cuban’s inexperience at fights lasting longer than a round, having secured all six of his previous UFC wins via first-round TKO, appeared to tell as Tuivasa seemed to be taking control.
“He might have the worst cardio ever,” Cormier said of Despaigne.
“He’s just trying to survive, which is just crazy because we’re halfway through the second round,” co-commentator Joe Rogan added.
Once again, Despaigne opted to grapple, bringing Tuivasa to the floor and holding him there.
The Australian was only able to escape and return to his feet late in the round by way of a stand-up call from the referee, as the crowd began to boo.
All the while, the Cuban looked close to collapse.
“He just looks like his lungs are on fire,” Rogan said.
Still, Despaigne had the edge in the fight, rocking Tuivasa with a heavy right hand early in the third round as the pair grappled once more.
“The thing about Tai Tuivasa is he’s used to being hurt. He’s so good at staying composed in the middle of wars,” Rogan said.
It was one final takedown, soaking up the round, that looked set to secure Despaigne victory – his first by decision in the octagon.
“His cardio looks horrible, but by doing this, he’s going to get better at longer fights, so he’ll be more dangerous next time,” Cornier said.
“I feel like this takedown is going to get him the victory.”
Cheers rang out as Tuivasa, mounting one last push, got back to his feet with under 20 seconds remaining.
But he was only able to throw two more tired punches before the round was over.
And with it, possibly his time in the UFC.