It’s been a tough few weeks for referees in combat sports. From early to late stoppages and lack of intervention in fouls like eye pokes, famous names like Mark Smith and Dan Miragliotta could not catch a break. The latest entry on that list is what happened at Karate Combat 58 last night.

What should have been a regular, fan-friendly Friday night show at Universal Studios in Doral instead turned into something far more dangerous. The heavyweight title fight between champion Sam Alvey and former UFC fighter Robelis Despaigne quickly took center stage for all the wrong reasons.

Sam Alvey walked in hoping to defend his title for the third time, but the 6’7″ Despaigne entered determined to extend his win streak and finally make good on his Karate Combat run after a disappointing UFC stretch

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