Sam Alvey Shocks Tyrone Spong at Karate Combat 54 in Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Sam Alvey faced off against Tyrone Spong in the main event of Karate Combat 54 on May 2, 2025, winning by knockout in the second round.

Alvey, the reigning Karate Combat heavyweight champion, showcased his striking skills against the experienced kickboxer in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Alvey entered the ring with a mixed martial arts record of 34-18-1, while Spong was looking to return to competitive fighting after years away.

The fight began with Spong initially controlling the center of the pit, applying pressure on Alvey. Both fighters exchanged light strikes during the first round, establishing their rhythm. However, the bout’s turning point came in the second round when Alvey was accidentally poked in the eye, prompting a brief pause.

Once the fight resumed, Alvey unleashed a powerful right followed by a left hand that sent Spong crashing to the canvas. Referee Marc Goddard stepped in to halt the contest, awarding Alvey the win in dramatic fashion.

After the victory, Alvey, who holds both the light heavyweight and heavyweight titles in Karate Combat, called out Eddie Hall, a strongman competitor turned MMA fighter. “I am going to kick your ass, respectfully,” Alvey stated in his post-fight interview.

Along with Alvey’s bout, the co-main event featured UFC veteran Muhammad Mokaev making his Karate Combat debut against Bolat Zamanbekov. Mokaev is known for his grappling abilities and faced a tough challenge in Zamanbekov.

Alvey’s journey in Karate Combat has seen him recover from a tough stint in the UFC, where he went nine fights without a win. His current record in Karate Combat now stands at 4-0 with one no-contest, a testament to his resurgence in the sport.

In a pre-fight interview, Spong stated his motivations for returning to the ring, particularly his desire to inspire his son, who aspires to be a fighter himself. “I just feel I’m not done yet,” Spong said. “I took that time off to focus on other aspects in life, but I’ve found joy again in training.”

With this win, Alvey solidifies his status as a top competitor in Karate Combat, while Spong’s loss raises questions about his future in the sport.