Ryan Roberts (mixed martial artist)

Last updated
Ryan Roberts
Born (1978-07-16) July 16, 1978 (age 45)
Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Other namesAre You Ready?
Nationality American
Height5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Weight139 lb (63 kg; 9.9 st)
Division Lightweight
Featherweight
Bantamweight
Reach65.0
Fighting out of Omaha, Nebraska, United States
TeamDisorderly Conduct
Years active2006–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total36
Wins22
By knockout9
By submission3
By decision10
Losses12
By knockout3
By submission6
By decision3
Draws1
No contests1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Ryan Roberts (born July 16, 1978) is an American [1] former professional mixed martial artist, [2] who competed in the Featherweight division, but has also competed at Lightweight and Bantamweight. [3] He is the former VFC featherweight champion, and is also known for his short stints in Bellator and UFC. He is a bare-knuckle boxer, currently competing in the lightweight division in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).

Contents

Mixed martial arts career

Roberts began his mixed martial arts career in 2006 for the AFC promotion, and made local competitor Nick Wright tap out from strikes early in the first round for his first victory. Four fights into his career, Roberts faced future WEC and UFC fighter Donald Cerrone, and was submitted with an armbar in the first round.

He would continue fighting local competitors in various smaller promotions in Iowa, Colorado, and Nebraska, and compiled a professional record of 10–2 before being signed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship in early 2008.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

In his one and only appearance for the UFC, Roberts faced submission specialist and Pride FC standout Marcus Aurelio at UFC Fight Night: Florian vs. Lauzon on April 2, 2008. [4] Roberts was submitted with an armbar in just thirteen seconds, and was subsequently released from the promotion shortly after. [5]

Post-UFC career

Following his UFC release, Roberts would go on a career worst six-fight losing streak against opponents of varying fighting status. On April 2, 2010, Roberts faced Chris Mickle at Midtown Promotions, and won the fight when Roberts knocked out Mickle with a slam in the first round. [6] He won two more fights and was then signed by Bellator.

Bellator Fighting Championship

Roberts faced Eric Marriott in a rematch at Bellator 32 on October 14, 2010. [7] He lost the fight by unanimous decision. [8]

He returned to Bellator after an undefeated run on the regional circuit and faced Zach Makovsky at Bellator 54 on October 15, 2011. [9] Roberts lost the fight by north-south choke and was released from Bellator. [10]

Victory Fighting Championship

Since his release from Bellator, Roberts has made an unexpected career resurgence, successfully capturing the VFC featherweight championship against Josh Arocho on December 15, 2012. [11] [12]

For his first title defense, Roberts faced WEC veteran L.C. Davis at VFC 41 on December 14, 2013. Roberts won the back-and-forth fight by split decision. [13] Roberts then faced Chase Beebe at VFC 42 on March 15, 2014, [14] winning the fight by a dominant unanimous decision. [15]

Roberts faced Jeremy Spoon at VFC: Fight Night Harrahs 1 on September 12, 2014. [16] He won the fight by a razor-thin split decision, marking his third straight successful title defense. Roberts faced UFC veteran Ramiro Hernandez at VFC 46 on July 25, 2015, winning the fight by first round knockout. [17]

Resurrection Fighting Alliance

Roberts signed with Resurrection Fighting Alliance in mid-2015, and is faced prospect Adam Townsend in his debut at RFA 30 on September 18, 2015. [18] He lost the bout by unanimous decision. [19]

Return to Victory Fighting Championship and retirement

Roberts faced Robert Emerson at VFC 54 on December 9, 2016 and lost his VFC featherweight championship in the first round via technical knockout as a result of a knee injury. [20] Roberts retired from MMA after the bout. [21]

Bare-knuckle boxing

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

Roberts made his debut against Jorge Gonzalez at BKFC 21 on September 10, 2021 and won by knockout in the second round. [22]

Roberts faced Bobby Taylor at BKFC Fight Night Omaha on May 17, 2024. [23] He lost the fight by unanimous decision. [24]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
35 matches21 wins12 losses
By knockout93
By submission26
By decision103
Draws1
No contests1
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Loss21–12–1 (1)Robert EmersonTKO (knee injury)VFC 54: Pitolo vs. Kayne 2December 9, 201611:34 Omaha, Nebraska, United StatesLost the VFC Featherweight Championship.
Loss21–11–1 (1)Adam TownsendDecision (unanimous)RFA 30: Smith vs. JardineSeptember 18, 201535:00 Lincoln, Nebraska, United States
Win21–10–1 (1)Ramiro HernandezKO (punches)VFC: Victory Fighting Championship 46July 25, 201512:12 Omaha, Nebraska, United StatesDefended the VFC Featherweight Championship.
Win20–10–1 (1) Jeremy Spoon Technical Decision (split)VFC: Fight Night Harrahs 1September 12, 201435:00 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United StatesDefended the VFC Featherweight Championship.
Win19–10–1 (1) Chase Beebe Decision (unanimous)VFC: Victory Fighting Championship 42March 15, 201455:00 Omaha, Nebraska, United StatesDefended the VFC Featherweight Championship.
Win18–10–1 (1) L.C. Davis Decision (split)VFC: Victory Fighting Championship 41December 14, 201355:00 Ralston, Nebraska, United States
Win17–10–1 (1)Josh ArochoDecision (unanimous)VFC: Victory Fighting Championship 38December 15, 201255:00 Ralston, Nebraska, United StatesWon the VFC Featherweight Championship.
Loss16–10–1 (1) Zach Makovsky Submission (north-south choke) Bellator LIV October 15, 201114:48 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Draw16–9–1 (1)Rick GlennDrawMCC 35: Brawl at the HallAugust 5, 201155:00 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Win16–9 (1) Nick Mamalis Decision (unanimous)The Cage Inc.: Battle at the Border 9April 23, 201155:00 Hankinson, North Dakota, United StatesWon the TCI Featherweight Championship. [25]
Win15–9 (1)Dennis DavisDecision (unanimous)EB: Beatdown at 4 Bears 8March 12, 201135:00 New Town, North Dakota, United States
Win14–9 (1)Jeff LentzDecision (unanimous)Extreme Challenge: Bad BloodFebruary 11, 201135:00 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Loss13–9 (1)Eric MarriottDecision (unanimous) Bellator XXXII October 14, 201035:00 Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Win13–8 (1)Eric MarriottDecision (unanimous)VFC 32: Dober vs. Seipel 2July 30, 201035:00 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Win12–8 (1)Chaz HaagTKO (punches)CFX / XKL: Mayhem in MinneapolisApril 24, 201010:20 Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Win11–8 (1)Chris MickleKO (slam)Midtown Productions: Mayhem at MancusoApril 2, 201013:50 Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Loss10–8 (1) Duane Ludwig TKO (submission to punches)ROF 36: DemolitionDecember 4, 200912:05 Denver, Colorado, United States
Loss10–7 (1)Eric MarriottDecision (unanimous)TFC 14: Titan Fighting Championship 14October 2, 200935:00 Kansas City, Kansas, United States
Loss10–6 (1)Jonathan MurphyTKO (punches)XFO: Xtreme Fighting Organization 28February 27, 200912:24 Lakemoor, Illinois, United States
Loss10–5 (1)Joe WilkSubmission (guillotine choke)VFC 26: OnslaughtFebruary 20, 200913:06 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Loss10–4 (1)John MahlowSubmissionAE: Atomic EnterprizesSeptember 6, 200822:10 Sarasota, Florida, United States
Loss10–3 (1) Marcus Aurelio Submission (armbar) UFC Fight Night: Florian vs. Lauzon April 2, 200810:16 Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Win10–2 (1)Joe DohertyDecision (unanimous)VFC 22: AscensionFebruary 29, 200855:00
Win9–2 (1)Zach WolffTKO (punches)VFC 22: AscensionFebruary 29, 200822:23
Loss8–2 (1) Alonzo Martinez SubmissionVFC 20: AcesSeptember 7, 20071N/A Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Win8–1 (1)Rocky JohnsonDecision (split)Battlequest 6: ShootoutJuly 21, 200735:00 Eagle, Colorado, United States
NC7–1 (1)Zac GeorgeNo ContestIFO: Eastman vs. KimmonsJuly 7, 200712:09 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win7–1Eugene CrislerTKO (punches)XFO: Xtreme Fighting Organization 18June 30, 200721:37 Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, United States
Win6–1Alex RutterKO (punches)VFC 19: InfernoMay 18, 200713:22 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Win5–1Jake BurriolaSubmission (keylock)GFC 1: GenesisApril 20, 200723:19 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Loss4–1 Donald Cerrone Submission (armbar)ROF 28: EvolutionFebruary 16, 200711:49 Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Win4–0Josh SmidtSubmission (rear-naked choke)RFN 2: Royalty Fight Night 2February 10, 200721:37 Emmetsburg, Iowa, United States
Win3–0Ryan HeckertTKO (punches)VFC 17: PredatorsDecember 9, 200611:15 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Win2–0Tony HawkinsTKO (punches)Fury Fights: Battle in Brookings 1December 2, 200612:18South Dakota, United States, United StatesWon the Fury Fights Lightweight Championship.
Win1–0Nick WrightTKO (submission to punches)AFC 9: Fresh MeatAugust 25, 20061N/A Omaha, Nebraska, United States

Bare knuckle boxing record

Professional record breakdown
2 matches1 win1 loss
By knockout10
By decision01
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Loss1–1Bobby TaylorDecision (unanimous) BKFC Fight Night: Omaha May 17, 202452:00 Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Win1–0Jorge GonzalezKO (punch) BKFC 21 September 10, 202120:29 Omaha, Nebraska, United States

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Riggs</span> American mixed martial arts fighter

Joseph Jonathan Riggs is an American professional bare-knuckle boxer and former mixed martial artist who is currently signed to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2001, Riggs formerly competed for the UFC, WEC, Strikeforce, Bellator, ProElite, M-1 Global, and King of the Cage. Riggs is the former WEC Middleweight Champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Neer</span> American mixed martial arts fighter

Joshua Martin Neer is an American bare-knuckle boxer and former mixed martial artist. A professional competitor since 2003, he has competed for the UFC, Bellator, the Quad Cities Silverbacks of the IFL, and Shark Fights. Neer is the former Shark Fights Interim Welterweight Champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Houston Alexander</span> American mixed martial artist

Houston Alexander is an American former professional mixed martial artist who last competed in 2017. A professional competitor since 2001, he has fought for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Bellator MMA, Shark Fights, the Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA), and Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki (KSW). He currently competes in bare-knuckle boxing for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, where he is 4-0.

Ryan James Jensen is an American mixed martial artist who competed in the Middleweight division. A professional competitor from 1997 until 2015, he competed for the UFC, Bellator, and Strikeforce.

Héctor Lombard is a Cuban and Australian professional mixed martial artist, bodybuilder, and former Olympic judoka who competes in the Light Heavyweight division of Eagle FC. Lombard has also competed in the middleweight and welterweight divisions. Lombard is best known for his tenure in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and has also fought in Deep, Pride, and Bellator where he was the inaugural Bellator Middleweight Champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chad Mendes</span> American mixed martial arts fighter

Chad Eduardo Mendes is an American former professional bare-knuckle boxer, mixed martial artist, and collegiate wrestler who is currently signed to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Mendes gained notoriety competing in the featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he was a three-time UFC championship challenger. Competing as a Cal Poly Mustang, he was a two-time NCAA Division I All-American and a Pac-10 Conference champion in folkstyle wrestling.

Joey Beltran is an American bare-knuckle fighter and mixed martial artist. A professional mixed martial artist since 2007, he has competed for the UFC, Bellator, Strikeforce, and King of the Cage. He also competed in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship where he was the former BKFC Heavyweight Champion.

Luis Vicente Palomino is a Peruvian-American mixed martial artist and bare-knuckle fighter who is the current Lightweight champion Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, he once held both Lightweight and Welterweight, making him the first “double champ” in the BKFC. He also competed in the Lightweight division for the World Series of Fighting and Absolute Championship Berkut. In addition, he previously fought in the featherweight division.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Richman</span> American mixed martial arts fighter

Michael Richman is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division of the Legacy Fighting Alliance. A professional competitor in mixed martial arts since 2008, Richman has competed for Bellator MMA, and is also 2-0 as a professional boxer. Richman currently competes as a bare-knuckle boxer with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.

Roberto "Robbie" Andres Peralta is an American mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the Featherweight division. A professional competitor since 2006, he has competed for the UFC, the World Series of Fighting, Strikeforce, and Bellator.

Johnny Bedford is an American retired mixed martial artist and bare-knuckle boxer. A professional from 2003 to 2017, he fought in the UFC, Bellator, the Legacy Fighting Alliance, and was a competitor on Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs. Team Miller. He also fought for the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), where he was a former BKFC Bantamweight Champion.

Dakota Galen Cochrane is an American mixed martial artist who fights in the Lightweight and Welterweight divisions. He has competed for Bellator MMA, Resurrection Fighting Alliance, Legacy Fighting Championship, Titan Fighting Championships, and Legacy Fighting Alliance. Cochrane is currently competing as a bare-knuckle boxer in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). He has victories over former UFC fighters Johny Hendricks and Chris Leben.

Alonzo Martinez is an American professional mixed martial arts fighter. Alonzo has fought twice for Bellator Fighting Championships as a lightweight and once with Strikeforce as a welterweight. Martinez has been an MMA fighter for over eleven years, with notable fights against Toby Imada, and UFC vets Estevan Payan, Yves Edwards, and Yaotzin Meza. He is also known for his submission expertise, with 22 of his 36 career wins coming by submission.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bec Rawlings</span> Australian mixed martial artist

Bec Rawlings is an Australian mixed martial artist and bare-knuckle boxer, who currently competes in the flyweight division.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jimmie Rivera</span> American mixed martial arts fighter

Jimmie Rivera is an American professional mixed martial artist and bare-knuckle boxer, currently signed to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Prior to signing with BKFC, Rivera competed in the UFC's Bantamweight division, and achieved status as a top 5 UFC bantamweight contender. Rivera has formerly competed for Bellator, the World Series of Fighting, CFFC and King of the Cage, where he was the KOTC Bantamweight Champion.

Emanuel J. Brooks is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Middleweight division. A professional since 2010, he has fought in Bellator MMA.

Jake Lindsey is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division. A professional since 2010, he has fought in the UFC, Bellator, the Legacy Fighting Alliance, and Titan FC.

Michael Rhodes is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Middleweight division. A professional competitor since 2012, Rhodes has formerly competed for the UFC, Bellator MMA, Absolute Championship Berkut, and RFA.

Mark Godbeer is an English bare-knuckle boxer and former mixed martial artist. A professional MMA competitor from 2009 until 2018, he competed for the UFC, Bellator MMA, Absolute Championship Akhmat, and BAMMA. He is a former BAMMA heavyweight champion. In bare-knuckle boxing, he is a former Valor heavyweight champion, and a BKB British heavyweight champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mads Burnell</span> Danish mixed martial artist

Mads Burnell is a Danish mixed martial artist who competes in featherweight division of Bellator MMA. Professional mixed martial artist since 2013, Burnell has also competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Cage Warriors, where he was a Featherweight champion. He was the European Championship European No-Gi Champion in 2014.

References

  1. "Ryan Roberts". Sherdog. Archived from the original on September 5, 2015.
  2. "Ryan Roberts". mixedmartialarts.com. Archived from the original on July 21, 2015.
  3. "Ryan Roberts". fightmatrix.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2015.
  4. "Sources: Ryan Roberts vs. Marcus Aurelio at UFC Fight Night 13 (Updated)". mmajunkie.com. March 20, 2008.
  5. "UFC: Marcus Aurelio vs. Ryan Roberts". tapology.com. April 2, 2008.
  6. "Mayhem At The Mancuso Official Results". mixedmartialarts.com. April 2, 2010.
  7. "Heavyweights on Target at Bellator 32 Weigh-ins". fightnetwork.com. October 13, 2010.
  8. "Bellator 32: Eric Marriott vs. Ryan Roberts". tapology.com. October 14, 2010.
  9. "Champ Zach Makovsky expects 'big' challenge with Ryan Roberts at Bellator 54". mmajunkie.com. October 11, 2011.
  10. "Bellator 54 results recap for 'Shlemenko vs Rogers' in Atlantic City, New Jersey". mmamania.com. October 16, 2011.
  11. "Josh Arocho: Looking to embarrass Ryan Roberts at VFC 38". victoryfighter.com. December 14, 2012.
  12. mixedmartialarts.com (December 15, 2012). "Victory Fighting Championships 38 Official Results".
  13. "VFC 41 Results: Roberts Ekes Past Davis, Neer Submits Smith". themmacorner.com. December 14, 2013.
  14. "Roberts to face Beebe in VFC 42 at Ralston Arena". omaha.com. March 14, 2014.
  15. "VFC 42: Ryan Roberts vs. Chase Beebe". tapology.com. March 15, 2014.
  16. "VFC Fight Night Harrahs: Friday, September 12, at Stir Cove at Harrahs". victoryfighter.com. September 11, 2014.
  17. "Victory Fighting Championship 46: Roberts vs Hernandez Official Results". mixedmartialarts.com. July 25, 2015.
  18. "RFA 30 returns to Nebraska with former UFC fighters Smith and Roberts". mmajunkie.com. July 27, 2015.
  19. "RFA 30 results: Anthony Smith stops Brock Jardine with strikes in first round". MMA Junkie. 2015-09-19. Retrieved 2024-04-15.
  20. Staff, MMAWeekly com (2016-12-11). "VFC 54 Results: Rob Emerson Follows Conor McGregor, Becomes Dual-Division Champion". MMAWeekly.com | UFC and MMA News, Results, Rumors, and Videos. Retrieved 2024-04-15.
  21. Al-Shatti, Shaun (2016-12-10). "Ryan Roberts suffers knee injury, retires after TKO loss". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2024-04-15.
  22. "BKFC 21 full results: Mike Richman knocks down Dakota Cochrane five times before second-round stoppage". MMA Junkie. 2021-09-10. Retrieved 2024-04-15.
  23. "BKFC FIGHT NIGHT OMAHA". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-04-15.
  24. "BKFC Fight Night Omaha Results | BKFC". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Retrieved 2024-05-18.
  25. "The Cage Inc: Battle at the Border 9 Official Results". mixedmartialarts.com. April 23, 2011.