Ryan Roberts (mixed martial artist)

Ryan Roberts
Born (1978-07-16) July 16, 1978 (age 46)
Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Other namesAre You Ready?
NationalityAmerican
Height5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Weight139 lb (63 kg; 9.9 st)
DivisionLightweight
Featherweight
Bantamweight
Reach65.0
Fighting out ofOmaha, 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).

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

  • Victory Fighting Championship
  • Fury Fights
    • FF Lightweight Championship (One time)
  • The Cage Incorporated
    • TCI Featherweight Championship (One time)

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
35 matches 21 wins 12 losses
By knockout 9 3
By submission 2 6
By decision 10 3
Draws 1
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 21–12–1 (1) Robert Emerson TKO (knee injury) VFC 54: Pitolo vs. Kayne 2 December 9, 2016 1 1:34 Omaha, Nebraska, United States Lost the VFC Featherweight Championship.
Loss 21–11–1 (1) Adam Townsend Decision (unanimous) RFA 30: Smith vs. Jardine September 18, 2015 3 5:00 Lincoln, Nebraska, United States
Win 21–10–1 (1) Ramiro Hernandez KO (punches) VFC: Victory Fighting Championship 46 July 25, 2015 1 2:12 Omaha, Nebraska, United States Defended the VFC Featherweight Championship.
Win 20–10–1 (1) Jeremy Spoon Technical Decision (split) VFC: Fight Night Harrahs 1 September 12, 2014 3 5:00 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States Defended the VFC Featherweight Championship.
Win 19–10–1 (1) Chase Beebe Decision (unanimous) VFC: Victory Fighting Championship 42 March 15, 2014 5 5:00 Omaha, Nebraska, United States Defended the VFC Featherweight Championship.
Win 18–10–1 (1) L.C. Davis Decision (split) VFC: Victory Fighting Championship 41 December 14, 2013 5 5:00 Ralston, Nebraska, United States
Win 17–10–1 (1) Josh Arocho Decision (unanimous) VFC: Victory Fighting Championship 38 December 15, 2012 5 5:00 Ralston, Nebraska, United States Won the VFC Featherweight Championship.
Loss 16–10–1 (1) Zach Makovsky Submission (north-south choke) Bellator LIV October 15, 2011 1 4:48 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Draw 16–9–1 (1) Rick Glenn Draw MCC 35: Brawl at the Hall August 5, 2011 5 5:00 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Win 16–9 (1) Nick Mamalis Decision (unanimous) The Cage Inc.: Battle at the Border 9 April 23, 2011 5 5:00 Hankinson, North Dakota, United States Won the TCI Featherweight Championship.[25]
Win 15–9 (1) Dennis Davis Decision (unanimous) EB: Beatdown at 4 Bears 8 March 12, 2011 3 5:00 New Town, North Dakota, United States
Win 14–9 (1) Jeff Lentz Decision (unanimous) Extreme Challenge: Bad Blood February 11, 2011 3 5:00 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Loss 13–9 (1) Eric Marriott Decision (unanimous) Bellator XXXII October 14, 2010 3 5:00 Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Win 13–8 (1) Eric Marriott Decision (unanimous) VFC 32: Dober vs. Seipel 2 July 30, 2010 3 5:00 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Win 12–8 (1) Chaz Haag TKO (punches) CFX / XKL: Mayhem in Minneapolis April 24, 2010 1 0:20 Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Win 11–8 (1) Chris Mickle KO (slam) Midtown Productions: Mayhem at Mancuso April 2, 2010 1 3:50 Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Loss 10–8 (1) Duane Ludwig TKO (submission to punches) ROF 36: Demolition December 4, 2009 1 2:05 Denver, Colorado, United States
Loss 10–7 (1) Eric Marriott Decision (unanimous) TFC 14: Titan Fighting Championship 14 October 2, 2009 3 5:00 Kansas City, Kansas, United States
Loss 10–6 (1) Jonathan Murphy TKO (punches) XFO: Xtreme Fighting Organization 28 February 27, 2009 1 2:24 Lakemoor, Illinois, United States
Loss 10–5 (1) Joe Wilk Submission (guillotine choke) VFC 26: Onslaught February 20, 2009 1 3:06 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Loss 10–4 (1) John Mahlow Submission AE: Atomic Enterprizes September 6, 2008 2 2:10 Sarasota, Florida, United States
Loss 10–3 (1) Marcus Aurelio Submission (armbar) UFC Fight Night: Florian vs. Lauzon April 2, 2008 1 0:16 Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Win 10–2 (1) Joe Doherty Decision (unanimous) VFC 22: Ascension February 29, 2008 5 5:00
Win 9–2 (1) Zach Wolff TKO (punches) VFC 22: Ascension February 29, 2008 2 2:23
Loss 8–2 (1) Alonzo Martinez Submission VFC 20: Aces September 7, 2007 1 N/A Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Win 8–1 (1) Rocky Johnson Decision (split) Battlequest 6: Shootout July 21, 2007 3 5:00 Eagle, Colorado, United States
NC 7–1 (1) Zac George No Contest IFO: Eastman vs. Kimmons July 7, 2007 1 2:09 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 7–1 Eugene Crisler TKO (punches) XFO: Xtreme Fighting Organization 18 June 30, 2007 2 1:37 Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, United States
Win 6–1 Alex Rutter KO (punches) VFC 19: Inferno May 18, 2007 1 3:22 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Win 5–1 Jake Burriola Submission (keylock) GFC 1: Genesis April 20, 2007 2 3:19 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Loss 4–1 Donald Cerrone Submission (armbar) ROF 28: Evolution February 16, 2007 1 1:49 Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Win 4–0 Josh Smidt Submission (rear-naked choke) RFN 2: Royalty Fight Night 2 February 10, 2007 2 1:37 Emmetsburg, Iowa, United States
Win 3–0 Ryan Heckert TKO (punches) VFC 17: Predators December 9, 2006 1 1:15 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Win 2–0 Tony Hawkins TKO (punches) Fury Fights: Battle in Brookings 1 December 2, 2006 1 2:18 South Dakota, United States, United States Won the Fury Fights Lightweight Championship.
Win 1–0 Nick Wright TKO (submission to punches) AFC 9: Fresh Meat August 25, 2006 1 N/A Omaha, Nebraska, United States

Bare knuckle boxing record

Professional record breakdown
2 matches 1 win 1 loss
By knockout 1 0
By decision 0 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 1–1 Bobby Taylor Decision (unanimous) BKFC Fight Night: Omaha May 17, 2024 5 2:00 Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Win 1–0 Jorge Gonzalez KO (punch) BKFC 21 September 10, 2021 2 0:29 Omaha, Nebraska, United States

See also

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.