Ryan Roberts (mixed martial artist)

Ryan Roberts (born July 16, 1978) is an American former professional mixed martial artist, who competed in the Featherweight division, but has also competed at Lightweight and Bantamweight. 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. Roberts was submitted with an armbar in just thirteen seconds, and was subsequently released from the promotion shortly after.

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. 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. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

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

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.

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. Roberts then faced Chase Beebe at VFC 42 on March 15, 2014, winning the fight by a dominant unanimous decision.

Roberts faced Jeremy Spoon at VFC: Fight Night Harrahs 1 on September 12, 2014. 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.

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. He lost the bout by unanimous decision.

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. Roberts retired from MMA after the bout.

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.

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

Championships and accomplishments

 * Victory Fighting Championship
 * VFC Featherweight Championship (One time)
 * Four successful title defenses (vs. L.C. Davis, Chase Beebe, Jeremy Spoon, Ramiro Hernandez.)
 * Fury Fights
 * FF Lightweight Championship (One time)
 * The Cage Incorporated
 * TCI Featherweight Championship (One time)