Buddy Roberts (fighter)

Buddy Roberts (born October 17, 1982) is an American mixed martial artist. He currently fights as a Middleweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background
Roberts was born in Fort Worth, Texas and lived in Mansfield, Texas, where he played many sports, including football, soccer, and basketball, as well as horseback riding on his family's ranch. After playing basketball for one year in high school, he focused on football and continued his career at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas. He played for four years and then turned his career focus to fighting upon graduating college.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Roberts was set to make his UFC debut on February 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV 1 against Sean Loeffler. However, just minutes before the fight was set to take place, Loeffler injured his ankle while warming up and was forced out of the fight.

Roberts made his UFC debut on June 8, 2012 at UFC on FX 3 against fellow newcomer Caio Magalhaes. Roberts outstruck Magalhaes throughout the fight and won by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).

Roberts was expected to face Chris Camozzi on August 11, 2012 at UFC 150. However, Camozzi was injured and forced off the card. Roberts instead faced Yushin Okami, replacing Rousimar Palhares who was also injured and forced off the card. During the second round Roberts was defeated via TKO.

Roberts was expected to face Michael Kuiper on January 26, 2013 at UFC on Fox 6. However, Roberts was forced out of the bout with an illness and was replaced by promotional newcomer Josh Janousek.