While the main event at UFC 320 unfolded in Las Vegas, on the faraway East Coast at New Jersey’s Prudential Center, mixed martial arts’ youngest cousin—bare-knuckle fighting—was busy crowning its King of Violence. Headlining BKFC 82 Newark, former UFC star Mike Perry outpunched Jeremy Stephens in the fifth round to retain his King of Violence middleweight title. The bout also earned the Fight of the Night honor.

However, alongside Perry’s thumping victory, another fight, and particularly one of its participants, became the center of conversation on social media. The buzz surrounded former UFC fighter Karl Roberson. The New Jersey native, who left the UFC in 2022 after a loss to Kennedy Nzechukwu, joined the BKFC ranks, securing a cruiserweight bout at BKFC 82 against Oluwale Bamgbose. Apart from the fight, what truly caught fans’ attention was the fact that he reportedly competed while wearing an ankle monitor!

Karl Roberson’s fight under watch

Sharing a picture, presumably of Karl Roberson, Full Send MMA posted on Twitter (X): “This might be a first. Karl Roberson out here fighting in BKFC with an ankle monitor tonight. 😭👮🏻‍♂️ #BKFC82″ Underneath his white socks, a device resembling an ankle monitor could be seen strapped to his right leg.

Ankle monitors are devices used to track individuals under court supervision, such as those on probation, parole, or house arrest. In Roberson’s case, it appears he faced arrest in 2023 on felony charges of burglary, theft, and criminal mischief related to an incident in December 2022.

Regardless, the 35-year-old lost his fight to Bamgbose in the second round at BKFC 82 via technical knockout. Karl Roberson (9–7) first signed with the UFC in 2017 after impressing with a 15-second knockout of Ryan Spann on Dana White’s Contender Series. During his UFC stint, he fought 11 times across the light heavyweight and middleweight divisions. Some of the notable names he faced include Glover Teixeira, Marvin Vettori, Brendan Allen, and Khalil Rountree Jr. However, Roberson’s career eventually took a downturn, as he suffered four consecutive stoppage losses. As a result, he was released from UFC in July 2022.

When fans came across the viral image of his BKFC debut, reactions poured in immediately.

Fans can’t believe their eyes

One fan expressed genuine respect: “No excuses, just pure grit—Karl Roberson showing what fighting spirit really means.” The situation might raise quite a few eyebrows. But Roberson’s determination to continue his career despite legal challenges surprisingly inspired this fan.

And a sarcastic comment followed. “Lmaooo classy,” wrote this user, clearly mocking the fighter’s appearance with the monitor. Perhaps Roberson’s conduct outside the ring remains questionable.

A third fan highlighted the absurdity of the moment: “Lmao, this is crazy work.” Indeed, the sight of a fighter making his debut with a court-ordered device is bound to leave many fans bewildered.

For some, Roberson’s appearance even brought back memories of Sedriques Dumas, another former UFC fighter who reportedly had to wear an ankle monitor following his 2025 arrest on charges including home invasion, assault, and dr*g possession. One comment captured this sentiment perfectly: “Bro thinks he’s Dumas.”

Not everyone was shocked, though. One user bluntly stated, “Not surprising tbh.” Perhaps given the media attention surrounding Roberson’s case, a few fans likely expected such a scene.

While fans and pundits will soon debate Perry’s next move, Karl Roberson’s side story offers a sobering reminder of the sport’s duality. There are triumphs that inspire. And then there are struggles that reveal the harsher side of a fighter’s life.

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