Born in Croydon, London, Roberts grew up on a deprived estate with his mum and ten siblings before moving to Hartcliffe, Bristol at age 9. Unfortunately, things were only marginally better and Roberts, who grew up with without his father around began to find himself drifting down the wrong path with the wrong people. After being expelled from seven different schools in London, Roberts and his mother moved away from the city. Roberts began boxing as at age 16, he compiled a 3-1 pro record, before making his debut in mixed martial arts in 2010.
After going 1-1 as an amateur, he made his professional debut in December 2010. He competed for several regional promotions across Great Britain, including a stint in Cage Warriors. He was able to compile a record of 11 - 1 before signing with the UFC on the heels of a first round finish of Jim Wallhead in September 2015.
Roberts was expected to make his promotional debut against Michael Graves on 10 December 2015 at UFC Fight Night 80. However, Graves was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Nathan Coy. Roberts won the fight via technical submission in the first round. Roberts next faced Dominique Steele on 23 April 2016 at UFC 197. He won the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision. Both participants were awarded a Fight of the Night bonus. Roberts faced Mike Perry on 8 October 2016 at UFC 204. He lost the back and forth fight via knockout in the third round. Roberts faced Bobby Nash on 16 July 2017 at UFC Fight Night 113. He won the fight via knockout in the second round. Roberts was expected to face Sheldon Westcott on 16 December 2017 at UFC on Fox 26. However, Westcott was removed from the card for undisclosed reasons in early December and was replaced by Nordine Taleb. Roberts lost the fight via knockout in the first round. Roberts faced Oliver Enkamp on 17 March 2018 at UFC Fight Night 127. He won the fight via knockout in the first round. Roberts was expected to face Alan Jouban on 22 July 2018 at UFC Fight Night 134. However, on July 12, Jouban was pulled out from the fight, citing a neck injury. Jouban was replaced David Zawada. He won the fight via split decision. This win earned him the Fight of the Night award. Roberts faced Cláudio Silva on 16 March 2019 at UFC Fight Night 147. He lost the bout via an armbar submission in the third round. Roberts faced promotional newcomer Michel Pereira on 18 May 2019 at UFC Fight Night 152. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round. Roberts faced Zelim Imadaev on 9 November at UFC on ESPN+ 21. He won the fight via knockout in round two. Roberts was scheduled to face Nicolas Dalby on 21 March 2020 at . Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was eventually postponed. The bout with Dalby was rescheduled and was expected to take place on 25 July 2020 at. However, Roberts was injured and he was replaced by Jesse Ronson.
Championships and accomplishments
Ultimate Fighting Championship
*Fight of the Night vs. Dominique Steele and David Zawada
