Kenneth Duane Robertson is a once retired American mixed martial artist. A professional from 2008 until 2016, he competed for the UFC and Bellator. He is returning for his first fight back in early 2020.
Before MMA
In high school he wrestled for Metamora Township High School. Robertson excelled in wrestling, where he was a three time NCAA Division I qualifier for Eastern Illinois University. While competing for the Panthers he was a four time West Regional conference finalist. He took 3rd his freshman year, 2nd sophomore years in 2005, and then won the championship as a junior and senior in 2006 and 2007. As a junior in 2006, he was one match away from being an All American at the NCAA championships. His senior year was the last year that Eastern Illinois University sponsored a wrestling program, making Robertson the last NCAA qualifier the school ever had.
Robertson compiled a 10-0 professional MMA record before signing with the UFC including a submission win over TUF alum John Kolosci at.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Robertson was expected to make his UFC debut against fellow unbeaten fighter, Pascal Krauss on November 13, 2010, at UFC 122. However, Robertson was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Mark Scanlon. Robertson eventually made his UFC debut on February 5, 2011 at UFC 126, losing to Mike Pierce via TKO in the second round. Following the loss, Robertson was released from the promotion.
Post-UFC
Robertson had his first post-UFC fight against fellow UFC veteran Lúcio Linhares on October 1, 2011. He won via KO due to a spinning backfist in round 1.
Return to UFC
Robertson made his UFC return against Aaron Simpson on July 11, 2012 at, replacing an injured Jon Fitch. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Robertson defeated Brock Jardine on February 23, 2013, at UFC 157. He was victorious in the first round due to a modified kneebar from the back mount position. The submission applies pressure to the hamstring of the opponent by grabbing the ankle and hyperextending at the knee. The finish earned him the Submission of the Night bonus. Robertson faced Sean Pierson on June 15, 2013 at UFC 161. Pierson defeated Robertson via majority decision. Robertson was expected to face Joao Zeferino on September 4, 2013 at UFC Fight Night 28. However, Robertson pulled out of the bout citing and injury and was replaced by UFC newcomer Elias Silverio. Robertson faced Thiago Perpétuo on March 23, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 38. He won the fight via submission in the first round. Robertson was briefly linked to a bout with Zak Cummings on July 16, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 45. However, Cummings was pulled from that fight in favor of a matchup with Gunnar Nelson a few days later at UFC Fight Night 46 after his opponent Ryan LaFlare was removed from the card. Subsequently, Robertson eventually faced Ildemar Alcântara on July 5, 2014 at UFC 175. He won the fight via unanimous decision. Robertson faced Sultan Aliev on January 24, 2015 at UFC on Fox 14. He won the fight via knockout in the first round. The win also earned Robertson his first Performance of the Night bonus award. Robertson was expected to face George Sullivan on April 18, 2015 at UFC on Fox 15. However, Robertson pulled out of the bout citing injury and was replaced by Tim Means. Robertson next faced Ben Saunders on July 25, 2015 at UFC on Fox 16. He lost the back-and-forth fight by split decision. Robertson faced Roan Carneiro on September 17, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 94. He lost the fight via split decision and was subsequently released from the promotion.
