Former UFC competitor Karl Roberson recently stepped into the bareknuckle boxing ring while wearing an electronic monitoring device on his ankle. The 35-year-old athlete competed at a BKFC event in Hollywood, with the bulky ankle monitor clearly visible beneath his sock.
Roberson’s debut in the BKFC proved challenging, as he suffered a TKO loss to Oluwale Bamgbose in the second round. However, the outcome of the bout quickly became secondary to discussions about the conspicuous monitoring device that caught the attention of spectators and social media users alike.
The presence of the ankle monitor stems from serious legal troubles that have followed Roberson in recent years. Court records reveal that the athlete was arrested on felony charges including burglary, theft, and criminal mischief in New Jersey following a 2022 traffic stop. During the search of his vehicle, authorities discovered a firearm, controlled s*bstances, and items linked to a house robbery where custom jewelry valued at approximately £148,000 was stolen.
Initially entering a not guilty plea, Roberson later changed his position and pleaded guilty to the charges in May 2024. This legal development resulted in a five-year sentence under the custody of New Jersey’s Department of Corrections, though the specific terms of his current status remain unclear.
Neither Roberson’s legal representation nor BKFC officials have provided clarification regarding whether he received parole or other arrangements that allowed his participation in the event.
This incident draws parallels to a similar controversy in New Zealand, where UFC star Dan Hooker hosted a backyard tournament that featured Jon Paul ‘Fightdog’ Te Rito, a member of the Mongrel Mob gang who competed while wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet. Te Rito was alleged to have violated his bail conditions by participating in the event rather than attending a required rehabilitation program.
Hooker defended his tournament participant by writing a letter of support to the court, describing his event as a “platform for self expression, and a healthy outlet to cope with life’s pressures.”
The UFC lightweight further argued that “Physical activity is a proven tool to help men overcome mental health issues, such as depression or addiction. It can be more productive than an unrelatable counselling session.”
The judge ultimately ruled that Te Rito’s attendance at Hooker’s event did not constitute a bail violation, allowing him to return home. Hooker later celebrated this outcome on social media, sharing what appeared to be a courthouse gathering with Te Rito’s supporters.
Roberson’s UFC career spanned several years, during which he compiled a record of nine wins and six losses before his release in July 2022. He began his promotional tenure with an impressive six-victory streak before suffering his first defeat to Cezar Ferreira in 2018. Following his departure from the UFC, Roberson transitioned to bareknuckle boxing.
