With two new debuting lightweights Roberts and Grifford opening the UFC on ESPN 8 card, the pressure of making a big splash was overwhelming. Gifford coming from a smaller league was competing after an year long absence. While Roberts was first discovered on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series 2 and later competed in the TUF 28 Finale. He picked up both his wins, giving him a fair amount of Octagon experience and it was clearly evident tonight as Grifford had a tough fight to deal with. For all three rounds, Roberts had Grifford back peddling multiples times and unable to defend or counter attack as he put on a striking clinic on the Arkansas native. With this win, Roberts remains undefeated and extends his record to 8-0.
Roberts starting to land in the 2️⃣nd#UFCFtLauderdale live on ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/4l6qRn6qEH
— UFC (@ufc) April 28, 2019
Sharp Boxing by Roberts in the 2️⃣nd#UFCFtLauderdale pic.twitter.com/QHVKJKKl5A
— UFC (@ufc) April 28, 2019
8️⃣- 0️⃣
Roosevelt Roberts remains undefeated at #UFCFtLauderdale pic.twitter.com/6mMWCP7X4h— UFC (@ufc) April 28, 2019