Dana White Contender Series 3 winner Karl Roberson wants early swim with 185-pound UFC sharks

LAS VEGAS – As the closing act of a finish-filled Tuesday night, Dana White’s Contender Series 3 headliner Karl Roberson knew he needed to make a statement.

“(I thought) I’ve got to stand out,” Roberson said after the event, which streamed live on UFC Fight Pass from The Ultimate Fighter Gym in Las Vegas. “These guys are coming. I’m the last fight on the main card, so I’ve got to show off. Got to finish this guy. Early.”

Considering Roberson (5-0) needed only 15 seconds to dispatch light heavyweight Ryan Spann (10-5) with elbows, it’s safe to say he managed that just fine. And, other than a fifth victory on his unblemished professional record, the 26-year-old fighter earned a UFC contract for his efforts.

Roberson was one of two fighters who was offered a deal in the third week of the event series, which looks to scout UFC-level talent. After what was as close to a perfect night in the office for any up-and-coming MMA fighter, it’s easy to understand why Roberson would have a tough time articulating the full extent of his emotions.

“It’s going crazy; it’s all over the place,” Roberson said. “I’m so happy. Hard work really paid off. It feels so good that the grind actually pays off. The feeling is crazy. The feeling’s surreal. I’m just like not at in my body right now. I’m just looking down.”

The deal, however, is not going to come without some sacrifice. As UFC President Dana White told UFC Fight Pass reporter Laura Sanko after the show, he believes Roberson is undersized for the UFC’s 205-pound division. The feeling was also expressed by Roberson himself during a quick conversation after the announcement.

“First thing (White) asked was like, ‘How much do you weigh?'” Roberson said. “I’m like, 211. He was like, ‘So, you’ve been down to 185?’ Right then I knew, ‘OK, I’m not fighting at 205.'”

The prospect, however, isn’t too upset about that. First, he’s already made the 185-pound limit before. And, considering his friend Corey Anderson is an active fighter in the UFC’s light-heavyweight class, he’s happy to even avoid having that possible matchup in the mix.

“He (can) take over the 205; I take the 185,” Roberson said.

With that settled, Roberson is excited to get his UFC career going. And despite the fact he’s already fought three times this year, he’d like that to happen as soon – and as mercilessly – as possible.

“I’m ready to go; I don’t need to chill,” Roberson said. “I’m going right back into camp. You want me to go over to 185? I’ll go to 185 with anybody. I’d rather have somebody in the top 10, I want to hop right into the shark pit. I want someone hard. Let’s go.”

To hear more from Roberson, check out the video above.

And for more on Dana White’s Contender Series 3, check out the MMA Events section of the site.