Canadian UFC star Gillian Robertson made her debut in the UFC’s women’s strawweight division in dominant fashion against Piera Rodriguez at UFC Kansas City.
Robertson holds the record for the most submissions among women in the UFC. She looked to continue her impressive form after a win against Mariya Agapova and a submission of former strawweight champion, “Thug” Rose Namajunas in BJJ.
Robertson vs Rodriguez
In the first round, Robertson tried to find her way past Rodriguez’s defense, but it was Rodriguez who caught Robertson’s kick and led to her pulling guard. However, Robertson managed to grab a leg and quickly landed a takedown, ending up in top position. She passed into half-guard and landed an elbow on Rodriguez, opening up a cut. Robertson ended the round in top position, likely securing the frame 10-9.
The armbar gets it done for Gillian Robertson in round two 🔒 #UFCKansasCity pic.twitter.com/dfmPVXkeNP
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) April 15, 2023
In the second round, Robertson landed an immediate takedown and Rodriguez attempted to defend with a kimura. But Robertson countered it with an arm-bar and went into side control. After gaining mount, she delivered a series of elbows to Rodriguez, who eventually regained half-guard.
https://twitter.com/ChillemThreebo/status/1647381620167520258?s=20
However, Robertson quickly went back to mount, attempting a kimura, which led to Rodriguez tapping. Despite Rodriguez’s protests, the result was announced as a verbal submission.
Piera Rodriguez said post-fight that she didn't tap to Gillian Robertson #UFCKansasCity. pic.twitter.com/zBYZ8bvUF6
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) April 15, 2023
Robertson addresses concerns there was no tap
“I’m just there for the ref to pull me off. I wasn’t paying attention to that at all necessarily,” she told media after. “I was just thinking about tucking her arm underneath my armpit, and I was just going to break it. If anything, (ref) saved her.”
