As UFC Fight Night: Magny vs. Prates approaches, anticipation builds for the high-stakes matchup between Gillian Robertson and Luana Pinheiro. Robertson, known as “The Savage,” has cemented herself as one of the most feared submission specialists in the UFC women’s divisions. With eight wins by submission, Robertson's ground game has become her calling card. Let’s dive into the most jaw-dropping submissions that have defined her career, showcasing her technique, patience, and relentless pursuit of victory on the mat.
1. The Rear-Naked Choke Against Molly McCann (2018)
Robertson’s rear-naked choke against Molly McCann was a masterclass in opportunistic grappling. Facing a tough opponent known for her striking, Robertson waited patiently, taking advantage of a scramble to secure McCann’s back. Her transition was seamless, and once she locked in the choke, McCann had no escape. This victory not only highlighted her grappling prowess but also proved she could submit highly skilled opponents under pressure.
2. The Armbar Finish Over Veronica Macedo (2019)
In her 2019 bout with Veronica Macedo, Robertson showcased her ability to adapt and apply a textbook armbar. As soon as the fight hit the ground, Robertson immediately positioned herself to isolate Macedo’s arm. Within moments, she found her opening and expertly extended the arm to force a tap. The swiftness of her execution demonstrated her precision and deep understanding of arm submissions, a technique she’s continued to utilize in her MMA career.
3. Triangle Armbar Against Courtney Casey (2020)
Robertson’s bout with Courtney Casey was a showcase of endurance and calculated aggression. Known for her resilience on the mat, Casey proved to be a challenge, but Robertson’s patience paid off. After a relentless grappling exchange, Robertson secured a triangle position and transitioned into an armbar. The submission showcased her flexibility in mixing techniques, seamlessly chaining moves until Casey was forced to tap.
4. Submission Win Over Poliana Botelho (2020)
One of the most notable aspects of Robertson’s submission game is her willingness to take risks for rewards. Against Poliana Botelho, she demonstrated her superior ground control and conditioning. The fight saw Robertson maintaining dominant positions and relentlessly searching for the finish. Ultimately, she outmaneuvered Botelho with positional control, leading to an eventual stoppage. Though not officially a submission finish, the fight underscored her ground dominance and ability to keep opponents under control.
5. Rear-Naked Choke Against Priscila Cachoeira (2021)
Robertson’s submission win over Priscila Cachoeira is perhaps her most talked-about victory, primarily due to its intensity. After a series of ground exchanges, Robertson locked in a rear-naked choke with undeniable ferocity. The choke was tight, and while Cachoeira attempted to fight it off, Robertson’s relentless pressure led to a dramatic tap. This fight emphasized her resilience and marked another feather in her cap as a submission artist.
What’s Next Against Luana Pinheiro?
As Robertson prepares to face Luana Pinheiro, she brings with her the lessons and techniques from these memorable victories. Pinheiro is known for her aggression and striking, but Robertson’s expertise on the ground could serve as the ultimate equalizer. Fans can expect Robertson to attempt to bring the fight to the mat early, where her vast submission arsenal awaits.
Will Robertson add another highlight to her submission reel this Saturday? With her track record of dominant finishes and ability to find chokes, armbars, and even triangle locks from almost any position, she remains a formidable threat. For fans of technical grappling and finishes, Robertson's bout against Pinheiro promises to deliver an edge-of-your-seat showdown at UFC Fight Night: Mangy vs. Prates.