In a thrilling showdown at UFC 297, Gillian Robertson, the UFC's all-time women's submission record holder, faced off against Polyana Viana in a strawweight clash. Robertson, aiming to add another victory to her impressive record, showcased her prowess in wrestling and grappling.
Polyana Viana, the Brazilian fighter, had her eyes set on a significant win over one of the UFC's seasoned veterans. However, Robertson had different plans and displayed dominance with her skilled wrestling and grappling techniques. The Canadian fighter aimed to level the playing field for her country, and she did not disappoint.
In the opening minute, after setting it up with her boxing skills, Gillian Robertson executed a well-timed takedown. She controlled the fight with a powerful half-guard position, actively seeking submissions while maintaining a heavy top position. Robertson smoothly transitioned to the full mount, displaying her expertise, and then shifted to an arm-triangle attempt. Despite Viana's efforts to escape, Robertson showcased her slick transitions, moving back to full mount and then attempting an armbar.
The resilient Viana managed to create just enough space to escape, briefly taking top position after slamming Robertson. The first round concluded with both fighters showcasing their skills in an intense battle.
The second round saw more time on the feet, but Robertson remained persistent in her pursuit of a takedown. She succeeded one minute into the round with a snatch single leg, utilizing half guard to advance to dominant positions. Robertson seamlessly transitioned between full mount and back mount, unleashing powerful elbows that weakened Viana's resistance. Eventually, Viana could only turtle up in defense, prompting the referee to intervene and stop the fight.
After the impressive victory, Gillian Robertson highlighted that this was her second TKO in the sport, both occurring in her home country of Canada. With her tenth UFC win, she expressed her desire to face a ranked opponent in her next bout. Robertson, who has flirted with a top-15 ranking for years, is currently in good form with a 3-1 record in her last four fights. Her call for a higher-ranked challenge reflects her confidence and determination to continue climbing the ranks in the competitive world of UFC.