Gillian Robertson Picks up Controversial Sub of Piera Rodriguez in Strawweight Debut

It was not without controversy, but Gillian
Robertson made a successful 115-pound debut, vindicating her
own decision to drop from flyweight while spoiling Piera
Rodriguez’s undefeated record at
UFC on ESPN 44.

Robertson quickly showed that her grappling chops would be carrying
over to her new division, as she took advantage of a Rodriguez
takedown to sweep to top position and dominate the bulk of Round 1.
Robertson’s offensive wrestling, often a sore spot at flyweight,
was effective in Round 2, as she spilled Rodriguez to the canvas
with a single-leg takedown within seconds. “The Savage” then spent
the balance of the period in a series of dominant positions
including side control and full mount, landed strikes and kept
Rodriguez looking generally overwhelmed on the ground.

With under a minute left in Round 2, Robertson peeled off for an
armbar and extended the Venezuelan’s right arm. Chaos ensued from
there, as referee Keith
Peterson moved in for the submission stoppage at 4:21, only to
have Rodriguez spring up and protest. Replay showed what appeared
to be a single tap, a second or two before the intervention.

While we are likely to hear more about this one, Robertson elevated
her record to 12-7 overall, 9-6 in the UFC since joining out of
“The Ultimate Fighter” Season 26; Rodriguez’s first professional
loss left her at 2-1 in the promotion and 9-1 overall.