UFC Kansas City Results: Gillian Robertson Picks up Controversial Sub of Piera Rodriguez in Strawweight Debut

The armbar gets it done for Gillian Robertson in round two 🔒 #UFCKansasCity pic.twitter.com/dfmPVXkeNP

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) April 15, 2023

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.

Piera Rodriguez said post-fight that she didn't tap to Gillian Robertson #UFCKansasCity. pic.twitter.com/zBYZ8bvUF6

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) April 15, 2023