Luana Pinheiro (11-3-0) enters the fight with a mix of knockout and submission victories, showing resilience in her fights. After a loss to Angela Hill in May 2024, Pinheiro looks to bounce back and showcase her improvement in all areas. Her striking power and well-rounded game make her a dangerous opponent, but she will need to sharpen her defense and maintain composure against Robertson’s submission attacks. Pinheiro has shown that she is capable of going the distance, having won by decision in notable bouts, including victories over Michelle Waterson-Gomez and Sam Hughes. Pinheiro’s biggest challenge here will be defending Robertson’s grappling attempts and keeping the fight on the feet.
Luana Pinheiro - Last Five Fights:
* Loss vs. Angela Hill at UFC Fight Night 241 - Barboza vs. Murphy (May 18, 2024) – Submission (Guillotine Choke) in Round 2, 4:12
* Loss vs. Amanda Ribas at UFC Fight Night 232 - Allen vs. Craig (Nov 18, 2023) – TKO (Spinning Wheel Kick and Punches) in Round 3, 3:53
* Win vs. Michelle Waterson-Gomez at UFC 287 - Pereira vs. Adesanya 2 (Apr 08, 2023) – Decision (Split) in Round 3, 5:00
* Win vs. Sam Hughes at UFC Fight Night 198 - Vieira vs. Tate (Nov 20, 2021) – Decision (Unanimous) in Round 3, 5:00
* Win vs. Randa Markos at UFC on ESPN 23 - Reyes vs. Prochazka (May 01, 2021) – Disqualification (Illegal Upkick) in Round 1, 4:16
Gillian Robertson (14-8-0) is a submission specialist known for her ground game, with nine of her wins coming via submission. Robertson’s last victory was a dominant submission win over Piera Rodriguez in April 2023. With an impressive armbar and rear-naked choke game, Robertson has demonstrated that she can finish opponents quickly. Despite struggles in her recent losses, including a unanimous decision defeat to Tabatha Ricci in June 2023, Robertson’s grappling and ability to control opponents on the ground remain her key strengths. She will aim to take this fight to the mat and look for a submission victory.
Gillian Robertson - Last Five Fights:
* Win vs. Michelle Waterson-Gomez at UFC 303 - Pereira vs. Prochazka 2 (Jun 29, 2024) – Decision (Unanimous) in Round 3, 5:00
* Win vs. Polyana Viana at UFC 297 - Strickland vs. Du Plessis (Jan 20, 2024) – TKO (Punches) in Round 2, 3:12
* Loss vs. Tabatha Ricci at UFC on ABC 5 - Emmett vs. Topuria (Jun 24, 2023) – Decision (Unanimous) in Round 3, 5:00
* Win vs. Piera Rodriguez at UFC on ESPN 44 - Holloway vs. Allen (Apr 15, 2023) – Submission (Armbar) in Round 2, 4:21
* Win vs. Mariya Agapova at UFC Fight Night 210 - Sandhagen vs. Song (Sep 17, 2022) – Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in Round 2, 2:19
Prediction: Pinheiro has the striking edge and will look to keep the fight standing. However, Robertson’s grappling and submission skills could be the deciding factor in this matchup. If Robertson can close the distance and take the fight to the ground, she may be able to secure a submission victory. Pinheiro, on the other hand, will need to maintain distance and keep the fight on the feet to avoid Robertson’s ground game.
Prediction: Gillian Robertson wins by Submission in Round 2.
