Gillian Robertson kicked off her UFC career the right way at the TUF 26 Finale, securing an armbar just over two minutes into the first round against Emily Whitmire.
Prior to appearing on TUF 26, Gillian Robertson was 3-2 with a pair of submission victories. Her run on the reality show ended quickly, suffering a stoppage loss to veteran Barb Honchak in the first round of the tournament. Robertson was an impressive 9-1 as an amateur.
Emily Whitmire is similarly inexperienced, with just a 2-1 career record. However, one of those wins was against top Bellator contender Emily Ducote. The two fighters were actually bunkmates on the show, but will put that aside for tonight’s battle.
Emily Whitmire rushed in with a combination and was caught with a counter from Robertson. Gillian Robertson initiated an exchange and was caught with a counter herself. Whitmire clinched up with Robertson but could not do anything with it.
Following the separation, Robertson shot for a single leg takedown and got it. Robertson took the back of Whitmire and was in a seated position against the cage. Robertson got her back off the fence, and then sunk both hooks in from the back of her opponent.
Whitmire spun out and ended up in the guard of Robertson and pushed her to the fence. Whitmire stacked the guard but Robertson shot up her legs for an arm bar and got the tap, with both of her legs on the same side of Whitmire’s head impressively.
Gillian Robertson said in the post-fight interview that this is what she lives for and she wants to fight every other month if possible. If she’s able to do that in the brand new flyweight division, the young fighter will rise through the ranks quickly.
Gillian Robertson def. Emily Whitmire by Submission (Armbar) in Round 1 (2:12)
