Canada went 2-0 early at UFC Liverpool, as women’s flyweight Gillian Robertson dominated Molly McCann on the ground.
One of three Canadians on the UFC Liverpool card, TUF 26 alum Gillian Robertson welcomed newcomer Molly McCann to the UFC on Sunday. Robertson, though eliminated early on TUF 26, looked solid in a submission win against Emily Whitmire at the show’s finale in December. Against ‘Meatball,’ the Canadian was looking to continue that success.
Robertson, heavily booed during her walkout given McCann’s local status, traded kicks with her opponent to open the flyweight affair. The pair would keep things standing through the first two minutes, with McCann landing a couple of impressive strikes that earned the respect of her opponent. That led to Robertson securing a takedown with three minutes remaining, moving to half-guard, then side control. Robertson stayed active, using knee on belly and excellent shoulder control, looking for an opening. Unable to escape, McCann allowed the Canadian to move to mount, where she worked in ground and pound, then took her opponent’s back. Robertson maintained that dominant position to the round’s end, and started off the second by picking up where she left off.
Strong 1st round for @Savage_UFC at #UFCLiverpool pic.twitter.com/8yira28Ay8
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) May 27, 2018
Securing the takedown in the first minute of round two, Robertson had ‘Meatball’ face down along the fence. With plenty of time to work, she got her hooks in, and looked to trap an arm. From there, it didn’t take long for the finish to come. Robertson got her arm under McCann’s chin, and the rear-naked choke was set. Molly McCann refused to tap in front of her home town crowd, and instead went to sleep. Just like that, Canada was 2-0 on the night.
Gillian Robertson def. Molly McCann by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 2:05
