Gillian Robertson came out on top in a fight full of back-and-forth grappling against Veronica Macedo at UFC Prague, winning by rear-naked choke.
Gillian Robertson was a contestant on TUF 26, falling to veteran Barb Honchak in her lone appearance on the show. She was able to bounce back with submission victories in her first two UFC fights over Emily Whitmire and Molly McCann. The American Top Team product is looking to bounce back from a submission loss to Mayra Bueno Silva in which she tapped with five seconds remaining in the first round. Robertson also spoke to Cageside Press’ Jay Anderson prior to this contest.
Veronica Macedo has not fought frequently, with an 0-2 record since signing with the UFC in 2016. She’s pulled out of scheduled bouts with both Maryna Moroz and Lina Lansberg in that span. When she did step into the Octagon, the 23-year-old fell to Andrea Lee and Ashlee Evans-Smith.
Both fighters started by attempting to find their range with straight punches unsuccessfully. Gillian Robertson closed in for a takedown and was briefly reversed by Macedo before eventually dragging her down. Robertson secured mount, but Macedo kicked off the cage to end up in top position. Robertson shot for an armbar that was just enough to sweep back to top position. Macedo worked her way to the fence and began to stand up, but Robertson took her back. Macedo turned and nearly gave up mount but was able to turn strong enough to get back into top position. The brief period of stand-up was uneventful before Robertson closed in on another single-leg and landed in side control. Macedo moved her legs non-stop looking for a sweep, and nearly set-up a triangle out of it. The round ended with Robertson in guard.
Macedo started the second round with kicks that Robertson cut through to shoot for a takedown. Macedo reversed and ended up in guard. Robertson got back to her feet quickly, caught a kick and got a single-leg takedown. Macedo reversed position on the ground, but Robertson responded with an armbar attempt. While she couldn’t get the submission, she used the armbar to beautifully sweep Macedo into mount. Macedo attempted to spin out, giving up her back in the process and Robertson took full advantage. She sunk in the rear-naked choke, flattened out Macedo and forced her to tap out.
The submission tied Robertson with Montana De La Rosa for the most finishes in the young UFC flyweight division with three.
Gillian Robertson def. Veronica Macedo by Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in Round 2 (3:27)
