LAS VEGAS – Gillian Robertson expected more from herself against Luana Pinheiro at UFC Fight Night 247.
Robertson (15-8 MMA, 12-6 UFC) extended her winning streak to three fights and won for the fourth time in five appearances since dropping to strawweight courtesy of a unanimous decision triumph over Pinheiro (11-4 MMA, 3-3 UFC) on Saturday at the UFC Apex.
Given she has the second-most finishes of any female in UFC history, Robertson sets high standards for herself with every trip to the octagon. Any time she goes to the judges is a disappointment, so she struggles to feel very good about her result against Pinheiro.
“Not my best,” Robertson told MMA Junkie of her performance post-fight at UFC Fight Night 247. “I don’t feel like that was my best performance, so I guess I’m not on top of the world about this win. But it does feel good to get another win. It’s the first time in the UFC I’ve ever got three wins in a row, so I guess I’m happy about that.”
Robertson admits there were moments throughout the 15-minute affair that she could’ve done more to accomplish her goal of a stoppage. It didn’t happen, but it also took her a few minutes to know the areas where she had the opportunity to push harder for a submission or TKO.
“I just wish I stayed on her more – stayed on her face,” Robertson said. “I don’t think I was active enough in the second round – or even the first round, I think I played it a little too safe, I feel like. I held on too long, and could’ve opened up a little bit more.”
Although Robertson failed to meet her lofty self-expectations, she ultimately did come out with her hand raised and continues to find success since dropping to 115 pounds. At 29, Robertson has already competed 18 times under the UFC banner and has shown evolution and growth all along the way.
Winning a UFC championship is the major target for Robertson in her career, and she said she will continue to take a slow and steady approach until she gets there.
“Right now, I’m kind of on a six-month routine, and I feel like that’s perfect for me, honestly, just with weight cuts and everything,” Robertson said. “I feel like six months between fights is ideal. (I will fight) anyone above me. Maybe not one above – that’s what I said last time, I was like, ‘Anybody above me.’ Then they gave me the person one above me. So maybe if we can climb like two or three, that would be nice.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 247.