Gillian Robertson Bio
Gillian Elizabeth Robertson is a Canadian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the women’s Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on May 17, 1995, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, she is widely recognized for her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and her nickname “The Savage.” As of August 19, 2025, she is ranked #10 in the UFC women’s strawweight rankings, establishing herself as one of the top contenders in her division.
Robertson has built a reputation for her grappling-heavy fighting style and her ability to finish fights on the ground. Holding a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, she represents The GOAT Shed Academy and currently resides in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. Her professional record reflects a career built on persistence, with a mix of submissions, knockouts, and decision victories that have helped her climb the ranks of one of the most competitive divisions in the UFC.
Early Life and Background
Gillian Elizabeth Robertson was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, and grew up in a country with a strong tradition of combat sports. From a young age, she showed an interest in fitness and martial arts, eventually finding her path in combat training as a teenager.
At the age of 16, Robertson began cardio kickboxing training at American Top Team, a renowned gym known for producing high-level mixed martial artists. After a few months of kickboxing, she was introduced to MMA classes, and her passion for the sport grew quickly. Within two years, she began competing, laying the foundation for what would become a successful professional career.
Path to MMA
Robertson started her professional MMA career in 2016 after amassing a 9–1 record as an amateur fighter. In her early professional career, she competed in five bouts, gaining valuable experience and sharpening her skills against seasoned opponents. Her performances caught the attention of the UFC, and in August 2017, she was announced as one of the fighters featured on The Ultimate Fighter 26, a UFC TV series designed to crown the promotion’s inaugural 125-pound women’s champion.
Although she lost her preliminary fight against Barb Honchak via TKO in the second round, the exposure from The Ultimate Fighter was a turning point in her career. Following the show, Robertson was signed by the UFC, marking the beginning of her journey on one of the biggest stages in mixed martial arts.
Gillian Robertson Career
Early Career (2016–2017)
Gillian Robertson’s early professional career in 2016 saw her quickly establish herself as a rising talent in the flyweight division. After building a strong amateur record, she transitioned to the professional ranks, where she continued to refine her grappling-heavy approach. Her performances in regional promotions earned her a spot on The Ultimate Fighter 26, providing the platform she needed to showcase her skills to a broader audience.
Although her time on The Ultimate Fighter ended with a loss, the experience and visibility from the show positioned her for a UFC contract. This early phase of her career was defined by her commitment to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and her willingness to test herself against high-caliber competition, setting the stage for her future success.
UFC Debut and Flyweight Era (2017–2022)
Robertson made her UFC debut on December 1, 2017, at The Ultimate Fighter 26 Finale, where she submitted Emily Whitmire in the first round. This impressive debut signaled her arrival in the promotion and earned her recognition as a submission specialist. She continued to build momentum in 2018 with a victory over Molly McCann via rear-naked choke, though she also faced setbacks, including a submission loss to Mayra Bueno Silva at UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Anders.
Throughout 2019 and 2020, Robertson experienced a mix of victories and losses, including wins over Sarah Frota and Cortney Casey, and losses to Maycee Barber and Taila Santos. During this period, she transitioned her training to Jose Torres and coach Din Thomas, eventually earning her black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu after nine years of dedicated work. Her flyweight career included notable wins over Veronica Macedo and Priscila Cachoeira, though she also faced tough competition in fights against Miranda Maverick and JJ Aldrich.
In 2022, Robertson continued to compete at flyweight, with a victory over Mariya Agapova via rear-naked choke, further solidifying her reputation as a grappling expert. However, she also faced challenges, including a unanimous decision loss to Aldrich, highlighting the competitive nature of the division.
Strawweight Era and Recent Success (2023–Present)
In 2023, Robertson made the transition to the strawweight division, where she found new success. She defeated Piera Rodríguez via armbar submission at UFC on ESPN 44, earning the Performance of the Night award. This victory marked a turning point in her career, as she adapted to the higher weight class and continued to showcase her grappling skills.
Robertson faced setbacks and triumphs in 2023 and 2024, including a unanimous decision loss to Tabatha Ricci and a technical knockout victory over Polyana Viana at UFC 297, which also earned her a Performance of the Night award. She continued her strong form with wins over Michelle Waterson-Gomez and Luana Pinheiro, the latter fight notable for Robertson throwing the first legal 12–6 elbow under the updated Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts.
In 2025, Robertson defeated Marina Rodriguez via technical knockout at UFC on ESPN 67, further cementing her status as a top contender in the strawweight division. She is currently scheduled to face former UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship challenger Amanda Lemos at UFC on ESPN 73 in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 13, 2025, after Iasmin Lucindo withdrew due to injury.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout her career, Robertson has been recognized for her grappling prowess, earning multiple Performance of the Night awards. She made history by throwing the first legal 12–6 elbow under the updated rules, a moment that highlighted her awareness of regulatory changes and her ability to adapt. Her ranking of #10 in the UFC women’s strawweight division as of August 2025 reflects her consistent performances and her status as one of the division’s top athletes.
Gillian Robertson Career Wins
Gillian Robertson’s professional record stands at 16 wins and 8 losses as of 2025, with a career defined by her submission expertise. She has secured victories via rear-naked choke, armbar, technical knockout, and unanimous decision, demonstrating versatility inside the cage. Her wins span multiple divisions and include memorable performances against ranked opponents.
UFC Highlights
Robertson has accumulated numerous UFC victories since her debut in 2017, with standout wins over Emily Whitmire, Molly McCann, and Sarah Frota. Her transition to strawweight in 2023 brought renewed success, including victories over Piera Rodríguez, Polyana Viana, and Marina Rodriguez. Multiple Performance of the Night awards underscore her ability to deliver memorable performances on the big stage.
Other Wins & Performances
Outside the UFC, Robertson has competed in submission grappling events, including Submission Underground and Fury Pro Grappling, where she faced top competition. Notably, she submitted former two-time UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Rose Namajunas with a rear-naked choke in 65 seconds at Fury Pro Grappling 6 in December 2022. She also secured a unanimous decision victory over Montana De La Rosa at Pit Submission Series 3 in March 2024, further showcasing her grappling credentials.
2025 Season Performance
Gillian Robertson’s 2025 season has been marked by continued success in the strawweight division. Her technical knockout victory over Marina Rodriguez at UFC on ESPN 67 on May 3, 2025, demonstrated her evolving striking game and her ability to finish fights. This win further solidified her position in the rankings and set the tone for a competitive year.
Looking ahead, Robertson is scheduled to face Amanda Lemos at UFC on ESPN 73 on December 13, 2025, in a fight that could propel her closer to a title shot. With her current ranking of #10 and a strong finishing rate, she remains a formidable presence in the division. Her partnership with The GOAT Shed Academy and her dedication to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu continue to be the foundation of her success.
As the year progresses, Robertson’s focus will be on maintaining her momentum and building on her recent performances. Her ability to adapt and finish fights, combined with her grappling pedigree, makes her a constant threat in the strawweight division. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as she aims to climb further up the rankings.