A pivotal strawweight showdown is set for UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo on Saturday, May 3, 2025, as seasoned striker Marina Rodriguez faces off against submission specialist Gillian “The Savage” Robertson at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.
This clash of styles features two women at different crossroads in their careers. Rodriguez (17-5-2), once a fixture in the top 5 of the division, is looking to halt a steep slide and re-establish her status among the elite. Known for her high-volume Muay Thai attack and technical precision, the 37-year-old Brazilian enters this fight with urgency after a string of setbacks.
On the other side, Robertson (15-8), nine years her junior, is on the ascent. A relentless grappler and one of the UFC’s most dangerous submission artists, she’s eyeing this matchup as her ticket into the strawweight top 10. Coming off a dominant decision win over Luana Pinheiro, “The Savage” is the heavy betting favorite and eager to capitalize on her momentum.
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📺 Where to Watch Marina Rodriguez vs. Gillian Robertson? (UFC Des Moines – May 3, 2025)
- Event: UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo
- Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
- Location: Wells Fargo Arena – Des Moines, Iowa
- Weight Class: Women’s Strawweight (115 lbs)
- Broadcast: ESPN / ESPN+
📈 Betting Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
| Gillian Robertson | -340 |
| Marina Rodriguez | +270 |
🧪 Fighting Styles & Strengths
Rodriguez
- Strength: Elite striker with high output (4.64 SLpM)
- Approach: Uses range, leg kicks, and volume to outpoint opponents
- Weakness: Vulnerable to takedowns (TD defense at 62%), limited grappling offense
Robertson
- Strength: Ground specialist with a high submission rate (60%)
- Approach: Chain wrestling into dominant top control and aggressive submission hunting
- Weakness: Can be outstruck if she fails to close distance or gets stuck on the feet
🕒 Recent Performances
Marina Rodriguez
- ❌ Lost to Iasmin Lucindo via split decision (Nov 2024)
- ❌ Lost to Michelle Waterson-Gomez via UD (Jul 2024)
- ✅ Win over Amanda Lemos via UD (Mar 2024)
- ❌ Lost to Yan Xiaonan via UD (Jan 2024)
- ❌ Lost to Carla Esparza via TKO (Oct 2023)
Gillian Robertson
- ✅ Defeated Luana Pinheiro via unanimous decision (Nov 2024)
- ❌ Lost to Amanda Ribas via UD (Jul 2024)
- ✅ Beat Tabatha Ricci via submission (Apr 2024)
- ✅ Win over Polyana Viana via UD (Jan 2024)
📊 Statistical Comparison
| Stat | Marina Rodriguez | Gillian Robertson |
| Height | 5’6″ | 5’5″ |
| Reach | 65″ | 63″ |
| Significant Strikes Landed/Min | 4.64 | 2.89 |
| Striking Accuracy | 46% | 48% |
| Strikes Absorbed/Min | 3.04 | 2.95 |
| Takedowns per 15 Min | 0.28 | 2.10 |
| TD Accuracy | 50% | 39% |
| TD Defense | 62% | 41% |
| Submission Attempts per 15 Min | 0.2 | 1.0 |
🧩 Keys to Victory
Marina Rodriguez
- ✅ Stay on the feet at all costs
- ✅ Maintain distance using kicks and combinations
- ✅ Avoid clinch situations and circle off the cage
Gillian Robertson
- ✅ Close distance early and establish takedowns
- ✅ Pass guard and hunt for subs from dominant positions
- ✅ Stay aggressive but not reckless in scrambles
🎯 Prop Bets to Watch
| Prop Bet | Odds (Est.) |
| Fight goes the distance – YES | -110 |
| Robertson by submission | +175 |
| Rodriguez by decision | +450 |
| Robertson wins in R1 | +300 |
| Total rounds over 2.5 | -115 |
💰 Same-Game Parlay
- ✅ Robertson to win
- ✅ Over 1.5 Rounds
- ✅ Robertson by Submission
Estimated Payout: +325 to +400 range (varies by sportsbook)
🔚 Final Marina Rodriguez vs. Gillian Robertson Prediction
This bout is all about where the fight takes place. If Rodriguez can keep it upright, she can outpoint Robertson with ease over three rounds. But given Robertson’s grappling pedigree, the odds favor her dragging this to the mat sooner or later. Rodriguez has struggled with elite wrestlers in the past, and “The Savage” could dominate once she secures a takedown.
🧠 Prediction: Gillian Robertson via submission – Round 2
🎯 Best Bet: Robertson by Submission (+175)
