The upcoming UFC strawweight matchup between Marina Rodriguez and Gillian Robertson is set for May 3, 2025, as part of the prelims at UFC Fight Night in Des Moines, Iowa. This fight is significant for both athletes, with Rodriguez looking to defend her place in the top 10 and Robertson aiming to break into elite contention.
Marina Rodriguez vs. Gillian Robertson – Odds
Gillian Robertson is the clear betting favorite going into her fight with Marina Rodriguez. Odds from several major sportsbooks, such as melbet, put Robertson at around 1.36 to 1.70 to win (meaning you’d need to bet about $136 to $170 to win $100), while Rodriguez is the underdog, with odds ranging from 3.25 to 3.50 (a $100 bet would win you $325 to $350 if she pulls off the upset).
As for the likely method of victory, the odds and both fighters’ styles suggest Gillian Robertson is most likely to win by submission. She has the highest submission rate in UFC women’s history and has been on a roll with her ground game. Rodriguez, on the other hand, is a striker with knockout power, so her best chance is to keep the fight standing and look for a finish or outpoint Robertson over three rounds.
Gillian Robertson’s style is heavily grappling-based, relying on her black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and ground control to dominate opponents. She has recently defeated Luana Pinheiro, Michelle Waterson-Gomez, and Polyana Viana, showcasing her improving striking and relentless grappling pressure. Robertson’s submission rate (60%) far exceeds Rodriguez’s (6%), the Canadian athlete is the record-holder for most submission wins in UFC women’s history.
Rodriguez is known for her striking skills, employing a Muay Thai-based style with solid takedown defense and a preference for keeping the fight standing. She has notable wins over fighters like Amanda Ribas, Michelle Waterson-Gomez, Mackenzie Dern, and Yan Xiaonan, but has struggled recently, going 1-4 in her last five fights, including losses to Iasmin Lucindo, Jessica Andrade, Virna Jandiroba, and Amanda Lemos.
The stakes are high for both fighters. For Rodriguez, a win is crucial to halt her recent skid and maintain her status as a contender. For Robertson, a victory would propel her into the top 10 and establish her as a legitimate threat in the strawweight division. Robertson is seen as one of the faces of Canadian MMA and is looking to make a statement by defeating a top-10 opponent. The contrasting styles and career trajectories make this an intriguing and potentially pivotal bout in the division.
