MMA Preview – Gillian Robertson vs Polyana Viana at UFC 297
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
GILLIAN ROBERTSON VS POLYANA VIANA FACTS
When is UFC 297? Sunday 21st January, 2023 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 297? Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario (Canada)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 297? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 297
What channel is UFC 297 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC 297? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
GILLIAN ROBERTSON VS POLYANA VIANA LOWDOWN
Gillian Robertson (12-8) seemed to have found a new home at strawweight. She was coming off a ruthless submission over Mariya Agapova (2022) at flyweight and then dropped down to meet the unbeaten Piera Rodriguez (2023). She proceeded to extend her record of the most submission wins in the second round. She then met Tabitha Ricci (2023) who had too much class on the feet picking up a unanimous decision denting the UFC record to 8-6.
Polyana Viana (13-6) is also coming off a disappointing loss last summer. She ended 2022 perfectly by racking up her fifth knockout over Jinh Yu Frey and returned 10 months later to take on Iasmin Lucindo at UFC on ESPN 51. Unfortunately for her, she got submitted in the second round to go 4-5 in the UFC.
GILLIAN ROBERTSON VS POLYANA VIANA PREDICTION
We can fully expect Robertson to close the distance early to try and drag Viana to the ground. The Brazilian is very dangerous on the feet and Robertson has exceptional jiu-jitsu.
Viana also has quality ground skills, but she cannot afford to stay on her back for too long. She is a much better striker, so has to try and keep the fight on the feet.
Viana is a finisher, but that can work against her here. We cannot see her finding a submission unless she rocks Robertson and if she does not knock her out, it is hard to see her winning. She has never won a decision and Robertson has the grappling to close the show.
We feel Viana’s jiu-jitsu is good enough to avoid getting submitted, but unless she lands something clean early, a Robertson decision is most likely.
Prediction: Robertson via Decision
Value bet: Viana via KO/TKO
