The UFC closes out 2025 with a pivotal Fight Night at the Apex, headlined by flyweight contenders Brandon Royval and Manel Kape in a potential title eliminator. On the main card, a crucial women’s strawweight clash sees No. 4-ranked Amanda Lemos defend her spot against No. 11-ranked Gillian Robertson, pitting Lemos’ knockout power against Robertson’s elite grappling in a striker-vs.-grappler classic. Both aim to rebound toward title contention in a division dominated by Weili Zhang. This 12-fight card delivers ranked drama and prospect tests to end the year. Below is a detailed preview, focusing on Lemos vs. Robertson, with event logistics and betting insights.
Injury Report
As of December 9, 2025, the card is injury-free, including Lemos vs. Robertson. Lemos (31) is fully recovered from a minor shoulder strain in her July 2025 training camp (cleared by UFC medicals), and Robertson enters peak condition after her October decision win (no flags). The event’s slate held steady: Royval’s concussion history is monitored but stable, and a prelim cut issue in November was swapped without ripple.
Fighter Matchups: Amanda Lemos vs. Gillian Robertson (Women’s Strawweight, 3 Rounds)This main card grappler’s nightmare tests Lemos’ one-punch KO threat against Robertson’s world-class BJJ and takedown chains. Lemos (4.8 significant strikes/min, 67% KO rate) pressures with hooks and knees, holding a 75% takedown defense. Robertson (3.5 takedowns/15 min, 7 UFC subs) hunts armbars and triangles, absorbing low volume (2.8 strikes/min) but vulnerable to power (exposed in standup losses). At 31 vs. 30, both prime; Lemos’ 64″ reach edges Robertson’s 63″—strawweight mains finish 52%; model forecasts 58% sub for Robertson if grounded, Lemos TKO if upright.
Amanda “The Lioness” Lemos (14-3-1, Araguaina, Brazil; Age: 31; Height: 5’2″; Reach: 64″; Stance: Orthodox)
Training at Cerrado MMA, Lemos is a power puncher with 9 KOs, including a title-shot upset over Carla Esparza. Her explosive entries (58% accuracy) overwhelm, but grappling tests her defense.
Gillian “The Savage” Robertson (15-8-0, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada; Age: 30; Height: 5’3″; Reach: 63″; Stance: Orthodox)
Out of Niagara Top Team, Robertson is a submission ace (10 career subs) with relentless chains. Her 65% finish rate shines on the mat, though striking output (3.2/min) lags vs. elites.
Key Styles Clash: Lemos’ blitzing offense vs. Robertson’s level changes and back takes. Lemos leads common opponents 1-1 (both beat Dern variably), but Robertson’s 2025 sub streak favors control—prediction: Robertson grinds to a late sub.
Recent Form
Lemos rides finishes but a title setback, while Robertson’s grappling resurgence includes decisions.
| Fighter | Last 5 Fights | Form Notes |
| Amanda Lemos | W-TKO2 (Jandiroba, Jul 2025) L-UD5 (Zhang, Apr 2025) W-KO1 (Rodrigues, Dec 2024) W-TKO3 (Giacomo, Jul 2024) W-KO1 (Esparza, Apr 2023) | 3-1 streak; 100% KO in wins since title loss. Power intact (67% KO rate), but Zhang exposed cardio (absorbed 112 strikes). Camp hones TD defense. |
| Gillian Robertson | W-Sub3 (Godinez, Oct 2025) W-UD3 (Ribeiro, May 2024) L-TKO2 (Trujillano, Dec 2023) W-Sub1 (Dern, Jul 2023) L-UD3 (Torreao, Feb 2023) | 3-2 run; 67% subs in wins. UFC 8-4 overall; recent volume (45 strikes vs. Godinez) boosts confidence. Focusing on entries vs. strikers. |
Fight History
Amanda Lemos (Pro Debut: 2012): Invicta Strawweight Champion before UFC 2022 (6-2 UFC). Total fight time: ~52 minutes across 18 bouts. Strengths: KO power (64%), accuracy (58%). Weaknesses: Grappling (2 sub losses), decisions in elites (1/3 mains).
Gillian Robertson (Pro Debut: 2014): Canadian circuit to UFC 2019 (8-4 UFC). Total fight time: ~78 minutes across 23 bouts. Strengths: Sub rate (67%), takedown chains (55% acc.). Weaknesses: Striking defense (TKO losses), output vs. power (2.8 absorbed/min).
FIGHT ODDS
Amanda Lemos – 185
Gillian Robertson + 155
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 12, 2025
