UFC Fighter Says She’s on Medicine and Felt ‘Terrible’ After Opponent Elbowed Her in a Sensitive Spot

On November 9, 2024, UFC fighter Luana Pinheiro faced Gillian Robertson at UFC Vegas 100 in a fight that ended with an unusual and painful injury for the Brazilian strawweight. Pinheiro claimed she was injured by illegal and intentional strikes from her opponent, leading to significant pain and limitations in her daily life.

During the match, Robertson used a series of 12-6 elbows—a controversial technique that was banned in MMA until UFC 240 in July 2019. These elbows are delivered directly downward in a straight line, making them powerful and dangerous. While legal now, they remain a topic of debate due to their effectiveness and potential to cause severe injuries.

According to Pinheiro, several of Robertson’s elbows landed on her buttocks, with one strike hitting her directly on the anus. To make matters worse, she claimed that one of these strikes occurred after the bell rang, signaling the end of the first round. The Brazilian described this as a “disrespectful” and intentional move, stating that Robertson’s actions went beyond what is acceptable in the sport.

In an interview with Ag.Fight, Pinheiro expressed her frustration:
“She elbowed my anus. That’s disrespectful. I would never do that to another fighter. We’re both chasing the same dream, so it’s important to show respect.”

The aftermath of the fight has been challenging for Pinheiro. The injury has left her unable to sit without a cushion and has caused severe pain during simple activities like bending, walking, coughing, and sneezing. Describing her ordeal, she said:
“I couldn’t sit, bend my back, or use much strength without feeling pain. At first, I couldn’t walk, cough, laugh, or even sneeze without agony. Sneezing felt like I was dying.”

Pinheiro was prescribed strong medication to manage the pain, which she recently finished. However, the injury has delayed her recovery and training schedule, significantly impacting her professional and personal life.

Pinheiro did not hold back in criticizing Robertson’s actions during the fight. She accused her opponent of delivering the strikes with malicious intent, emphasizing that the moves were not aimed at securing a submission or knockout. She said:
“It wasn’t about trying to submit me or knock me out—it felt malicious. And she even did it again after the round ended.”

The UFC fighter believes Robertson’s actions were intentional and meant to harm her beyond the scope of a fair fight. Pinheiro called for greater respect among athletes, especially since both fighters are pursuing the same dream of success in the UFC.

The 12-6 elbow strike has been a controversial technique in MMA. Initially banned due to its perceived danger, it was legalized in 2019 with strict regulations. Critics argue that the move can cause severe injuries, particularly when targeted at sensitive areas of the body. Pinheiro’s case highlights the potential risks of this technique and raises questions about its place in professional MMA.

In Pinheiro’s fight, the strikes to her buttocks and anus caused significant damage. The location of the injury is both unusual and sensitive, adding to the controversy surrounding the fight. Many fans and analysts have debated whether Robertson crossed the line, especially with the alleged strike after the bell.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many fans expressing shock and disbelief. One user wrote:
“Gillian Robertson 12-6 elbowing Pinheiro’s…ass? 😂 #UFCVegas100”

Others condemned the actions as unsportsmanlike and called for the UFC to review the fight. Despite the humor some found in the unusual nature of the injury, there has been serious concern about the long-term impact on Pinheiro’s health and career.

Despite the challenges, Pinheiro remains determined to continue her MMA career. In an Instagram post after the fight, she reflected on her faith and the lessons she has learned from the experience:
“If that was your will, my God, even without understanding, I accept and trust! Thank you for life and for living it the way I always dreamed of. The martial art was the path that I chose for my personal evolution. So I accept and thank you with open arms.”

She also thanked her fans for their support, stating that their encouragement has been a source of strength during her recovery.

As of now, the UFC has not issued a formal statement regarding the incident. Gillian Robertson has also remained silent, neither addressing the accusations nor defending her actions. This silence has further fueled speculation and debate among fans and analysts.

Luana Pinheiro’s recovery is ongoing, and it remains unclear when she will return to the octagon. The injury has delayed her training and affected her ability to perform daily activities, but she remains optimistic about her future in the sport. The incident has also sparked conversations about fighter safety and the ethics of certain techniques in MMA.

For now, Pinheiro is focusing on her recovery and leaning on her faith and supporters. She expressed gratitude to her fans, saying:
“Thank you very much to each of you for all the support! I’m so blessed to have so many amazing people who cheer for me.”

The unusual nature of Pinheiro’s injury and the controversy surrounding the fight have brought attention to the risks and ethics of professional MMA. While the sport is known for its physicality and intensity, incidents like this highlight the importance of maintaining respect and fairness in competition.

As the UFC and its fighters continue to push the boundaries of athleticism and skill, cases like Pinheiro’s serve as a reminder of the need for clear rules and accountability. Whether this incident will lead to changes in regulations or penalties for unsportsmanlike behavior remains to be seen.