Introduction

Luana Pinheiro, currently one of the lightest strawweights on the UFC roster, is making waves as she prepares for her upcoming fight against Gillian Robertson at UFC Vegas 100 in Las Vegas. Scheduled to be her seventh appearance in the octagon, Pinheiro has expressed her hopes for the establishment of an atomweight division, which would allow fighters to compete at 105 pounds rather than the current 115-pound strawweight category.

Weight Management Challenges

Pinheiro shared in an interview that her weight struggles are considerable. "I never go over 121 pounds, so an atomweight division would be fantastic," she explained. Just two days before weigh-ins, she began her weight-cutting regimen, highlighting the challenges and discomfort associated with this process. "During fight week, I only eat one pound of food for lunch and another for dinner, along with three açaí bowls and coconut water daily. I can’t seem to eat more than that."

Metabolism and Eating Habits

Her fast metabolism, likened by her doctor to a Ferrari, has posed a unique challenge. Despite her rigorous weight management, Pinheiro emphasized that it's not a problem for her, noting that she was able to eat at a churrascaria just a week before her bout. Observing her opponents, she remarked, “I see fighters struggling in camp while I manage to maintain my energy levels during weight cuts.”

Size and Strength Considerations

Interestingly, she revealed that the heaviest opponent she has faced, Amanda Ribas, made a staggering weight gain of 26 pounds from weigh-ins to fight night. Pinheiro doesn't consider size or strength to be obstacles in her matches, but she believes a shift to atomweight could expedite her journey toward a UFC championship. The girls compete with speed in this division," she commented. Pinheiro believes that some of her 115-pound counterparts may actually weigh more than perceived, adding, "There are fighters out there who walk around at 139 pounds before cutting weight; I’ve never been that heavy."

Fight Strategy Against Robertson

Facing Robertson, who holds the UFC record for most submission wins among women, may test her grappling defenses. However, Pinheiro feels her lighter frame could be an advantage. "I can be quicker because of my weight," she stated. "Opponents usually prefer to strike rather than grapple with me, but I'm well-prepared for whichever strategy they choose."

Conclusion

Pinheiro goes into the match with confidence, believing that she possesses the skills to secure a knockout, as Robertson traditionally doesn’t favor absorbing strikes. "I've trained extensively in takedown defense and escapes,” she assured, adding that while she acknowledges Robertson's submission prowess, she is more than ready to engage in grappling exchanges.

Future of the Atomweight Division

The potential creation of an atomweight division could not only benefit Pinheiro but may also reshape the competitive landscape for countless fighters struggling to manage weight in current divisions. As the UFC evolves, fans eagerly await news of the promotion's next moves in expanding the roster and adding new divisions.