Heartbreak for fight fans as a highly anticipated strawweight bout at UFC Vegas 112 has been cancelled! Amanda Lemos, one of the top contenders, has been forced to withdraw due to illness, leaving her match against Gillian Robertson off the card. This news is a major blow, especially considering the stakes involved. Both fighters were on the cusp of making a big move in the division.
The UFC confirmed the withdrawal, citing a “medical issue” for Lemos. Unfortunately, the specific nature of her illness remains undisclosed.
For those unfamiliar with the rankings, Lemos currently holds the No. 5 spot in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, while Robertson is ranked at No. 10. A win for either fighter could have significantly propelled them forward in the 115-pound contender race.
Lemos' recent performance has been a mixed bag. She's coming off a loss to Tatiana Suarez and has seen alternating wins and losses in her last six fights. However, she does boast a notable decision victory over the current champion, Mackenzie Dern, back in February 2024. A title shot would have been her second opportunity to claim UFC gold, after her previous loss to Zhang Weili at UFC 292.
Robertson, on the other hand, has been on a roll. Since dropping down from 125 pounds, she's won five out of six fights, including a streak of four consecutive victories. Her most recent win was a second-round knockout against Marina Rodriguez this past May. And this is the part most people miss: Robertson is known for her finishing ability, holding the record for the most submission finishes by a woman in UFC history, as well as the most wins inside the distance in the women’s flyweight division.
But here's where it gets controversial... What does this withdrawal mean for the future of both fighters? Will Lemos' recovery impact her standing in the division? And how will Robertson's momentum be affected?
The main event at UFC Vegas 112 will still feature a men’s flyweight bout between Brandon Royval and Manel Kape. Despite the loss of the Lemos vs. Robertson fight, the card will proceed with a total of 12 scheduled bouts.
What are your thoughts on this last-minute change? Do you think it will significantly impact the event? Share your opinions in the comments below!
