Amanda Ribas has her eyes set on UFC gold, and her upcoming rematch against Mackenzie Dern at UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Ribas 2 could be the pivotal moment that brings her one step closer to the coveted strawweight title.
Since joining the UFC in 2019, Ribas has proven herself as a versatile fighter, finding success in both the strawweight and flyweight divisions. Now ranked in the Top 10 of both divisions, Ribas is determined to make 2025 the year she climbs to the top.
Ribas’ Relentless Fighting Spirit
Ribas is known for her "fight anyone, anywhere" mentality. Whether it's strawweight or flyweight, she has never backed down from a challenge. Over the years, Ribas has taken on big names like Katlyn Chookagian, Maycee Barber, and former flyweight champion Rose Namajunas. Despite her willingness to compete across weight classes, Ribas knows where her true focus lies.
“I love to fight,” Ribas said. “Always when UFC offers me a really good opportunity to fight at 125, I get it because they always offer me huge names, and I can’t say no. But my focus is now on 115 because I know it’s my weight division and I’m closer to the belt.”
Currently ranked No. 8 in the strawweight division, Ribas understands the significance of this rematch with Dern, who sits at No. 6. A victory over Dern could catapult Ribas into the Top 5 and position her as a legitimate title contender.
The Road to UFC Gold
This fight is about proving that Ribas belongs in the title conversation. With Amanda Lemos, Jéssica Andrade, and Virna Jandiroba already in the mix, Ribas knows that a win here, followed by another strong performance, could earn her a shot at the strawweight title.
“It’s really important for me to win this fight,” Ribas explained. “If I beat her, I can go to the top because we both have wins over Virna Jandiroba, who’s No. 3. So, I think this fight and maybe one more, and I can go for the belt.”
In their first meeting back in 2019, Ribas dominated Dern by stuffing all of her takedowns and outstriking her throughout the fight. However, Ribas is not underestimating her opponent this time around. She recognizes the improvements Dern has made, especially in her boxing, and is preparing for the best version of her rival.
“One fight is one fight; we can’t compare,” Ribas noted. “I know she got better in boxing, and I know I’m better mentally. I’m more experienced, and I know I can prove more in my striking too.”
Fueled by Determination
After suffering a setback in her last fight against Rose Namajunas in March 2024, Ribas took time off to reset and refocus. The rescheduling of this bout to January 11, 2025, gave her even more time to prepare, and she’s itching to get back into action.
“This time without fighting was hard because I love to fight,” Ribas said. “My last fight was in March, and I took a long time to rest my body and to miss this feeling of wanting to fight.”
Now, with the countdown to UFC Fight Night nearly over, Ribas is ready to prove she belongs among the elite in the strawweight division. She believes that a dominant win over Dern will put her on the shortlist of fighters worthy of challenging for the title.
Catch all the action live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 11, 2025. The prelims kick off at 4 PM ET/1 PM PT, while the main card starts at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT, streaming live on ESPN+.