Amanda Ribas, a formidable MMA fighter hailing from Brazil, has captivated audiences with her impressive skills and dynamic fighting style. Competing in the Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Ribas has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with in the Octagon.
Early Life and Training
Amanda Ribas, born on August 26, 1993, hails from Varginha, Minas Gerais, Brazil. She was raised in a martial arts family, with her father, Marcelo Ribas, serving as her first instructor. Marcelo, a judo and Jiu-jitsu coach, also taught Muay Thai. Under his guidance, Amanda began her journey in combat sports, initially training in judo and Jiu-jitsu.
However, Ribas faced a setback when she suffered knee injuries, which forced her to take a break from training and competing. During this break, she found inspiration watching her colleagues prepare for an MMA tournament. Witnessing their dedication and passion reignited Amanda’s own love for martial arts. Determined to pursue a career in professional mixed martial arts, she decided to make a comeback.
“I saw my colleagues training for the MMA tournament, and I fell in love with it again. I knew that was what I wanted to do,” Ribas recalled.
Early Career and UFC Debut
Amanda Ribas began her professional MMA career in 2014 after showcasing her skills and emerging as the champion in the 2014 IMMAF World Championship in the Women’s Flyweight division. With a record of 6-1, she quickly made a name for herself in the MMA industry, primarily fighting in Brazil.
However, her journey to the UFC was not without obstacles. Ribas faced a potential anti-doping violation flagged by USADA, which delayed her UFC debut. After her suspension was terminated, she finally had the opportunity to make her mark in the octagon on June 29, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 3.
“The feeling of finally stepping into the UFC octagon was indescribable. It was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance,” Ribas expressed after her debut fight.
Ribas showcased her impressive skills and determination in her debut match against Emily Whitmire. She secured a win via a rear-naked choke submission in the second round, solidifying her place in the UFC and leaving a lasting impression on fans and fellow fighters.
UFC Success and Notable Fights
Amanda Ribas has proven herself as a formidable force in the UFC, with several notable fights under her belt. Throughout her career, she has faced tough opponents and showcased her skills in the octagon. One of her most memorable fights was against Paige VanZant at UFC 251, where Ribas secured a submission win in the first round. This victory further solidified her place in the strawweight division.
Another standout moment for Ribas was her performance at UFC 267, where she went head-to-head with Virna Jandiroba. Despite a tough fight, Ribas emerged victorious with a hard-fought decision win. This victory showcased her resilience and determination to overcome tough challenges.
However, not every fight has ended in victory for Ribas. At UFC 257, she faced formidable opponent Marina Rodriguez, who secured a technical knockout win in the second round. Despite this setback, Ribas displayed incredible sportsmanship and vowed to come back stronger.
- UFC 251 – Submission win over Paige VanZant
- UFC 267 – Decision win over Virna Jandiroba
- UFC 257 – Loss to Marina Rodriguez via technical knockout
As Ribas continues to grow and evolve as a fighter, fans and fellow fighters eagerly anticipate her next moves. With her upcoming fight against Luana Pinheiro at UFC Fight Night 232, Ribas has the opportunity to add another impressive win to her record. Her relentless determination and impeccable skills make her a force to be reckoned with in the MMA world.
Current and Future Endeavors
Amanda Ribas, currently ranked #10 in the UFC women’s flyweight rankings and #11 in the UFC women’s strawweight rankings, is gearing up for her upcoming fight against Luana Pinheiro. Set to take place on November 18, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 232, this highly anticipated matchup presents an exciting opportunity for Ribas to showcase her skills once again.
With a record of impressive wins and notable fights under her belt, Ribas has proven herself to be a formidable force in the world of MMA. Her dynamic fighting style, combined with her expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, has earned her recognition and respect from fans and fellow fighters alike.
As the fight draws near, the anticipation surrounding Ribas’ performance continues to grow. MMA enthusiasts will be closely watching to see how she approaches this match and how she adapts to the challenges presented by her opponent. Ribas’ unwavering determination and undeniable talent set the stage for an exciting battle in the octagon.
With her sights set on victory, Ribas is poised to make a lasting impact in the world of MMA. As she prepares to step into the ring once again, fans eagerly await the display of her skills and the outcome of this upcoming fight. Ribas is ready to prove herself and leave a lasting impression on the sport she so passionately embraces.
