In a thrilling showdown at the UFC’s Apex facility, Mackenzie Dern faced Amanda Ribas in a highly anticipated rematch five years in the making. The bout headlined the UFC’s first event of 2025, and for Dern, it was a chance to rectify the only blemish on her record against Ribas, who had previously defeated her in a decision match in 2019. With a nail-biting finish, Dern displayed her grappling prowess by securing an armbar submission with just four seconds left in the third round, affording her an emotional victory and a strong statement within the strawweight division.
Mackenzie Dern, known for her exceptional grappling abilities, demonstrated the evolution of her skills throughout the fight. Although Ribas had shown formidable defense against Dern’s takedown attempts, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert adeptly transitioned between positions and unleashed submission threats from her back. Dern’s strategic sweeps into full mount were pivotal in turning the tide of the bout, showcasing her constant improvement in both striking and ground game. Following the match, Dern expressed her satisfaction with the win, emphasizing her ongoing efforts to enhance her striking and grappling techniques. This victory serves as a testament to her dedication to the sport.
Despite coming into the fight as the sixth-ranked strawweight, Dern faced a resilient opponent in Ribas, who entered the octagon ranked eighth. Ribas has proven to be a tough adversary, successfully staving off numerous takedown attempts in their prior encounter. While Ribas attempted to maintain control of the fight, Dern’s ability to adapt and create scrambles allowed her to land significant strikes and an elbow cut that highlighted her offensive capabilities. The statistics reflect a well-rounded performance, as Dern outstruck Ribas with a total of 98 strikes to 80.
With this victory, Dern has embarked on a two-fight winning streak, rebuilding momentum within a competitive landscape of the strawweight division. Historically, she has struggled to secure wins against top-tier contenders, and this win against Ribas is crucial for her aspirations in the title race. Having faced four of the top five fighters ranked above her, a pressing question lingers: what lies ahead for Dern? The division’s dynamics are shifting, especially with Tatiana Suarez already in line to challenge Zhang Weili for the championship title.
Despite her success, Dern refrained from specifying her next opponent. Instead, she seems focused on further improving her comprehensive skill set to prepare for the intense competition that awaits her. This recent victory could position Dern favorably depending on the upcoming results from title challenger Suarez, and it remains to be seen how this will impact her eventual path to title contention.
Mackenzie Dern’s strategic mastery during the fight against Amanda Ribas not only avenged a past defeat but also illustrated her development as a fighter. With renewed focus and determination, Dern’s journey through the UFC strawweight division appears to be just beginning.
Leave a Reply