More than five years removed from the first-ever meeting inside the Octagon, fan favorites Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas returned to the cage at UFC Vegas 101 to run it back.
The first time around, Ribas got the best of Dern, scoring a decisive unanimous decision victory. Since then, both fighters have struggled to stay in the win column, but a win on Saturday night could get 2025 off to a good start for one of the strawweight division’s most exciting scrappers.
Round 1
Things get off to a quick start with both fighters trading calf kicks. Dern lands a nice one-two and follows it up with another lead leg attack. Dern is utilizing her front kick to keep distances as Ribas tries to get her jab going. Ribas lands a right hand at the end of a combination. An overhand right from Dern is just out of range. Near the halfway point of the round, Dern shoots in for her first takedown attempt and quickly works Ribas down to the mat. Dern settles into Ribas’ closed guard.
Ribas is content to control Dern’s posture and prevent her from advancing the position through the remainder of the round.
Round 2
Ribas came out a little more aggressive in the second which prompted Dern to shoot in for an immediate takedown. Instead, Ribas successfully defends and gets into the top position. Dern goes to work, looking to set up potential armbars from the bottom, but Ribas is doing a good job of keeping her pinned down. Dern briefly works Ribas into her half-guard before getting back into full-guard.
As we approach one minute left in the round, Dern looks to lock in an omoplata. Dern is unable to secure the maneuver, but a scramble from Ribas allows Dern to finish the round on top.
Round 3
The third round starts just as the previous two did with both fighters throwing hands before Dern initiates a takedown. This time, Ribas defends, but she finds herself pressed against the fence in the clinch. Dern attempts to trip Ribas to the canvas, but Ribas once again reverses the position and finds herself on top with three minutes to go in the round.
Dern sees an opportunity for an armbar and takes it. Ribas is desperately trying to free her arm, but Dern isn’t letting up. Dern sweeps and gets on top of Ribas while still clinging to her opponent’s arm. Dern now lets the hold go to maintain her dominant position in the mount. Dern looks to isolate Ribas’ right arm and goes for another armbar. Dern gets the arm free and locks in the hold, forcing Ribas to tap out with only seconds left in the middle round.
Official Result: Mackenzie Dern def. Amanda Ribas via submission (armbar) at 4:56 of Round 3.
Check Out Highlights From Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas at UFC Vegas 101:
Mackenzie Dern knew what was happening with this walkout song 😏#UFCVegas101 pic.twitter.com/qAK9OXkXJQ
— Delinquent MMA (@DelinquentMMA) January 12, 2025
Mackenzie Dern uses the omoplata to get on top
Neat! pic.twitter.com/Be84UZSBHR
— William – Open Note Grappling 📝 (@OpenNoteGrapple) January 12, 2025
REDEMPTION FOR @MACKENZIEDERN‼️#UFCVegas101 pic.twitter.com/Xz1ltijf9w
— UFC (@ufc) January 12, 2025
🇧🇷 Mackenzie Dern comparte un emotivo momento saludando a su hija tras su victoria. #UFCVegas101 pic.twitter.com/4Ljjbi3TUK
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) January 12, 2025
