Amanda Ribas open to strawweight or flyweight future after UFC 267 victory
Nearly 10 months after her first UFC loss, Amanda Ribas returned to the win column in the very same building.
On the UFC 267 prelims, Ribas (12-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) defeated former Invicta FC champion Virna Jandiroba (17-3 MMA, 3-3 UFC) by unanimous decision. The victory took some weight off her shoulders and made the skeletons of fights’ past seem less scary in her closet.
“I think because (it’s been) almost one year since that fight,” Ribas said at a post-fight news conference (via MMA Fighting). “I’m stilling training and still doing my camp and everything. In the end of this fight, when the (referee) put my arms to the top, I think I felt the feeling in the end, this amazing feeling that I did the right job. Like I said, I put all my heart (into it). I showed how much I want to be there. For sure, the next fight I will be better.”
Feeling good and healthy, Ribas said she hopes to sneak in one more fight before the end of 2021. The end-of-year schedule is filling up quickly, but Ribas wants to keep her momentum going, even if it means switching weights once again.
“Maybe in this year, I want to fight,” Ribas said. “I just did one fight and I wish I can fight until the end of this year, maybe (at) 125 or 115 I will fight.”
With the win, Ribas has won seven of her most recent eight outings. Her only loss came at flyweight against Marina Rodriguez, who is currently positioned for a title eliminator opportunity. At strawweight, Ribas has yet to lose in the UFC.
UFC 267 took place Saturday at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The main card streamed on ESPN+ after prelims on ESPN2/ESPN+.