Five years and three months after Amanda Ribas defeated Mackenzie Dern by unanimous decision, the two fighters are set to clash again. Ribas is favored to win, with odds standing at -205.
Mackenzie Dern holds a unique distinction as the only female UFC fighter with a 3rd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She boasts a 14-5 record in MMA, with 50% of her victories coming by submission, showcasing her exceptional grappling skills.
The remaining 50% of her wins were by decision, where she effectively kept her opponents either in a clinch or pinned down. While Dern has not secured any wins by KO/TKO, her striking abilities have significantly improved over the past couple of years.
However, Dern has faced setbacks, getting KO-ed by Jessica Andrade in 2023 and suffering four additional knockdowns. She was also knocked down by Amanda Lemos in her following fight. Despite these challenges, Dern out-boxed Loopy Godinez in her most recent fight, securing a unanimous decision victory.
Amanda Ribas, with a record of 13-5, is climbing the UFC Women’s Strawweight Rankings. A victory over Mackenzie Dern could propel her higher, potentially placing her in the top ranks. Given that Dern is sixth in the rankings, a win at UFC Vegas 101 could elevate Ribas to that position or even higher.
If Ribas wins, she could be in line for a title-eliminator fight against opponents like Tatiana Suarez, Virna Jandiroba, or Jessica Andrade. However, to achieve this, she must first overcome Dern on January 11.
Fortunately for Ribas, she possesses the skills needed to counter Dern. Both fighters are accomplished grapplers with backgrounds in BJJ and judo. However, Ribas also stands out as a prolific striker, with four wins by KO/TKO.
One of her notable victories was a TKO (spinning wheel kick and punches) over Luana Pinhero in her most recent strawweight division fight. Ribas then fought a flyweight bout against Rose Namajunas but lost by a somewhat controversial unanimous decision, despite landing only ten fewer significant strikes and making four takedowns.
Amanda Ribas is a more well-rounded fighter compared to Mackenzie Dern, whose primary strength lies in grappling. Although Dern’s BJJ skills are superior, it is unlikely she will be able to use them to secure a submission win against Ribas. Ribas is expected to turn the fight into a striking contest, which could lead to a KO/TKO victory for her in the later rounds.
Mackenzie Dern + 175
Amanda Ribas – 205
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 10, 2025
