In a thrilling rematch that captured the essence of mixed martial arts, Mackenzie Dern showcased her skills against Amanda Ribas on Saturday, successfully avenging a previous loss that had lingered for five years. The bout, which headlined the UFC’s first event of 2025 at the Apex facility in Las Vegas, concluded dramatically as Dern submitted Ribas with an armbar just four seconds before the final bell. This remarkable victory not only highlights Dern’s relentless determination but also signifies her evolution as a fighter in the highly competitive strawweight division.
During the fight, Dern, known for her submission prowess, demonstrated tactical finesse by threatening Ribas with submissions from her back. This strategic approach allowed her to secure a dominant position on the mat when it mattered most. By isolating Ribas’ left arm, Dern cleverly set up the final submission attempt that led to the tap-out. Despite facing challenges from Ribas’s judo background, Dern’s resilience shone through as she executed her game plan with precision, outlanding her opponent in total strikes 98 to 80.
In their previous encounter in 2019, Dern struggled to impose her wrestling game, failing to complete any of her takedown attempts. This time, despite again encountering strong takedown defense from Ribas, Dern utilized scrambles effectively to shift the momentum in her favor. By avoiding a repeat of their earlier match, she proved her growth as a fighter capable of adapting and overcoming.
With this significant victory, Dern (15-5) continues to build her résumé in the UFC, now riding a two-fight win streak with a previous decision win over Lupita Godinez. Ranked as the No. 6 strawweight before the fight, Dern’s performance solidifies her standing in a division filled with emerging talent and seasoned veterans. Nonetheless, her record against top-five opponents remains a concern, with only one victory out of four attempts. As she seeks to climb the ranks further, her ability to consistently perform under pressure will be critical.
Ribas, entering the bout with a ranking of No. 8, has shown her own skill set but faced setbacks against formidable opponents like Dern. The loss not only affects her ranking but also forces her to re-evaluate her strategies for future matchups.
Looking Ahead: The Path to the Title
As the strawweight division continues to evolve, Dern’s victory places her in an intriguing position. With only Tatiana Suarez standing ahead of her in the rankings, who is set to challenge champion Zhang Weili, the impending results of that match will play a significant role in determining Dern’s trajectory towards a title shot. While she refrained from calling out future opponents post-fight, Dern’s focus on refining her striking and grappling skills indicates a readiness to seize any opportunity that arises.
Mackenzie Dern’s latest performance reflects her dedication to improvement and desire for championship glory. With each fight, she inches closer to the summit of the strawweight division, ready to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead on her path to the title.
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