Title: Guide to Watching Tonight's UFC Vegas 101: Dern vs. Ribas Rematch Fight Card
UFC's 2025 kicked off tonight with UFC Vegas 101 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The main event featured a rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas, two highly-ranked strawweight contenders. Ribas, currently the No. 8 in the division, won their initial meeting in 2019 via decision, resulting in Dern's first career loss.
Tonight, Dern, ranked sixth in the strawweight division, stepped into the octagon looking to turn the tables on Ribas. Dern boasts a background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, having amassed multiple world titles. Her UFC journey has been a rollercoaster, with a 5-1 start marred by a series of ups and downs, including a two-fight skid that she recently broke with a decision win over Loopy Godinez.
Meanwhile, Ribas, ranked eighth at 115 pounds and tenth at 125, entered the rematch with mixed results. Following a positive drug test at the beginning of her UFC journey, she was given a two-year suspension that was eventually reduced due to contaminated supplements. Ribas kicked off her UFC career with a submission win over Emily Whitmire, but then saw some inconsistencies in her performances. Most recently, she faced former two-time UFC strawweight champion Rose Namajunas at 125 pounds and lost via decision.
Betting odds favor Ribas over Dern, reflecting the experts' overall prediction. As of the fight's announcement, Ribas was a -171 favorite, with those odds now standing at -189 in favor of Ribas, while Dern is at +164. The round total is set at 4.5, with the under favored at -220, and Ribas's most likely method of victory is via points, according to betting odds, at -120.
The popular opinion among experts predicts that Ribas will once again come out on top, based on her improved takedown defense and striking, as well as her consistent performance. In this rematch, we'll see if Mackenzie Dern can set the record straight or if Amanda Ribas will continue her reign over the strawweight division.
In the highly anticipated UFC Vegas 101 on January 11, 2025, Mackenzie Dern aims to avenge her loss to Amanda Ribas in their 'dern vs. ribas 2' rematch. This UFC event marked the start of UFC's 2025 schedule. Dern, ranked sixth in the strawweight division, is known for her exceptional Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills, having garnered multiple world titles. Her UFC journey has been challenging, with victories and setbacks, including a two-fight skid that she recently overcame with a decision win over Loopy Godinez. On the other hand, Ribas, currently ranked eighth in the division and tenth at 125 pounds, looks to maintain her position as a formidable fighter. Despite a rocky start due to a drug test issue, she has proven her resilience and talent, with notable wins and performances. The upcoming UFC tonight event is set to determine if Dern can turn the tables or if Ribas will continue her dominance in the strawweight division.
