Dern vs. Ribas Rematch

The Octagon beckons two elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners as Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas prepare for an electrifying rematch at UFC Vegas 101. More than four years removed from their first encounter, this highly anticipated bout promises not only fireworks but closure for both athletes. With high stakes and fierce ambition fueling the pair, fans and analysts alike are bracing for a captivating showdown.

The Clash: A Look Back at Their First Meeting

To truly appreciate the significance of their upcoming rematch, let’s rewind to October 12, 2019. On that night at UFC Fight Night 161, a focused and clinical Amanda Ribas handed Mackenzie Dern her first professional MMA loss. Ribas seized victory via unanimous decision, methodically outstriking and outgrappling the then-undefeated Dern.

But timelines tell a deeper story. Heading into that fight, Dern had just returned to the cage four months after giving birth to her first child. Criticism about her fitness and readiness lingered in the background, raising questions about whether her full potential had truly been on display. Ribas, meanwhile, capitalized on her opportunity, making a name for herself with a dominant performance.

Fast forward to 2025: this is not the same Mackenzie Dern. Nor is it the same Amanda Ribas.

Evolution of Mackenzie Dern: From BJJ Star to MMA Dynamo

Since tasting defeat for the first time, Dern has gone through a remarkable evolution as a fighter. A black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, her elite submission game has always been her bread and butter, but her strikingwidely regarded as her Achilles heelhas exponentially improved. Her recent bouts have seen her engage confidently on the feet, setting up her grappling with crisp combinations and measured aggression.

In a pre-fight press conference, Dern exuded confidence, saying, I’m not just that girl with the submissions anymore. I’ve learned to be dangerous everywhere: on the canvas and standing.

Dern’s growth extends beyond the technical. She’s displayed resilience and a champion’s mentality in navigating personal and professional adversity. While she’s still chasing consistency, her recent performances suggest she’s peaking at just the right time for this long-awaited rematch.

Amanda Ribas: The Perennially Underrated Workhorse

Underrated yet perpetually overperforming, Ribas has carved her place as one of the strawweight division’s most versatile threats. Her well-rounded skillsetmarked by solid striking, strong clinch work, and effective grapplingmarries finesse with grit. Since beating Dern, Ribas has bounced between strawweight and flyweight, proving her mettle against top-tier competition in both categories.

Her enthusiasm radiates every time she steps into the Octagon. Whether it’s through her infectious smile or her post-fight dance moves, Ribas is an undeniable fan favorite. But don’t mistake her joyful demeanor for a lack of focus. In fact, the Brazilian has stated that this fight means the world to her.
As she explained to reporters, That first fight was great, but the rematch? This time, I’m coming for the finish.

Keys to Victory

Mackenzie Dern

• Pressure Grappling: As prolific as her striking improvements have been, Dern thrives when she makes fights ugly and drags opponents into her worldon the mat.
• Cardio Management: In the past, Dern has struggled with pacing herself in three-round fights. With better conditioning and fight IQ, her chances of capitalizing on opportunities dramatically improve.

Amanda Ribas

• Movement and Precision: Ribas’ striking arsenal, when paired with her evasive footwork, forces opponents to reset constantlya potential nightmare for Dern’s forward-heavy style.
• Defensive Grappling: Neutralizing Dern’s submission attempts will put Ribas in clear control, allowing her to dictate where the fight takes place.

The X-Factor: Mental Edge

The psychological battle looms large in a fight like this. Ribas has already defeated Dern once, giving her the mental edge of knowing she can do it again. Yet, narratives in combat sports are rarely so linear. For Dern, this is a chance at redemptiona moment to prove that she’s no longer defined by their first meeting. That kind of hunger can push a fighter to greatness or lead them to overreach in the heat of the moment.

Both women have matured and evolved since their initial clash, and the version of each fighter stepping into the cage this time is markedly different from 2019. This could be a chess match, a dog fight, or a bit of both.

What’s at Stake?

Beyond personal pride, the stakes are immense for both women. In a crowded strawweight division brimming with talent, a win could set either fighter up for a run at the title. Losing, however, could push them further back in a competitive queue filled with hungry contenders.

Even the fans stand to win here. With stylistic contrasts and shared histories at play, this rematch serves up all the ingredients for a can’t-miss fight. As we inch closer to fight night, the anticipation only continues to build.

Final Thoughts

In the unpredictable theater of MMA, rematches carry a unique weight. They connect the past to the present, offering fighters an opportunity to rewrite their stories. UFC Vegas 101 will give Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas a platform to do just that.

Will Dern’s revamped arsenal be enough to flip the script, or will Ribas once again dictate the narrative? MMA fans worldwide await answers with bated breath. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: both fighters are about to create another unforgettable chapter in their careers, and we’ll all be left talking about it for days, maybe even years, to come.

So mark your calendars, folksJanuary 25th can’t come soon enough.