LAS VEGAS – Amanda Ribas has made her mark in the strawweight division with her sensational finish of Luana Pinheiro at UFC Fight Night 232. Now, she eyes a big fight that will cement her status as a contender.
After bouncing between 115 pounds and the women’s flyweight division, Ribas realized that her true potential lies in strawweight. Her recent victory over Pinheiro, with a third-round knockout, has only solidified her conviction.
With an impressive 5-1 record at strawweight, Ribas is determined to make a run in the division. She expressed her desire to prove herself on the historic UFC 300 card, scheduled for April, and hopes to secure a spot in the rankings with her recent win.
“I want to fight at UFC 300, because I know it will be fire,” Ribas stated at the UFC Fight Night 232 post-fight news conference. “I want to fight there and I’m hoping at 115, because I’m feeling good. And I’m hoping after this win I can be in the ranking because I beat a lot of girls who are good in the ranking, too. Maybe I can fight a girl in the top five or top six.”
In the fight against Pinheiro, Ribas initially struggled but managed to turn the tide after the first round. She attributed the early difficulties to fighting with too much emotion and not sticking to the game plan.
“My dad (who is my coach) was saying to me, because we’ve been training a lot this strategy, I think the first round I was trying to just put my aggression,” Ribas said. “The second round I put my intelligence and it was to fight on the left side, to put my distance and put my game first in front of her. In the first round I didn’t do that, in the second round I put my strategy and my game first.”
Ribas sealed the victory with a stunning spinning kick in the third round, following the guidance of her father/coach. She acknowledged the role of her coaches and team in her triumph.
Post-fight, Ribas disclosed her eagerness to participate in UFC 300 and potentially secure a top-ranked opponent. This win has undoubtedly positioned her for an exciting future in the strawweight division.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 232.
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
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