LAS VEGAS – Amanda Ribas and Luana Pinheiro, opponents in UFC Fight Night 232, share an interesting history as former housemates during their youth athlete years in Belo Horizonte. Reuniting in a strawweight bout at the UFC Apex this Saturday, the Brazilians’ background adds a unique layer to their matchup.
During a media day, Ribas mentioned, “It’s fun because I lived with her when I was young. The same house, athlete house with 26 girls. Now we see each other, too, and fight with each other. It’s crazy, but good crazy. Now I’m here, and she’s here too, so it’s nice.”
Embracing their shared roots, Ribas is ready to bring an “intense, aggressive” version of herself into the octagon after a challenging run in her past fights. Following a unanimous decision win in March, she experienced a Fight of the Night loss to Maycee Barber. Her upcoming bout with Pinheiro will mark her third competition within the calendar year. Ribas expressed her excitement, stating, “This is amazing for me because this is the first time I will do three fights in a year. This is awesome. My goal is going to go to the top, and I hope next year I can do three fights, too, or maybe four. As a professional athlete, I think we need to be more active.”
For the full story, and more on the event, 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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