“One of a kind.” This was the title UFC used to describe Amanda Ribas in an article as she continues her meteoric rise in the promotion. And there’s good reason to give her that tagline as she has been a force to be reckoned in not just one, but two separate weightclasses.
Ribas is currently the only fighter to be ranked in the top 10 in 2 divisions as well. The 31-year-old is ranked No.8 at strawweight and No.10 at flyweight and competes in both the divisions regularly. While her work inside the octagon has been incredible, what she does outside the cage makes her one of the most special talents.
After securing a fight bonus for her win against Luana Pinheiro, Ribas decided to give away the money to build a facility to help rehabilitate young people who were struggling with drug abuse. The 31-year-old, who will be facing Mackenzie Dern at UFC Fight Night: Dern vs Ribas 2 on January 12, has now set her sights on getting to a title fight by 2025. While talking to Indiatoday.in exclusively, Ribas explained why it could be difficult to replicate the success of her compatriot Amanda Nunes and become a 2-division champion.
Amanda Ribas interaction
India Today: How easy is it to compete in two divisions at the same time and remain successful?
Ribas: It’s awesome! At the beginning, I took the opportunity to fight at flyweight because it was a huge chance. My first fight in flyweight was against Paige VanZant in Abu Dhabi. UFC gave me a great opportunity, and I kept doing well, taking on tough fights. Strawweight is my natural division, and I’m coming off two victories there. In flyweight, I’ve faced fighters with big names like Paige, Rose Namajunas, Maycee Barber, and others. Competing in both divisions has been amazing, especially ranking in both.
India Today: Which is the easiest weight class for you in terms of weight? Which one do you prefer?
Ribas: I prefer strawweight because I feel hungrier, not just for food and cut a lot of weight, but also hungrier in the cage. I feel stronger at strawweight because I’m taller there. At flyweight, I feel faster, but for now, I prefer strawweight.
India Today: Like your namesake Amanda Nunes, is your aim to be a double champion?
Ribas: That part is a little hard because, in flyweight, I need to adapt my body to gain some muscle. In strawweight, I need to be careful not to lose too much muscle. I trust my team and nutritionists to manage this, but it’s a challenge.
India Today: Your father was your first coach and once stopped you from quitting the sport. How does he still keep you on your toes?
Ribas: Yes, he was and still is my coach. At the beginning, it was hard to adapt to calling him coach in the gym and dad outside. Now, we’ve found a balance. When we’re outside the gym, it’s just dad and daughter. Inside, it’s coach and fighter. The best part is I can trust him completely because he wants the best for me, not for himself.
India Today: You dedicated your fight bonus to helping youngsters struggling with substance abuse. How is that work going, and do you plan to continue using bonuses for this cause?
Ribas: I hope so! I train so hard for every fight, and I hope to earn more bonuses to contribute to this cause. It’s been a meaningful way to give back, and I want to continue making a difference.
India Today: You have defeated Mackenzie Dern before. Why did you take this rematch? Was it to prove something to yourself or the world?
Ribas: This fight is a challenge for myself. I want to prove that I can do it, not just in training but in the cage. It’s so important for my career, and winning could put me in line for the title or a big fight against someone like Virna Jandiroba before going for the belt.
India Today: What is your prediction for the fight against Mackenzie Dern?
Ribas: My prediction is my arm raised in victory. I want to think of all the hard work, the people who helped me, and hopefully celebrate with a bonus.
India Today: What are your goals for 2025, both inside and outside the octagon?
Ribas: I always set goals for the new year. In 2025, I want to have three fights and go for the belt by the third. Outside the octagon, I want to grow my institute, bring in more kids who love being there, and spend more time with my family, like having more lunches and dinners together.
Watch UFC Fight Night – Dern vs Ribas 2 on 12th January, 2024 at 5:30 AM IST LIVE On Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)
