Last night in the main event of UFC Vegas 101, we saw a big time rematch in the strawweight division. Top ten contenders battled it out as Mackenzie Dern (15-5) took on Amanda Ribas (13-6) for the second time. Ribas was looking to win her second fight against Mackenzie Dern.
These two first fought back in 2019 with Ribas largely dominating the fight and winning a decision. This time was much more competitive. In the first round, Dern was able to secure a takedown and really controlled a large portion of the round from her top position. Ribas defended well, but it was an easy round for Dern.
In the second round, it was Ribas who was able to land a takedown and she controlled the majority of the round. It was a pretty clear 1-1 heading into the third in my opinion. Ribas scored another takedown in the third, but Dern used an armbar attempt to reverse the position and end up in the mount.
Once in the mount, Dern attacked an armbar again and this time, she was able to fully lock it in. Ribas was forced to tap giving Dern the massive win at UFC Vegas 101.
What’s next after UFC Vegas 101?
This was such a big win for Mackenzie Dern as she won her second straight fight for the first time since 2021. She entered the fight ranked 6th in the strawweight division and she’s likely to remain there after this win. That said, her next fight she should be fighting up instead of down in the rankings.
In looking at the rankings currently, I love the idea of Dern running it back with Virna Jandiroba or Yan Xiaonan next. Jandiroba was supposed to fight Tatiana Suarez but that fight was ultimately cancelled and Suarez was given the next title shot. Jandiroba has won four in a row and I think she would enjoy having the opportunity to run it back with Dern after losing to her back in 2020.
On the flip side, I’m sure Dern would love to avenge her loss against Yan Xiaonan. The former title challenger is coming off a big win against Tabatha Ricci and a Dern rematch could be the direction the UFC could go in next. Either one of these rematches makes a ton of sense.