Where to watch UFC Vegas 101 live: rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas starts in 2025

UFC Vegas 101, held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, marked the first event of 2025 for the organization, featuring memorable fights, including the highly anticipated rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas in the women’s strawweight division. The two Brazilian athletes faced each other again after four years in a bout that shook the division and captured the attention of MMA fans worldwide. The main event took place on January 11 and was broadcast live via UFC Fight Pass, with the preliminary card starting at 6 p.m. and the main card at 9 p.m., Brasília time.

With impressive career histories, both Dern and Ribas stepped into the Octagon aiming to solidify their standings in the division and seek greater opportunities, such as title shots. The main event symbolized the technical and mental growth of both athletes since their first encounter in 2019, which Ribas won by unanimous decision. This time, Mackenzie Dern came in with renewed motivation after overcoming personal and professional challenges in recent years.

In addition to the main event, the fight card featured exciting matchups, including Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Carlston Harris in the welterweight division. Another major attraction was the UFC debut of Brazilian Cesar Almeida, who faced Abdul Razak Alhassan in a middleweight clash, testing the kickboxer’s transition to MMA.

The Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas rematch

Mackenzie Dern, the daughter of renowned jiu-jitsu practitioner Wellington “Megaton” Dias, is celebrated for her submissions and ground game skills. With a record of 14 wins and 5 losses, Dern aimed to establish herself as one of the top threats in the strawweight division. At 31, the fighter has shown resilience throughout her career, balancing personal challenges, including a recent divorce, with elite-level training.

Amanda Ribas, on the other hand, built her career with a versatile style combining grappling and striking. Born in Varginha, Minas Gerais, Ribas is a well-rounded athlete with a 12-3 record. At 31, she competes in both the strawweight and flyweight divisions, demonstrating her willingness to take on challenges across weight classes. Ribas’ victory over Dern in 2019 added emotional intensity to this anticipated rematch at UFC Vegas 101.

The fight was marked by contrasting strategies: while Dern aimed to impose her jiu-jitsu and take the fight to the ground, Ribas used movement and striking to control the distance. The bout showcased the technical evolution of both fighters, delivering thrilling moments for fans at the UFC Apex.

Fresh faces and fan favorites ????#UFCVegas101 kicks off 2025 fight action! pic.twitter.com/Je7qZugtp4

— UFC (@ufc) January 11, 2025

Other highlights from the main card

The co-main event featured Argentine Santiago Ponzinibbio taking on Guyanese fighter Carlston Harris in a welterweight clash. Ponzinibbio, a UFC veteran, sought to return to the win column after inconsistent results. Harris, coming off strong performances, aimed to capitalize on the opportunity to establish himself as a rising contender in the division. The bout featured intense striking exchanges and grappling moments, delivering the balanced action fans expected.

Another standout fight was the UFC debut of Cesar Almeida. Known for his successful kickboxing career, Almeida faced Abdul Razak Alhassan, a fighter with a history of quick knockouts. The middleweight bout allowed Almeida to showcase his adaptation to MMA, while Alhassan tested the debutant’s durability. The fight brought a mix of striking and grappling techniques, reflecting the diverse styles that define UFC events.

Technical battles on the preliminary card

In the preliminary card, Brazilian Thiago Moises faced Trey Ogden in a lightweight matchup. Moises, an experienced UFC fighter, sought a victory to regain footing in the division after fluctuating performances. Ogden, known for his grappling expertise, presented a technical challenge for the Brazilian, resulting in a strategic and dynamic fight.

Last-minute changes also impacted the card. Yanal Ashmouz and Andreas Gustafsson, initially scheduled to fight, were removed from the event for undisclosed reasons. Replacements were made to maintain the event’s pace, showcasing UFC’s adaptability in delivering a complete spectacle for fans.

Historical facts about Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas

• Mackenzie Dern: Beyond her MMA success, Dern is a decorated jiu-jitsu champion with titles in world and Pan-American championships. She transitioned to MMA in 2016, bringing a grappling-focused style to the sport.
• Amanda Ribas: Ribas began her MMA career in 2014, accumulating victories in smaller organizations before making her UFC debut in 2019. Her victory over Dern in the same year marked a pivotal moment, establishing her as a promising talent in the organization.

Stats and impact of UFC Vegas 101

UFC Vegas 101 set an exciting tone for the 2025 season, with competitive fights and compelling narratives. Preliminary data indicates significant viewership, especially for the rematch between Dern and Ribas, which generated widespread anticipation among fans. The event also highlighted the diverse nationalities represented on the card, reflecting MMA’s global appeal.

Furthermore, Cesar Almeida’s UFC debut signals a growing interest in integrating kickboxing athletes into MMA. This trend underscores the sport’s evolution, requiring proficiency across multiple disciplines.

The role of UFC Fight Pass in MMA’s popularity

UFC Fight Pass plays a critical role in spreading MMA’s reach, offering live broadcasts, replays, and exclusive content to fans worldwide. For UFC Vegas 101, the platform was the primary access point, ensuring the event reached a global audience. With the 2025 season underway, Fight Pass remains essential in connecting fans to the sport.

Event impact for the 2025 season

UFC Vegas 101 set the stage for the year, highlighting the depth of talent in the organization and promising exciting matchups in upcoming events. Fights like the Dern-Ribas rematch emphasize the competitiveness of the women’s divisions, while debuts like Cesar Almeida’s reflect the UFC’s constant roster renewal.