UFC Vegas 101 brought an electrifying night of fights straight from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, marking the start of the 2025 MMA calendar with high expectations. Held on January 11, the event featured a preliminary card beginning at 6 p.m. and the main card at 9 p.m., both in Brasília time. The event was streamed exclusively on UFC Fight Pass, connecting fans in real time.
The spotlight of the night was the highly anticipated rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas in the women’s strawweight division (up to 115 pounds). This matchup marked the reunion of two of the most talented athletes in women’s MMA, nearly six years after their initial clash in 2019, where Ribas emerged victorious by unanimous decision. The evolution of both fighters since their first encounter added another layer of excitement to this matchup.
Beyond the headliner, UFC Vegas 101 presented other high-profile matchups, including the co-main event between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Carlston Harris in the welterweight division (up to 170 pounds), and the UFC debut of kickboxing star Cesar Almeida against Abdul Razak Alhassan in the middleweight division (up to 185 pounds). The event not only kept fans entertained but also showcased emerging talent and seasoned veterans determined to solidify their positions in the sport.
Fresh faces and fan favorites ????#UFCVegas101 kicks off 2025 fight action! pic.twitter.com/Je7qZugtp4
— UFC (@ufc) January 11, 2025
The highly anticipated Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas rematch
Mackenzie Dern, 31, daughter of legendary jiu-jitsu practitioner Wellington “Megaton” Dias, entered the octagon with a record of 14 wins and 5 losses. Known for her exceptional jiu-jitsu skills, Dern has been consistently working to improve her striking, an area where Ribas held an edge during their 2019 matchup. After overcoming personal challenges, including a recent divorce, Dern showed renewed focus and determination on her UFC journey.
Amanda Ribas, also 31, hailing from Varginha, Minas Gerais, brought her signature energy to the fight. With a record of 12 wins and 3 losses, Ribas stands out for her versatility in the octagon, competing in both the strawweight and flyweight divisions. Her ability to alternate between weight classes highlights her adaptability and strategic mindset in building a solid MMA career.
This rematch carried significant stakes for both fighters. For Dern, it was a chance to avenge her previous loss and strengthen her position in the title race. For Ribas, it was an opportunity to reaffirm her superiority and demonstrate that her 2019 victory was no fluke.
Co-main event delivered intensity and balance
In the co-main event, Santiago Ponzinibbio faced Carlston Harris in a competitive welterweight bout. Ponzinibbio, a veteran with over a decade of UFC experience, aimed to regain momentum after a series of mixed results. Harris, on the other hand, entered the fight on a positive streak, leveraging his aggressive style to challenge his opponent.
The bout showcased technical skill and resilience, with both fighters playing to their strengths. The fight underscored the depth of the welterweight division, one of the most competitive in the UFC.
Cesar Almeida’s UFC debut captured attention
Cesar Almeida, a former kickboxing world champion, made his highly anticipated UFC debut against Abdul Razak Alhassan in the middleweight division. Almeida brought his impressive kickboxing credentials to MMA, promising unique challenges for his opponents. Alhassan, renowned for his quick knockouts, provided an immediate test of Almeida’s adaptability to the octagon.
The bout was intense, with both athletes proving why they were featured on the main card. Almeida sought to impose his technical striking, while Alhassan capitalized on opportunities to deliver his trademark powerful strikes.
Preliminary card offered technical battles and last-minute changes
The preliminary card also delivered notable moments, starting with a lightweight clash between Thiago Moises and Trey Ogden. Moises, a seasoned Brazilian UFC fighter, aimed for redemption after inconsistent performances in 2024. Ogden, leveraging his grappling expertise, presented a strategic and technical challenge.
Additionally, there were last-minute changes to the lineup, with Yanal Ashmouz and Andreas Gustafsson being pulled from the event. Quick replacements ensured the card’s integrity, highlighting the UFC’s ability to adapt to unexpected circumstances without compromising the quality of the event.
Interesting facts and history of Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas
- Mackenzie Dern:
- The first female fighter in UFC history to win 4 Performance of the Night bonuses consecutively.
- A representative of the new generation of fighters blending traditional jiu-jitsu with modern MMA.
- Fluent in English and Portuguese, which helps her connect with fans across different nationalities.
- Amanda Ribas:
- Known for her charisma inside and outside the octagon, frequently appearing in interviews and TV shows.
- Had a successful background in international jiu-jitsu competitions before transitioning to MMA.
- Trained by her father, Marcelo Ribas, creating a unique family dynamic in her preparation.
Key statistics from UFC Vegas 101
- Global broadcast reach: The event was streamed in over 150 countries, reaffirming the UFC’s global audience.
- Promotional strategy: The Dern vs. Ribas rematch was highlighted as the event’s main attraction, generating widespread excitement.
- Preliminary card composition: Featuring 7 fights, the preliminaries set an energetic tone leading to the main card.
The impact and future of the fighters after UFC Vegas 101
The rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas not only closed a chapter of rivalry but also shaped the future of the strawweight division. Depending on the outcome, the winner could position herself as a top contender for the title, given the talent-rich nature of the division.
The competitiveness of the Brazilian fighters reflects the overall quality of women’s MMA and underscores Brazil’s role as a powerhouse in the sport. Ribas and Dern continue to serve as examples of resilience and growth, inspiring the next generation of fighters.
