Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas 2 Set for UFC Tampa on Dec. 14

Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas 2

Get ready for a thrilling rematch as Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas are set to face off once again at UFC Tampa on December 14th. This highly anticipated bout will take place at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, marking a return to the same venue where these two warriors first clashed in 2019.

In their initial encounter, Amanda Ribas outpointed Mackenzie Dern, handing the jiu-jitsu ace her first professional MMA loss. That fight was a pivotal moment in both of their careers and now, nearly five years later, they are ready to run it back.

Mackenzie Dern, currently the No. 8 ranked strawweight in the UFC, has had a rollercoaster journey since their last meeting. Despite facing setbacks with consecutive losses to Jessica Andrade and Amanda Lemos, Dern showed her resilience by bouncing back with a hard-fought decision victory over Loopy Godinez at UFC Abu Dhabi in August. Known as one of the most accomplished female jiu-jitsu practitioners in the world, Dern is eager to avenge her loss to Ribas and prove that she’s still a force to be reckoned with in the division.

On the other side of the Octagon, Amanda Ribas, ranked No. 7 in the strawweight division, is returning to 115 pounds after a tough decision loss to former two-time UFC champion Rose Namajunas in March at UFC Vegas 89. That fight marked Ribas’ first UFC main event, and while she didn’t get the win, she gained invaluable experience at the highest level of competition. Ribas last fought at strawweight in November 2023, where she delivered a stunning third-round knockout against Luana Pinheiro.

This rematch is more than just a fight; it’s a story of redemption, growth, and unfinished business. Dern will be looking to even the score, while Ribas aims to solidify her position as one of the top contenders in the division.

As the date approaches, fans can expect the tension to build, with both fighters sharpening their skills and strategies to ensure victory. The stage is set for an epic showdown in Tampa, where two of the UFC’s top strawweights will leave it all in the cage.