Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas 2 set for UFC’s return to Tampa Bay

The UFC is set to make a triumphant return to Tampa, Florida, with a highly anticipated event on December 14, 2024. As of right now, there is no headliner for this fight card but they just added a great fight to the event, a rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas, two prominent figures in the women’s strawweight division. This bout marks a significant moment for both fighters, as they look to settle the score five years after their initial encounter.

Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas first faced off at UFC Fight Night 161 in October 2019, held at the Amalie Arena in Tampa. In that bout, Ribas emerged victorious with a unanimous decision, marking a pivotal moment early in both fighters’ UFC careers. At the time, it was Dern’s third fight in the UFC and Ribas’ second. Since then, both fighters have had their share of ups and downs in the octagon, each posting a record of 3-4 in their last seven fights dating back to 2021.

Mackenzie Dern, known for her exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, has been a formidable presence in the strawweight division. Despite her grappling prowess, Dern has faced challenges in maintaining a consistent winning streak. Her recent performances have shown flashes of her potential, but she has struggled to string together consecutive victories. This rematch against Ribas offers Dern an opportunity to avenge her earlier loss and re-establish herself as a top contender in the division.

Amanda Ribas, on the other hand, has also experienced a mixed bag of results in recent years. Known for her well-rounded skill set, Ribas has demonstrated her capabilities in both striking and grappling. However, like Dern, she has faced difficulties in maintaining momentum within the highly competitive strawweight division. The upcoming rematch provides Ribas with a chance to reaffirm her previous victory over Dern and propel herself back into title contention.

The rematch between Dern and Ribas is not just about settling a personal score; it holds significant implications for the strawweight division. Both fighters are eager to climb the ranks and position themselves for a potential title shot. A victory in Tampa could serve as a springboard for either fighter, potentially leading to high-profile matchups in the future.

UFC’s Return to Tampa

The UFC’s return to Tampa is a much-anticipated event for fight fans in the region. The city has a rich history of hosting memorable UFC events, and the December 14 fight night promises to deliver another exciting chapter. Tampa’s Amalie Arena, which hosted the first encounter between Dern and Ribas, will once again be the venue for this thrilling rematch. The event is set to close out the UFC’s 2024 schedule, adding an extra layer of excitement as fans look forward to a night filled with high-stakes matchups.

Confirmed Bouts

• Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas 2
• Dustin Jacoby vs. Vitor Petrino

As the fight approaches, anticipation is building around the strategies each fighter will employ. Dern, with her grappling expertise, may aim to take the fight to the ground and utilize her submission skills. Ribas, meanwhile, might look to leverage her striking and maintain distance to outpoint Dern on the feet. The contrasting styles of these two athletes promise an intriguing battle that could go either way.

The rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas is set to be a highlight of the UFC’s return to Tampa. With both fighters eager to prove themselves and secure a pivotal victory, fans can expect a competitive and intense showdown. As the final UFC event of the year, it offers a fitting conclusion to the 2024 calendar, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of mixed martial arts.