TAMPA, Fla. – Amanda Ribas still can’t retract from being cautious about anything she ingests following her botched U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) failure.
Ribas (7-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) was flagged by USADA for taking a banned substance in June 2017, taking away nearly two years of her career. Before her entire suspension was filled, her claims of no wrongdoing` were proven right, and she was cleared for competition shortly thereafter.
The Brazilian won her return fight in June, and now she gets a big opportunity against Mackenzie Dern (7-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) on Saturday at UFC on ESPN+ 19. She said she’s excited for the fight, but even throughout camp has been extra cautious about anything she ingests.
“When I still open a water I’m like, ‘Oh my goodness,’” Ribas told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at UFC on ESPN+ 19 open workouts. “I think (about it). But USADA gives me all the support. They give me apps to put the supplements, so it’s good to have this.”
UFC on ESPN+ 19 takes place at Amalie Center, with the card set to stream on ESPN+.
Watch the video to hear Ribas talk more about her USADA situation, the fight with Dern, her UFC aspirations and more.
UFC on ESPN+ 19's Amanda Ribas still double checks water bottles after USADA violation
