Amanda Ribas ready for top-10 opponent after upset of Mackenzie Dern at UFC Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. – Amanda Ribas beat Mackenzie Dern with a unanimous decision Saturday on the main card at UFC on ESPN+ 19 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.

Take a look inside the fight with Ribas, who handed Dern the first loss of her pro career.

Result: Amanda Ribas def. Mackenzie Dern via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Updated records: Ribas (8-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Dern (7-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Key stat: Ribas outstruck Dern 84-50 and landed both of the fight’s takedowns.

Ribas on the fight’s key moment

“In my heart, I wanted a knockout. But I used my mind. I was trying to feel the distance so I could win with points, so I did that. … I was thinking in my mind she’d feel the body (strikes), because she had been (recently) pregnant. But she was tough – really, really tough.”

Ribas on upsetting the previously unbeaten Dern

“I can’t describe how happy I am. This fight is really important to my career because Mackenzie had a really big name. Now I have a big name, too, so I’m really happy.”

Ribas on what she wants next

“I want someone in the top 10. That would be great. Please UFC. But they can put me with whoever they want. First of all, I want to eat a lot and enjoy this time, because we need to enjoy, too, before just moving on. Then I will talk to my coaches and the UFC, because they are my boss.”

To hear more from Ribas, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.