Amanda Ribas wants to reschedule her fight with Paige VanZant after picking up a big win at UFC on ESPN+ 28.
Ribas (10-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) continued the perfect start to her octagon tenure on Saturday when she earned a one-sided unanimous decision victory over Randa Markos in their strawweight matchup, which took place at Ginasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia, Brazil.
Markos replaced VanZant (8-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC) in the matchup after “PVZ” had more etbacks with her recurring arm injury. She’s getting back to full health, though, and Ribas said she wants that fight back, and is even willing to move up in weight to make it happen.
“Hello Paige, how are you?” Ribas said on the UFC on ESPN+ 28 post-fight show. “I hope you’re good. I wish your recovery is really good, because I still want to fight with you. It doesn’t matter if it’s 115, or 125 to recovery better. It’s OK. It’s casual.”
Ribas said fighting VanZant is at the top of her wish list. However, if the stars don’t align, she believes there are alternative option that would see her face either a former UFC or Invicta FC champion.
“I am ambitious,” Ribas said. “I would also like to fight the winner of the fight between Carla Esparza and Michelle Waterson (scheduled for April 11). I’m sure it would be a great fight.”
For now, Ribas revels in her latest performance. She was too much for her foe from beginning to end, outworking Markos on the feet and the ground en route to a 30-25, 30-25 and 30-27 scores.
Markos was the most credentialed opponent Ribas has met to date, and although the Brazilian was unable to finish the fight, she was able to show the extend of her talents.
“Since I started studying Randa Markos as an opponent, I saw that she was a very strong fighter who managed to cancel her opponents’ game,” Ribas said. “I was able to show that I am not just a judo athlete or a jiu-jitsu athlete or just a muay Thai athlete. I am an MMA athlete. I fought standing up, on the ground. Of course I wanted the knockout or the submission, but the victory came and that is what matters.”
Amanda Ribas offers 'casual' callout of Paige VanZant after UFC Brasilia – at any weight
