ABU DHABI – Amanda Ribas was all smiles Wednesday ahead of her UFC 251 fight against Paige VanZant.
At a pre-fight media day, Ribas (9-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) giggled and, at times, burst out laughing as she animatedly fielded questions from reporters. She showed no sign of nerves entering her highest-profile bout to date.
“No, it’s very welcomed for me,” Ribas told MMA Junkie when asked about the pressure that comes with hype. “That’s awesome because in the UFC there’s a lot of fighters. When they say this about my name – about Amanda Ribas – it’s wonderful for me.”
Ribas is delighted by the prospect of fighting “big name” fighters. VanZant (8-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC) is the second-straight matchup Ribas deems a big name, having defeated highly touted prospect Mackenzie Dern in October 2019.
“For me, it was unbelievable again, because, before Paige VanZant, I fought against Mackenzie Dern,” Ribas said. “She has a great, big name, too. Now, (I’m fighting) against Paige. I’m fighting with great girls (and) big names in the sport – not just in MMA but in sports. I think with that I can be a big name, too.”
Looking at the betting odds, Ribas sits at -850 on average across all major sportsbooks (pert BestFightOdds). However, being the favorite doesn’t bother Ribas. In fact, she likes it. The Brazilian fighter joked she needs to find out how to put money on herself.
“I’ve been training a lot for that,” Ribas said. “So when I saw the betting odds, it was amazing for me. I’m looking for how to put money down because that’s good. I’m really happy with that. And pressure? I don’t put pressure on myself, because I’ve fought since I was a baby. This world, this competition, this vibe is my home. For me, it’s big, and I really love it.”
Even with a win over VanZant, Ribas thinks she still needs time to develop before she sniffs title gold. Perhaps a top 10 or top five strawweight opponent will be next, but Ribas isn’t ruling out another fight at flyweight, either.
“I feel I need a little time, because I just have three fights in the UFC,” Ribas said. “(I’ll be) 4-0, but I am an ambitious girl, so maybe in my category, in my weight, 115, I hope the next fight can be with (the) top 10 or top five. Maybe, if the UFC wants in 125, too, against some hulking girl. I’m looking for that, too.”
UFC 251 takes place Saturday at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.
Bubbly Amanda Ribas finds comfort zone entering UFC 251 fight vs. 'big name' Paige VanZant
