Amanda Ribas wants to focus on strawweight, eyes winner of Carla Esparza vs. Marina Rodriguez

It seems like Amanda Ribas may be on her way back to 115 pounds.

The Brazilian prospect wants to return to strawweight after a successful debut at 125 pounds. Ribas (10-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) defeated Paige VanZant to open the UFC 251 main card Saturday at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. She submitted VanZant with an armbar in the first round.

Although she said she’s open to fights at flyweight, Ribas would like to return to 115 pounds for her next UFC outing and she already has a name in mind.

“I want to fight in my weight of 115 (pounds), maybe with the winner of Carla Esparza and Marina Rodriguez,” Ribas said after the fight. “But if UFC wants me to fight at 125, I can fight, too. I don’t know – maybe top 15? I’m ambitious. I’m asking. If they give it to me, I will accept it and put my energy in it all again.

“I’m really grateful for the UFC to give us an opportunity to do our job because a lot of people are not working. So for me, to be here working and do what I love to do is awesome.”

Ribas would like the winner of Esparza-Rodriguez due to a couple of factors.

“I think it’s because they are really good in the rankings and it’s a fight that would be close to me right now,” Ribas said. “I think it will be in two weeks so the winner will have time to rest and be ready for me.”

Ribas said fighting on “Fight Island” was a good experience and she’s open to return to Abu Dhabi. The 26-year-old is on a five-fight winning streak, including her first four in the UFC.