ABU DHABI – Coach Marcos DaMatta is confident that Amanda Ribas can go all the way to the top.
DaMatta, American Top Team’s jiu-jitsu coach, has been working with Ribas ever since she walked into the gym prior to her octagon debut and is one of her lead cornermen.
Ribas (10-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) has made a quick impact since joining the UFC roster in June 2019, picking up big wins that include bouncing Mackenzie Dern out of the ranks of the unbeaten and a first-round submission of Paige VanZant at UFC 251.
The rising star may have become a fan favorite in large part due to her infectious laugh and bubbly personality, but DeMatta sees a well-rounded fighter who has the ability to take the strawweight division by storm.
“Absolutely, she’s one of American Top Team’s future champions – that we really believe,” DaMatta said. “The reason I say that is not because I train her. It’s just because she has the full package. She’s a good striker, she’s an awesome judo player, she has good jiu-jitsu, amazing attitude, charisma and the list goes on and on.
“She’s amazing for 115. She’s extremely focused. Her weight is already on fight week range, ahead of schedule. Last fight, she was 125 (pounds) easy, so I think her mentality is what makes her a little different. She’s not training just to beat Mackenzie or Randa (Markos) or Paige or Marina (Rodriguez). She’s training to be the best.”
Ribas faces Rodriguez at UFC 257 on “Fight Island,” where she’ll look to continue her ascent up the 115-pound rankings and notch her fifth promotional win.
Coach Marcos DaMatta: ‘Full package’ Amanda Ribas absolutely has championship potential
