Ribas Still Battling COVID-19 After UFC Vegas 26 Removal

Amanda Ribas is not doing so well after being removed from UFC Vegas 26 earlier this month due to a positive COVID-19 test.

Ribas, who is one of the most promising names in women’s MMA today, was expected to fight Angela Hill as part of the UFC Vegas 26 main card on ESPN on May 8. Unfortunately, the Brazilian fighter was removed from the card hours before the event started after testing positive for the coronavirus along with a team member. It is the second time Ribas has tested positive for the widespread virus.

While Hill took the cancelation in stride and made her push for a change of opponent over the next few weeks Ribas is still experiencing issues from her battle with COVID-19. We are just one week removed from Ribas’ positive test and the symptoms keep rolling in.

“I’m here in quarantine in the room in Las Vegas,” Ribas told MMA Junkie earlier this week. “I’m still here. I was feeling the symptoms since Wednesday but thought it was the air conditioning. I was coughing and felt weird and was just coughing. I (struggled) walking. I’m just waiting here in the quarantine, drinking water to get better. (This is) the second (time) I’ve had COVID. It is rare, but happened. I hope you guys send vibes for me and my dad to get better.”

Ribas, 27, was on her way to a women’s strawweight title shot before getting knocked out by Marina Rodriguez at UFC 257 this past January. She was hoping to right the ship entering the second half of 2021 and remind the division why she’s one of the most dangerous contenders around.

As it stands right now the promotion is looking to have Ribas vs. Hill take place on June 5, but if Ribas continues to deal with COVID-19 symptoms the bout is likely to get canceled again.