Virna Jandiroba knows she’s getting a very game Amanda Ribas on Saturday.
Ribas, who had her first octagon loss to Marina Rodriguez in her most recent outing, will look to get back to the win column when she faces Jandiroba (17-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) in the featured prelim of UFC 267.
With rising star Ribas (10-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) coming off a knockout loss, Jandiroba knows her opponent has a lot to prove – which makes her even more dangerous.
“She’s a complete fighter, and on my side I’m trying to focus on myself and what I’m doing and what I can do to her than her as an opponent – just trying to focus on vulnerabilities and things that we’re able to explore,” Jandiroba said Wednesday at the UFC 267 media day. “Coming off a win, it was a very interesting camp and the last two fights were very interesting opponents that allowed me to develop a lot. She’s coming off a loss, so I think for sure she’s going to be very hungry, so it has the makings to be a very interesting fight.”
Jandiroba’s only two losses have come to former UFC strawweight champion Carla Esparza and jiu-jitsu ace Mackenzie Dern. The former Invicta FC 115-pound champ has plenty of experience, but is still looking to evolve as she aims to fulfill her goal of carrying UFC gold.
“I think as people we can always improve,” Jandiroba said. “We’re always improvable beings. I don’t think I ever saw her as someone that was already there, but she can always work on her craft and become better, and that’s what I’m trying to do. I can see myself as a champion eventually, and I’m working very hard to perfect my skills and becoming the best version of myself.”
Virna Jandiroba expecting rebounding Amanda Ribas to be ‘hungry’ at UFC 267
