Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas Rematch Set for UFC Tampa Bay

The highly anticipated rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas is set to take place at UFC Tampa Bay later this year. The two fighters previously faced off in 2019, where Ribas emerged victorious via unanimous decision, handing Dern her first career loss after a strong start with two wins in the UFC. The upcoming bout is expected to reignite the rivalry as both fighters have been on a rollercoaster of recent performances, making this rematch even more intriguing.

A Look Back at Their First Encounter

The first encounter between Dern and Ribas took place in Tampa Bay, where Ribas secured a decisive win. The victory ended Dern’s unbeaten streak and propelled Ribas further into the spotlight. Since that fight, both athletes have experienced mixed results in their UFC careers, winning two of their last four fights each.

Recent Form and the Road to the Rematch

Amanda Ribas enters this rematch after suffering a loss to former champion Rose Namajunas, a fight that showcased her skills but ultimately ended in disappointment. On the other hand, Mackenzie Dern is coming off a crucial win against Loopy Godinez, breaking her two-fight losing streak and re-establishing herself as a formidable competitor in the division. The rematch is expected to take place in December, adding further excitement to the UFC Tampa Bay event.

Du Plessis vs. Pereira: Potential Showdown by Year-End

In other UFC news, Dricus Du Plessis’ coach, Morne Visser, has expressed interest in a potential fight against Alex Pereira by the end of the year. Pereira, who plans to return to middleweight after Du Plessis’ impressive fourth-round submission victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, could be facing a move up to light heavyweight if the fight materializes.

Visser’s Stand on the Weight Class

Visser made it clear that they are not interested in dropping to 185 pounds for this fight, preferring to meet Pereira at light heavyweight to avoid any excuses related to weight cuts. With Pereira scheduled to fight in October, Visser hopes the UFC will approve this matchup for December, making it one of the most anticipated bouts to close out the year.

Source : Fight Sports

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