UFC Vegas 101 Results: Dern Armbars Ribas For Submission Win
- The main event featured a rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas at UFC Vegas 101 in Las Vegas.
- Mackenzie Dern achieved a submission victory in the third round with an armbar, marking her first submission win in nearly four years.
- This win positions Dern for potential title contention, significantly impacting the strawweight division rankings.
On January 11, 2025, the UFC Apex in Las Vegas hosted UFC Vegas 101, the first Fight Night event of the UFC's 2025 schedule. The main event featured a highly anticipated rematch between strawweight competitors Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas, who previously faced off in 2019. Dern entered the octagon as a +146 underdog against Ribas, who was the -171 favorite. The fight unfolded over three rounds, with the first round showcasing a competitive exchange where both fighters aimed to establish their grappling and striking. Dern scored a pivotal takedown in round one but did not secure a submission attempt or substantial damage. The second round saw both fighters exchanging kicks and positioning, with Ribas gaining control for much of the round, yet Dern found an opening near the end. She attempted a shoulder lock, but Ribas defended effectively, leading into their grappling exchanges. Dern ultimately scrambled to the top position, managing to land strikes and create an opportunity to secure an armbar, ending the round closely with limited time left. As the final round progressed with crucial scoring potential, Dern ramped up her offensive output, landing significant strikes while Ribas struggled to gain a foothold. Just before the end of the fight, Dern seized the moment, locking in an armbar submission, which forced Ribas to tap out with only four seconds remaining in the contest. This win marked not only Dern's first submission victory in nearly four years but also Ribas' first submission loss, changing the dynamics of both fighters' careers and rankings in the strawweight division. Following the fight, Dern expressed her aspiration to pursue a title fight against the winner of the upcoming matchup between Zhang Weili and Tatiana Suarez. Her victory showcased her skill and determination, marking a significant turning point in her professional journey. In sum, UFC Vegas 101's main event delivered exhilarating moments, with Dern securing an impressive win and elevating her position in the UFC rankings.