UFC 2025 Kicks Off with Dern vs. Ribas Strawweight Rematch

LAS VEGAS – The UFC’s 2025 campaign begins with a highly anticipated strawweight rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas, headlining Saturday’s event at the UFC Apex. The two fighters first clashed in October 2019, with Ribas securing a unanimous decision victory. Now, five years later, both athletes return to the Octagon with evolved skills and renewed determination.

Dern, a multiple-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion, enters the fight with a 15-5 MMA record (10-5 UFC). She has faced some of the division’s toughest competitors, including Jessica Andrade and Amanda Lemos, and believes her experience has transformed her into a more well-rounded fighter. “I feel like I was such a different person back then,” Dern said during the UFC Fight Night 249 media day. “I’ve evolved in striking, in wrestling, in takedowns, and just so much experience.”

Ribas, currently ranked No. 6 in the strawweight division, holds a 12-6 MMA record (7-5 UFC). She returns to the 115-pound weight class after a brief stint at flyweight, where she suffered a loss to Rose Namajunas in March 2024. Ribas has historically performed better at strawweight, boasting a 5-1 record in the division compared to a 2-3 record at flyweight.

The first fight between Dern and Ribas took place just four months after Dern gave birth to her daughter, a factor she believes impacted her performance. “If I could go back, I’d wait a little bit longer,” Dern admitted. Despite the loss, she remains optimistic about her growth as a fighter and her chances in the rematch.

Saturday’s event also features a co-main event between welterweight veterans Santiago Ponzinibbio and Carlston Harris. Ponzinibbio, a 38-year-old veteran, looks to rebound from a two-fight losing streak, while Harris aims to recover from a knockout loss to Khaos Williams in May 2024.

Other notable matchups include middleweight clashes between Cesar Almeida and Abdul Razak Alhassan, as well as Chris Curtis and Roman Kopylov. The card also showcases the UFC debuts of several Dana White’s Contender Series graduates, including Austin Bashi and Nicolle Caliari.

Fans can catch the action live from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, with prelims starting at 4 p.m. ET and the main card kicking off at 7 p.m. ET.