SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Tracy Cortez is surprised to see Amanda Ribas sticking around at flyweight.
Cortez (10-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) meets Ribas (12-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC) at UFC on ESPN 42, which takes place Dec. 3 at Amway Center in Orlando, Fla.
Ribas has competed as a strawweight for the majority for her career. She submitted Paige VanZant in her flyweight debut in July 2020 but moved back down to 115 pounds for her next two fights. However, in her past outing, Ribas returned to flyweight and was edged out by former title challenger Katlyn Chookagian at UFC on ESPN 36. Despite the loss, the Brazilian has decided to stay at flyweight.
“That’s a bold move moving up to 125,” Cortez told MMA Junkie. “I personally don’t understand it, but maybe she just feels better, she feels healthier. I don’t know what the reason behind it is, but I hope she brings her best.”
Unbeaten in the octagon, Cortez is currently in the UFC flyweight rankings. She hopes a win over Ribas lands her a spot in the top 10 so she can kickstart her title run.
“I’m really excited, because bigger names means I’m climbing up there, and I’m gonna showcase what I’m capable of,” Cortez said.
She continued, “I don’t even know how many win streaks I’m in right now. Honestly, after a fight, I don’t even acknowledge that victory. I just move on, because something that I don’t want to do is get content with where I’m at, and I see every fight as a challenge to move forward. That’s what it is. I’m gonna keep trying to move up in the rankings, and hopefully this one gets me in the top 10.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie event hub for UFC on ESPN 42.
