The UFC kicks off its 2025 calendar with a compelling strawweight rematch as Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas successfully made weight for their main event clash at UFC Vegas 101. The official weigh-ins took place on Friday, January 10, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, setting the stage for an exciting night of fights.
The first UFC main event of 2025 is official!
Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas were both 116 pounds on the scale for Saturday’s #UFCVegas101 rematch. pic.twitter.com/CY0GOQeTJP
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) January 10, 2025
Dern, sporting a record of 15-5 MMA and 10-5 UFC, tipped the scales at 116 pounds, while Ribas, standing at 12-6 MMA and 7-5 UFC, hit the mark at 116 pounds as well. This rematch comes more than five years after their first encounter in October 2019, where Ribas handed Dern her first professional loss via unanimous decision.
Since their initial bout, both fighters have established themselves as formidable contenders in the strawweight division. Dern, known for her world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, has been working diligently to round out her MMA game. Ribas, on the other hand, has showcased her well-rounded abilities, blending her judo background with improved striking.
The co-main event features a welterweight showdown between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Carlston Harris, both of whom successfully made weight. This bout promises fireworks, with Ponzinibbio looking to climb back up the rankings and Harris aiming to make a statement.
However, the weigh-ins were not without drama. Two fighters on the card missed weight as both Jose Johnson and Ihor Potieria were fined but the bouts are still proceeding.
The rest of the main card saw all fighters hit their marks, including an intriguing middleweight clash between Chris Curtis and Roman Kopylov. The preliminary card also features a mix of veterans and rising prospects, all looking to start their 2025 campaign on a high note.
Dern vs. Ribas 2
As the first main event of 2025, Dern vs. Ribas 2 carries significant implications for the strawweight division. Both fighters are ranked in the top 10, with Dern at No. 6 and Ribas at No. 8. A decisive victory for either competitor could propel them into title contention conversations.
The betting odds suggest a closely contested affair, with oddsmakers giving a slight edge to Ribas. However, Dern’s improvements in striking and her ever-dangerous ground game make her a constant threat.
UFC Vegas 101 Weigh-In Results
Main Card (ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET)
- Mackenzie Dern (116) vs. Amanda Ribas (116)
- Santiago Ponzinibbio (171) vs. Carlston Harris (170)
- Abdul Razak Alhassan (185.5) vs. Cesar Almeida (185.5)
- Chris Curtis (185.5) vs. Roman Kopylov (185.5)
- Christian Rodriguez (145) vs. Austin Bashi (145.5)
- Uros Medic (171) vs. Punahele Soriano (171)
Preliminary Card (ESPN+ at 4 p.m. ET)
- Jose Johnson (128.5)* vs. Felipe Bunes (126)
- Marco Tulio (185.5) vs. Ihor Potieria (188)*
- Thiago Moises (155.5) vs. Trey Ogden (155.5)
- Preston Parsons (171) vs. Jacobe Smith (170.5)
- Ernesta Kareckaite (126) vs. Nicolle Caliari (125.5)
- Magomed Gadzhiyasulov (205) vs. Bruno Lopes (205.5)
- Fatima Kline (116) vs. Viktoriia Dudakova (116)
- Nurullo Aliev (155.5) vs. Joe Solecki (155)
With the weigh-ins complete, all eyes now turn to Saturday night. UFC Vegas 101 promises to deliver an action-packed card, headlined by two of the most popular fighters in the women’s strawweight division. As the UFC embarks on another year of thrilling matchups, this event sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting 2025 in the world of mixed martial arts.
The preliminary card is set to begin at 4 p.m. ET, with the main card following at 7 p.m. ET, both streaming live on ESPN+. Fight fans around the world are eagerly anticipating this clash of styles and the potential for a shake-up in the strawweight rankings as the UFC’s 2025 campaign gets underway in earnest.
