LAS VEGAS – Amanda Ribas feels a lot is on the line in her next UFC outing.
The 28-year-old fighter, who usually fights at 115 pounds, is making a move up to flyweight for Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 36. Ribas (11-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC) will fight on the main card of the event against former UFC title challenger and long-time top contender Katlyn Chookagian.
“That is so amazing because it’s the No. 1 (contender), so this for me … some people think, ‘It’s not too much pressure?’ For me, no,” Ribas told reporters at the UFC on ESPN 36 media day on Wednesday. “For me, it’s a huge opportunity. It’s amazing.”
This is the second time the Brazilian will try her luck at 125 pounds. She previously competed at flyweight in 2020 when she submitted Paige VanZant. The other five bouts she’s had under the UFC banner have been at strawweight.
Although she might not have a ton of history in the division, Ribas believes she could earn a title shot if victorious against Chookagian.
“I think yes,” Ribas said. “Of course, it depends on the result of the fight, but yes. I think yes.”
In regards to the matchup itself, only two fighters have been able to best Chookagian – current UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko and former strawweight champ Jessica Andrade.
Ribas knows Chookagian is a tricky opponent and a tough one to figure out.
“I think she’s really good fighter and she’s No. 1,” Ribas explained. “I need to be careful because she throws a lot of punches and make a lot of points. I need to put my energy and make my distance because I don’t want her to enjoy the fight. If I did her to do that, it would be good for her, so I don’t want to do that.”
