The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned to action on January 11, 2025, with UFC Vegas 101, held at the APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event featured the much-anticipated rematch between strawweight contenders Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas, following their initial encounter back in 2019, where Ribas handed Dern her first professional loss by unanimous decision.
Billed as the main event, this five-round showdown was not only pivotal for the fighters’ careers but also for fans who were eager for quality MMA action after the UFC's brief hiatus. Dern entered the fight with her professional record standing at 14 wins and 5 losses, yet her path to consistency has seen her clinch only 6 victories against 4 defeats since joining the UFC. Conversely, Ribas, with her record of 13 wins and 5 losses, has seen her fair share of ups and downs, alternating wins and losses over her past seven bouts. Both fighters knew the stakes were high, aiming to break free from stagnant rankings within the competitive strawweight division.
The excitement didn't stop at the main event; UFC Vegas 101 featured compelling bouts across the fight card. The co-main event showcased Santiago Ponzinibbio, who faced Carlston Harris, both of whom sought redemption after recent losses. The night's action was kicked off by preliminaries starting at 4 p.m. ET, leading up to the main card beginning at 7 p.m. ET, all broadcast live on ESPN+
Leading up to the fights, the weigh-ins revealed two fighters, Ihor Potieria and Jose Johnson, missing weight. Despite the hiccup, their fights proceeded at catchweight, showcasing the fighters’ perseverance. Before the action began, industry experts noted, "After the UFC's absence, there may be more eyes on this main event as much of the MMA community is starving for new events," signaling the importance of this card for both the organization and the fans alike.
Throughout the night, the fight card did not disappoint. Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas squared off, with Dern desperate to even the score against her opponent from their earlier bout. The fighters displayed incredible grit and determination, with observers eager to see how each had evolved since their last meeting.
Other matchups included the fierce contest between Abdul Razak Alhassan and Cesar Almeida, as well as Christian Rodriguez facing off against the undefeated Austin Bashi. Veterans and newcomers alike filled the card with thrilling performances. For example, Roman Kopylov achieved victory over Chris Curtis with a stunning head kick KO at the last second of the third round, sending shockwaves through the audience.
One of the night’s most talked-about newcomers, Jacobe Smith, made his main roster debut after gaining fame from Dana White's Contender Series. His presence, along with Bashi’s debut, injected vitality and anticipation among fans and analysts watching closely. Smith's impressive knockout of Preston Parsons highlighted his potential and the evolution of young fighters within the UFC milieu.
With the main event finally wrapping up what was largely deemed successful, spectators across the board were treated to both established stars and rising talents showcasing their skills. There was not only the hope of finding new challengers for title shots but also the assurance of thrilling MMA entertainment for the UFC faithful. The event's outcome and individual performances will likely shape the future trajectories of these competitors.
Overall, UFC Vegas 101 not only served as the first major MMA event of the new year but also as pivotal stepping stones for its fighters like Dern and Ribas, who are laser-focused on climbing the ranks and making their way back toward title contention. With fans satisfied and excitement buzzing, the night was undoubtedly one for the books in UFC's rich history.