Amanda Limborco Alcântara Ribas, a Brazilian mixed martial artist known for her exceptional skills and versatility in the octagon, has captured attention as one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC. Born on August 26, 1993, in Varginha, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Ribas’s journey through martial arts began early under the tutelage of her father Marcelo Ribas, a well-respected judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach who also teaches Muay Thai.

Early Career and Championships

Ribas made her mark on the international judo and grappling scene before transitioning to professional MMA. Despite facing significant challenges, including knee injuries, she showcased her tenacity by winning the 2014 IMMAF Women’s Flyweight World Championship prior to embarking on her professional career later that year. This victory marked the beginning of her ascent in the sport.

Ribas officially joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2019, making an immediate impact with a submission win over Emily Whitmire in her debut fight. She followed up this success with notable victories against accomplished fighters such as Mackenzie Dern and Paige VanZant, showcasing her adaptability as she fought in both the strawweight and flyweight divisions.

A Diverse and Dangerous Skill Set

Amanda Ribas is celebrated for her well-rounded skill set, featuring powerful striking capabilities complemented by a dangerous submission game. Her professional record boasts 13 wins, including four knockouts and four submissions, alongside six losses. Ribas has demonstrated her comfort in both striking exchanges and grappling situations, keeping her opponents guessing throughout each bout.

Key Statistics

• Full Name: Amanda Limborco Alcântara Ribas
• Date of Birth: August 26, 1993 (age 31)
• Birthplace: Varginha, Minas Gerais, Brazil
• Height: 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m)
• Reach: 66 inches (168 cm)
• Weight Classes: Strawweight (115 lb) Flyweight (125 lb)
• Stance: Orthodox
• Team: American Top Team (2016–present)
• Rank: Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; Black belt in Judo
• Professional MMA Record: 13 wins (4 KO, 4 Sub, 5 Dec) vs. 6 losses (3 KO, 1 Sub, 2 Dec)
• Current UFC Women’s Strawweight Ranking:
  

  Significant Achievements in MMA

  Ribas has achieved numerous accolades throughout her burgeoning career:

  • 2014 IMMAF World Champion (Women’s Flyweight): Clinched gold before her professional debut.
  • Jungle Fight Strawweight Champion: Won the title via first-round rear-naked choke at Jungle Fight 79 on July 4, 2015.
  • Max Fight Strawweight Champion: Captured the MF title with a second-round TKO at Max Fight 18 on May 21, 2016.
  • UFC Debut Submission: Made her UFC introduction memorable with a rear-naked choke victory over Emily Whitmire at UFC on ESPN 3 on June 29, 2019.
  • Submission of the Night: Earned recognition for her armbar triumph over Paige VanZant at UFC 251 on July 12, 2020.
  • Fight of the Night: Received her first bonus after a split-decision loss to Katlyn Chookagian at UFC on ESPN 36 on May 14, 2022.
  • Performance of the Night: Delivered a spectacular third-round spinning-wheel-kick TKO against Luana Pinheiro at UFC Fight Night 232 on November 18, 2023.

  The Road Ahead

  Amanda Ribas’s trajectory from a small-town Brazilian athlete to a prominent contender in the UFC highlights her technical prowess and unwavering spirit. As she continues to face elite competition in both the strawweight and flyweight categories, Ribas’s blend of striking power, submission skills, and engaging personality solidifies her status as a fan favorite and a formidable opponent.

  With championship aspirations on the horizon, followers of the sport should keep a close watch on Ribas as she seeks to elevate her legacy among the UFC’s most dynamic female athletes.