UFC Fight Night saw Mackenzie Dern avenging her 2019 loss to Amanda Ribas with a last-minute armbar submission in the third round. This victory marked Dern's second consecutive win, enhancing her position in the strawweight rankings. The event also featured Santiago Ponzinibbio's comeback victory over Carlston Harris and a spectacular knockout by Cesar Almeida against Abdul Razak Alhassan.
UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Ribas 2, held at UFC APEX in Las Vegas, marked the first major event of 2025. The night was headlined by a thrilling rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas, where Dern sought to avenge her previous loss. The event also showcased a series of exciting bouts, including Santiago Ponzinibbio's co-main event victory and a standout performance by Cesar Almeida. The card delivered a mix of technical grappling, striking prowess, and dramatic finishes, setting the tone for an exciting year in mixed martial arts.
Mackenzie Dern, ranked sixth in the women's strawweight division, faced Amanda Ribas in a highly anticipated rematch. Dern, known for her grappling skills, showcased her prowess by submitting Ribas with an armbar just seconds before the end of the third round. This victory avenged her 2019 loss to Ribas and marked her second consecutive win, solidifying her position in the division. Dern's performance was praised for its technical execution, with analyst Michael Bisping describing it as 'Jiu-Jitsu 101' [1] [2].
In the co-main event, Santiago Ponzinibbio delivered a remarkable comeback against Carlston Harris. Despite being on the receiving end of hard shots in the first two rounds, Ponzinibbio rallied in the third round, landing a series of punches that led to a TKO victory. The fight was not without controversy, as the referee's decision to stop the fight was questioned by some, including analyst Dominick Cruz. Nevertheless, Ponzinibbio's performance was a testament to his resilience and skill, earning him a much-needed win [3] [4].
Cesar Almeida delivered one of the night's most memorable moments with a first-round knockout of Abdul Razak Alhassan. After being knocked down early in the fight, Almeida recovered and countered with a devastating left hook that left Alhassan unconscious. The knockout was hailed as a potential contender for the best of 2025 and earned Almeida a performance bonus. This victory was crucial for Almeida's rise in the middleweight division, showcasing his striking power and resilience [5] [6].
UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Ribas 2 delivered an exciting start to 2025 with thrilling performances and dramatic finishes. Mackenzie Dern's victory over Amanda Ribas was a highlight, showcasing her grappling expertise and marking a significant milestone in her career. Santiago Ponzinibbio's comeback and Cesar Almeida's knockout also stood out, setting the stage for an exhilarating year in the UFC. As the fighters continue to compete at the highest level, fans can look forward to more memorable moments and intense matchups in the months to come.
""That was Jiu-Jitsu 101,"" - Michael Bisping
""He stopped it a little early,"" - Carlston Harris
""It was a dangerous fight,"" - Cesar Almeida