A star is born. The imposing victory of Amanda ribas about paige vanzant, last Saturday (11), at UFC 251, in Abu Dhabi, confirmed the Brazilian's success and confirmed the athlete as a reality within the organization. In an exclusive interview with the YouTube channel do SUPER FIGHTS, the Minas Gerais native spoke about her meteoric rise, charisma with her fans and plans for her future in the organization.
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Proving to be a competent professional and willing to test herself in MMA, Ribas, last weekend, took on the challenge of moving up a division to exchange forces against the famous VanZant. Outside of her comfort zone, she wanted to test herself against a strong opponent and she didn't disappoint.
Duel against Paige
Undefeated in Ultimate, Ribas never hid her desire to face VanZant in the octagon. Always showing respect to the North American, the Brazilian stated that she wanted to exchange forces against Paige because she was a great opponent and had a big name. The Minas Gerais native, however, confirmed that she did not expect a victory in the first round.
“I wasn't expecting to submit Paige in the first round, especially with an armbar. I spent my entire training camp looking to submit or knock out, but not looking for the arm. There was a fight I watched where she broke her arm, but didn't tap (in withdrawal). My focus was to tire her while standing, and then take her to the ground and go for the neck, but fighting is an opportunity thing”, declared Amanda.
Experiment on flies
Even with a performance worthy of 'Performance of the Night', Amanda guarantees that her preference is to return to the strawweight category (up to 52,1kg), where she made her first three appearances with UFC gloves. The Brazilian, however, spoke about the importance of the test of performing among the heaviest.
“I see it as a benefit. The more the athlete fights, the more experienced he becomes. Like this opportunity to fight in the top category, on the main card. So, it was a great experience for me, both to have more fights and to fight like an athlete like Paige. I intend to fight in both categories, but my main objective is in my own category”, she said.
Next appointment
Currently in 12th position in the group led by Weili Zhang, Ribas is already thinking about options for opponents that could take her even further to the top of the category. The Brazilian then suggested chances of 'marriages' that could help her reach the top 10.
“I would really like to face the 'champion' of the fight between Carla esparza with Marina (Rodriguez), or with the 'champion' of the fight Michelle Waterson (faces Angela Hill on August 22), but I think Michelle's fight is too far away, so it would take a long time for me to fight. I want someone who is above me in the rankings at 52kg. and, in the 57kg., someone in the rankings”, she revealed.
Feet on the ground regarding the future
After the big victory over Paige, Amanda was highly praised by the specialized press and fans. The Brazilian's success is such that it 'forced' the UFC 'boss', Dana White, to surrender to the talent of the Minas Gerais native. after the UFC 251, the president stated that 'the world will love her'. Even with his meteoric fame, Ribas shows the maturity to deal with the big moment in his career.
“I have to be very calm. The opportunity appears, you have to study carefully so you don't jump at the opportunity and it's not the right time. Little foot on the ground, because I'm just starting out. I always ask my teachers, manager and my father to demand this from me a lot. Like it or not, I fought against very famous athletes and I don’t want to let it get to my head,” he declared.
Charisma with fans
Without losing a single round since her debut in June last year, it didn't take long for the Brazilian to find favor with MMA fans. Exuding humility, the Minas Gerais native said she was surprised at the speed at which her popularity has increased.
“I didn’t imagine (laughs). I get goosebumps all over. It's so good to do what you like, to have this feedback from the public. It's difficult to please and, even more so, pleasing in my own way, without forcing, is really good, because I can be relaxed. There are a lot of people who make a brand. I’m very happy”, concluded the girl from Minas Gerais, smiling.
At 26 years old, Amanda now has 11 fights, with 10 wins and just one loss. Minas Gerais hasn’t known what it’s like to lose since November 2015.
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