UFC Fight Night Dern vs. Ribas 2 Preview

Welcome back, family. Happy New Year! The UFC is kicking off 2025 with a banger of a rematch, as Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas throw down again on January 11 at the UFC Apex in Vegas. If you’re into elite-level scraps, this one has two fighters who’ve leveled up since their first meeting.

The Main Event

Back in 2019, Ribas got the better of Dern with a unanimous decision win. But this isn’t 2019 anymore. Dern, a world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu queen, bounced back strong winning four in a row since their first meeting and had a shaky road since however in her most recent fight, Dern snagged a decision win over Loopy Godinez. She’s sitting pretty at No. 6 in the strawweight rankings and has her sights set on revenge.

On the flip side, Ribas is ranked No. 8 and isn’t exactly cruising—she’s been hit-and-miss in her last few fights and is coming off a tough loss to former champ Rose Namajunas. She’s not trying to let a losing streak define her 2025. This fight? It’s personal for both of them, and with title implications in the mix, expect fireworks.

The Co-Main

In the welterweight division, Carlston Harris and Santiago Ponzinibbio are squaring off in a fight both guys need to win. Harris has serious grit, while Ponzinibbio’s a vet who’s been in the trenches. Both are looking to bounce back and make a statement. It’s got “Fight of the Night” potential written all over it.

Full Fight Card

Main Card

• Mackenzie Dern (+180) vs. Amanda Ribas (-220)

• Carlston Harris (-110) vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio (-110)

• Abdul Razak Alhassan (+240) vs. Cesar Almeida (-300)

• Chris Curtis (+215) vs. Roman Kopylov (-265)

• Austin Bashi (-265) vs. Christian Rodriguez (+215)

• Uros Medic (-200) vs. Punahele Soriano (+165)

Prelims

• Felipe Bunes (+160) vs. Jose Johnson (-190)

• Ihor Potieria (+300) vs. Marco Tulio (-500)

• Thiago Moises (-200) vs. Trey Ogden (+165)

• Preston Parsons (+150) vs. Andreas Gustafsson (-180)

• Nicolle Caliari (+240) vs. Ernesta Kareckaite (-300)

• Magomed Gadzhiyasulov (-225) vs. Bruno Lopes (+185)

• Viktoriia Dudakova (+550) vs. Fatima Kline (-800)

• Nurullo Aliev (-550) vs. Yanal Ashmouz (+375)i

The Details

• Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025

• Where: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada

• Start Time: Main card at 7:00 PM EST (prelims at 4:00 PM)

• How to Watch: Live on ESPN+

Why Watch?

This isn’t just another Fight Night—this is about unfinished business and fighters trying to cement their legacies. Dern vs. Ribas 2 is the kind of main event that has “Fight of the Year” vibes, and the undercard is stacked with names ready to prove they belong on the big stage. So, cancel your plans, grab some snacks, and settle in for a night of chaos. Oss.

Image: UFC