Amanda Ribas: The Journey of a Brazilian MMA Star
Amanda Limborço Alcântara Ribas, born on August 26, 1993, in Varginha, Minas Gerais, is one of Brazil’s most promising mixed martial arts (MMA) talents. Competing in the UFC’s strawweight and flyweight divisions, Amanda has captivated fans with her refined technique, infectious charisma, and determination inside and outside the octagon. With an impressive record of victories and a story of overcoming adversity, she has established herself as a leading figure in international MMA. This article explores Amanda Ribas’ life, career, and impact on the world of martial arts, highlighting her journey from the mats of Varginha to the spotlight of the UFC.
Early Life and Family Influence
Amanda Ribas was born into a family deeply rooted in martial arts. Her father, Marcelo Ribas, is a renowned judo and jiu-jitsu coach who also teaches muay thai. From a young age, Amanda was immersed in the world of combat sports. As she described, “gloves were my pillows, and the kimono was my blanket.” This connection to the mats shaped her childhood and planted the seeds of her passion for martial arts.
First Steps in Martial Arts
At three years old, Amanda was already in her father’s dojo, learning the fundamentals of jiu-jitsu and muay thai. Her dedication to training was evident, but she also faced challenges. During her teenage years, the intensity of her training and comments about her physical appearance led her to take a break from fighting and explore dance. “People at school said my body was getting ‘ugly’ and looked like a muscular man’s,” Amanda revealed. Dance brought lightness to her life, but her love for competition and her parents’ support brought her back to martial arts.
Transition to Judo
At 14, Amanda excelled in judo, moving to the capital of Minas Gerais to train at a high-level club. Her dedication led to significant achievements, including Brazilian championships and participation in Olympic qualifiers and the European Circuit. However, frequent knee injuries forced her to pause her judo career, prompting her to return home and focus on her studies. This period of hiatus was crucial for her resilience, as she found the strength to return to the sport she loved.
Entry into Amateur MMA
Amanda’s return to martial arts happened almost by chance. While watching her friends train for an amateur MMA tournament, she felt the call to compete again. “I was born on the mat. It was meant for me,” she said. This moment marked the start of her MMA journey. In 2014, Amanda competed in the IMMAF Amateur MMA World Championships in Las Vegas, where she won the women’s flyweight title, solidifying her decision to turn professional.
Achievements in Amateur MMA
Before going pro, Amanda built an impressive amateur resume. In addition to the IMMAF World Championship, she won Brazilian and Minas Gerais titles in jiu-jitsu and judo, earning black belts in both disciplines. These accomplishments showcased her versatility and technical skill, qualities that would prove essential in her professional career.
Professional MMA Career
Amanda Ribas began her professional career in 2014, primarily fighting in Brazil. Her transition to professional MMA was marked by quick victories and dominant performances, catching the attention of the UFC, the world’s premier MMA organization.
UFC Debut and Early Victories
Amanda debuted in the UFC on June 29, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 3, against Emily Whitmire. She won by submission with a rear-naked choke in the second round, showcasing her jiu-jitsu prowess. She followed this with a unanimous decision victory over Mackenzie Dern on October 12, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Joanna vs. Waterson. Her third UFC fight, against Randa Markos on March 14, 2020, also ended in a unanimous decision win, solidifying her place in the strawweight division.
Early Challenges and Suspension
Amanda’s journey wasn’t without setbacks. In 2017, she was scheduled to face Juliana Lima at The Ultimate Fighter 25 Finale but was removed from the fight due to a potential anti-doping violation flagged by USADA. She tested positive for ostarine, a banned substance, resulting in a two-year suspension. The suspension was lifted on May 3, 2019, after USADA determined the positive result was due to a contaminated supplement. This ordeal tested her resilience, but Amanda returned stronger, ready to prove herself in the UFC.
UFC Highlights
After her debut, Amanda faced Paige VanZant at UFC 251 on July 12, 2020, winning by submission with an armbar in the first round. This victory was a milestone, demonstrating her ability to finish fights quickly against experienced opponents. On October 30, 2021, at UFC 267, she defeated Virna Jandiroba by unanimous decision, showcasing her evolution as a well-rounded fighter with strong grappling and striking skills.
Another memorable moment was her unanimous decision win over Viviane Araújo at UFC 285 on March 4, 2023. Amanda also earned a “Fight of the Night” bonus against Katlyn Chookagian at UFC on ESPN 36 on May 14, 2022, despite losing by split decision.
Losses and Resilience
Amanda’s career has included setbacks. On January 24, 2021, at UFC 257, she suffered a technical knockout loss to Marina Rodriguez in the second round. Additional losses came against Maycee Barber (June 24, 2023), Rose Namajunas (March 23, 2024), and Mackenzie Dern (January 11, 2025), reflecting the competitiveness of her division. Despite these defeats, Amanda has consistently shown resilience, returning to the octagon with renewed determination.
Facial Injury in 2025
One of the most challenging moments of her career occurred on July 26, 2025, during a fight against Tabatha Ricci at UFC Abu Dhabi. An elbow from Ricci dislodged a titanium plate in Amanda’s face, resulting in a severe injury requiring facial surgery. “It scared me,” Amanda admitted, highlighting the emotional impact of the incident. Nevertheless, her determination to return to the octagon remains unwavering.
Fighting Style and Training
Amanda Ribas is known for her versatility in the octagon. With black belts in jiu-jitsu and judo, she excels in grappling but is also skilled in striking, thanks to muay thai training with her father and other coaches. Her training regimen is intense, including no-gi jiu-jitsu, wrestling, sparring, and strength conditioning.
Fighting Philosophy
Amanda approaches each fight with a positive and strategic mindset. Her ability to adapt to different opponents’ styles is one of her greatest strengths. “Fighting has always been in my heart,” she says, reflecting her passion for the sport. This mindset has helped her navigate challenges, from injuries to losses, with grace and determination.
Impact Outside the Octagon
Beyond her MMA achievements, Amanda Ribas is admired for her charisma and authenticity. She inspires young athletes, especially women, to pursue their dreams in sports. Her story of overcoming injuries and a doping suspension is a testament to her resilience.
Dreams and Aspirations
Outside the octagon, Amanda has big dreams. She has expressed interest in balancing her MMA career with other projects, such as social initiatives and dance, which remains a passion. Her ability to connect with fans in Brazil and worldwide makes her an ambassador for the sport.
Achievements and Legacy
Amanda Ribas has amassed an impressive resume, including:
- Amateur MMA Titles: IMMAF Amateur MMA World Champion (2014).
- Jiu-Jitsu and Judo Titles: Black belts in both disciplines, with Brazilian and Minas Gerais championships.
- UFC Bonuses: “Fight of the Night” bonus against Katlyn Chookagian in 2022.
- Current Ranking: #7 in the UFC women’s strawweight rankings (as of March 11, 2025).
Her legacy extends beyond her octagon achievements. Amanda represents the new generation of Brazilian fighters, combining technique, charisma, and determination to inspire others.
Conclusion
Amanda Ribas is more than a fighter; she is a symbol of resilience, passion, and versatility. From her days on the mats in Varginha to the UFC spotlight, she has faced challenges with courage and earned the respect of fans and opponents alike. Her MMA journey is far from over, and with her determination, Amanda will continue to shine in the octagon and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy in Brazilian sports.
