The first fight of the main card at UFC 251 in Abu Dhabi saw Amanda Ribas taking on fan-favorite Paige VanZant… and it didn’t take long for this one to be decided.
VanZant, who was the biggest underdog of the night, tapped out midway through the first round after Ribas locked in an arm bar that put things away shortly after 6 a.m. local time.
VanZant is now a free agent, as her current deal with the UFC is over, and this performance isn’t going to help things with her next steps.
The two fighters shared a nice moment right after the end of the fight:
After locking up the first-round submission, @amandaribasufc hugged @paigevanzant 🤝 #UFC251 pic.twitter.com/LXMrI6Urb6
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 12, 2020
UFC fighters, media, and fans reacted to Ribas’ win:
Snap. Crackle. Pop. Armbarrrrrrr @ufc #FightIsland
— Julia Avila (@RagingPandaMMA) July 12, 2020
Beautiful armbar wow!! #UFC251 #ufcfightisland
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) July 12, 2020
Ribas proves why she was a huge favorite. That’s a CLEAN performance! #UFC251
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) July 12, 2020
That was the old Joe Silva special. Send PVZ into free agency off a bad matchup that inevitably leads to bad loss. We've seen that one for years. #UFC251
— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) July 12, 2020
Amanda Ribas continues to show why she's the real deal. A massive favorite against Paige VanZant and Ribas lives up to that. Methodical grappling work to hit a straight armbar. Interesting to see what kind of market there is for VanZant, who just fought out her contract.
— Josh Gross (@yay_yee) July 12, 2020
I'm thinking we'll get a good idea whether or not ONE has any money left based on if PVZ gets an offer
— Dave Doyle (@davedoylemma) July 12, 2020
Genuinely feel bad for PVZ — she’s a lovely person, was pushed heavy and got tons of grief for it, but never improved enough as a fighter to validate the attention.
It’s been too much, too soon, with too many expectations. #UFC251
— E. Spencer Kyte (@spencerkyte) July 12, 2020
The UFC is notorious for giving tough fights to fighters who are talking about leaving w/ contract disputes. Dana White is a savage. https://t.co/H2U0lm97yx
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) July 12, 2020