Amanda Ribas hopes to finally get her hands on Paige VanZant when the UFC schedule resumes.
[autotag]Amanda Ribas[/autotag] hopes to finally get her hands on [autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag] when the UFC schedule, currently paused by the coronavirus pandemic, resumes.
Ribas (9-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) is even willing to travel to Dana White’s private island to ensure it happens, and VanZant (8-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC) is apparently interested in competing in that location, too.
The Brazilian strawweight was supposed to get the fight at UFC on ESPN+ 28 in March, but VanZant was forced to withdraw due to an arm injury. Ribas went on to dominate replacement opponent Randa Markos, and now she wants her original booking back.
“I want to go to Dana’s Island,” Ribas told MMA Junkie. “She wants to go too, so let’s do it. I think it will be a good fight, not just for me, but for the fans, the UFC, too. She put that on the Twitter, (so) why not? I did a tweet (calling her out).”
It remains to be seen if VanZant is up for the task, though. Ribas, No. 14 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie MMA strawweight rankings, has looked like a force in all three of her octagon wins thus far. VanZant, meanwhile, has been out of action for 15 months and counting, and has competed just twice since December 2016.
Fighting Ribas after such a long period of inactivity would arguably be a bad idea, but VanZant has, if nothing else, shown herself to be tough with a willingness to fight anyone. For that reason, Ribas thinks she would take the fight, and anticipates an exciting matchup.
“It would be so good,” Ribas said. “She fights like she doesn’t stop. All the time kicking and striking, I think it would be an exciting fight with me and her. I hope she says.”
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With the UFC recently postponing UFC 249 and suspending plans for all events indefinitely, it remains to seen when fights will start being booked again. White claims he’s going to have a private island that hosts UFC fights up and running within the next month, and Ribas said she’s jubilant about the idea of getting on one of those cards.
“Imagine that? It’s a mystery island,” Ribas said. “I imagine like Mortal Kombat the game with the arenas. I imagine something crazy. Because of that I want to fight.”
After fighting just once in the past 26 months, Paige VanZant says she’s healthy and ready to fight out her UFC contract.
[autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag]’s return to the octagon appears to be drawing nearer. The UFC strawweight had her arm cast removed Monday, and said she’s hopeful to compete sooner than later.
VanZant (8-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC) has been out of action since a January 2019 submission victory over Rachael Ostovich due to a series of injuries. She had a pre-existing arm injury that she carried into the fight, and it was worsened in the contest despite her coming out with the win.
She’s since tried to get back in the cage, but she experienced further setbacks that have required additional surgeries and recovery time. At long last, though, she seems ready to resume her career (via Instagram):
CAST IS OFF 100%!!!! LET’S FREAKING GO!!!! Training is in full effect (in my garage with my husband) lol First thing first, let’s heal the world, after that I’m coming to fight. 👊🏻
VanZant was supposed to fight Amanda Ribas at UFC on ESPN+ 28, which took place March 14 in Brasilia, Brazil. She was forced to withdraw from the bout, which was the last on her current UFC contract.
There’s been no secret from VanZant that she is looking to explore free agency once her deal is complete. She said she wants to test her market value, and there’s been speculation she could join her husband, middleweight Austin Vanderford, in Bellator.
First, though, VanZant must book a next UFC fight. With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic keeping the UFC schedule in limbo, it remains to be seen when that will happen.
See whom Charles Oliveira should fight next after his victory over Kevin Lee at UFC on ESPN+ 28.
After every event, fans wonder whom the winners will be matched up with next.
And with another night of UFC action in the rearview mirror, it’s time to look forward, put on a pair of Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard’s shoes, and play UFC matchmaker for UFC on ESPN+ 28’s most noteworthy winning fighters.
Those winners included [autotag]Charles Oliveira[/autotag] (29-8 MMA, 17-8 UFC), who submitted Kevin Lee (19-5 MMA, 12-5 UFC) in the third round of the lightweight headliner at Ginasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia, Brazil, as well as [autotag]Gilbert Burns[/autotag] (18-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC), [autotag]Renato Moicano[/autotag] (14-3-1 MMA, 6-3 UFC), [autotag]Nikita Krylov[/autotag] (26-7 MMA, 8-5 UFC) and [autotag]Amanda Ribas[/autotag] (9-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC).
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Amanda Ribas
Paige VanZant
Should fight: [autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag] Why they should fight: Ribas provided another example why she might be the most promising prospect in the strawweight division when she completely overwhelmed Randa Markos for three rounds for a lopsided unanimous decision win.
Originally, Ribas was supposed to fight VanZant (8-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC) on the card, but “PVZ” had another setback with her recurring arm injury and had to pull out. It’s clear Ribas still wants that fight, though, because she repeatedly called VanZant’s name after the win.
Given the situation, it makes sense to give it to her. Ribas is a flourishing star, and VanZant is seemingly on her way out the door of the UFC as she has just one fight remaining on her current contract, and her husband Austin Vanderford has made his home with Bellator MMA. She could soon join him there, and using VanZant’s star power to give Ribas a boost on the way out the door is just smart business.
Nikita Krylov
Alexander Gustafsson
Should fight: [autotag]Alexander Gustafsson[/autotag] Why they should fight: Krylov’s second UFC run continues to be a reflection of his best work. It wasn’t the prettiest of fights, but Krylov managed to take the wind out of Johnny Walker and ride out a unanimous decision win.
The fight marked the first time Krylov has ever won a fight on the scorecards, and in that unfamiliar territory he showed he can shut down a dangerous opponent. Now, it’s time to see if he can use the momentum of this win to make moves in the light heavyweight division.
If the talk of Gustafsson (18-6 MMA, 10-6 UFC) returning from retirement turn out to be true, then Krylov would be an interesting welcome back. Gustafsson walked away from the sport last summer following a loss to Anthony Smith, but by all appearances he’s not done. Krylov is a fighter that Gustafsson “should” beat, but Krylov could also rise to the occasion. Either way, we’re learning something important about both men by booking this.
Renato Moicano
Michael Johnson
Should fight: Winner of [autotag]Evan Dunham[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Michael Johnson[/autotag] at UFC on ESPN+ 32 Why they should fight: It was an impressive lightweight debut for Moicano, who dispatched of Damir Hadzovic with a rear-naked choke less than a minute into the bout.
Moicano called out Paul Felder in his post-fight interview, but that doesn’t seem like a fight Felder would care to take at this point. The Brazilian had the right idea shooting for a big name, but it will take more work before he gets those type of fights in the deep 155-pound weight class.
Although neither man is ranked, the winner of April’s UFC on ESPN+ 31 matchup between veterans Johnson (19-15 MMA, 11-11 UFC) and Dunham (18-8-1 MMA, 11-8-1 UFC) would be a great deal of fun. Both men have a mountain of UFC experience and don’t roll over easily, and those are the type of fights Moicano needs to be taken seriously as a contender in his new division.
Gilbert Burns
Santiago Ponzinibbio
Should fight: [autotag]Santiago Ponzinibbio[/autotag]
The dangerous Brazilian is now 3-0 since he moved up to welterweight, and his performances are only getting better over time. Beating Maia in the fashion he did is rather unprecedented, so it should most definitely set him up for a big-fight opportunity.
Burns called out Colby Covington during his post-fight media rounds, but that one seems unlikely. A name who would make more sense is Ponzinibbio, who has won his past seven fights but has been out of action since November 2018 due to health issues. He recently told MMA Junkie he’d be back soon, though, and Burns would be a fitting matchup for him to come back to.
Charles Oliveira
Donald Cerrone
Should fight: [autotag]Donald Cerrone[/autotag] Why they should fight: Watch the video above to see why Oliveira should rematch Cerrone (36-14 MMA, 23-11 UFC) next after his main event win.
Amanda Ribas wants to reschedule her fight with Paige VanZant after picking up a big win at UFC on ESPN+ 28.
[autotag]Amanda Ribas[/autotag] wants to reschedule her fight with Paige VanZant after picking up a big win at UFC on ESPN+ 28.
Ribas (10-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) continued the perfect start to her octagon tenure on Saturday when she earned a one-sided unanimous decision victory over Randa Markos in their strawweight matchup, which took place at Ginasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia, Brazil.
Markos replaced VanZant (8-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC) in the matchup after “PVZ” had more etbacks with her recurring arm injury. She’s getting back to full health, though, and Ribas said she wants that fight back, and is even willing to move up in weight to make it happen.
“Hello Paige, how are you?” Ribas said on the UFC on ESPN+ 28 post-fight show. “I hope you’re good. I wish your recovery is really good, because I still want to fight with you. It doesn’t matter if it’s 115, or 125 to recovery better. It’s OK. It’s casual.”
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Ribas said fighting VanZant is at the top of her wish list. However, if the stars don’t align, she believes there are alternative option that would see her face either a former UFC or Invicta FC champion.
“I am ambitious,” Ribas said. “I would also like to fight the winner of the fight between Carla Esparza and Michelle Waterson (scheduled for April 11). I’m sure it would be a great fight.”
For now, Ribas revels in her latest performance. She was too much for her foe from beginning to end, outworking Markos on the feet and the ground en route to a 30-25, 30-25 and 30-27 scores.
Markos was the most credentialed opponent Ribas has met to date, and although the Brazilian was unable to finish the fight, she was able to show the extend of her talents.
“Since I started studying Randa Markos as an opponent, I saw that she was a very strong fighter who managed to cancel her opponents’ game,” Ribas said. “I was able to show that I am not just a judo athlete or a jiu-jitsu athlete or just a muay Thai athlete. I am an MMA athlete. I fought standing up, on the ground. Of course I wanted the knockout or the submission, but the victory came and that is what matters.”
Gilbert Burns and Renato Moicano were among those with specific names in mind for their next fights after UFC on ESPN+ 28 in Brasilia.
Earning wins in the UFC is certainly no easy task, but what comes next is often even more important: the post-fight callout.
So after Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 28 event in Brasilia, who took advantage of their time on the mic? See below for this week’s Callout Collection – and just how realistic each one is.
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First up, let’s take a look at the preliminary card.
Amanda Ribas
Wants to fight: [autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag]
The callout: “I want two weeks to enjoy the victory. And then I want to fight Paige VanZant. We were scheduled, and I still want to face her. If she wants to fight at flyweight, I’m here, waiting.
“But I am ambitious. I would also like to fight the winner of the fight between Carla Esparza and Michelle Waterson. I’m sure it would be a great fight.”
The reality: Will we ever see Paige VanZant in the octagon again? If she does come back, [autotag]Amanda Ribas[/autotag] is as interesting an opponent as anyone, but she’s just one of a number of UFC fighters who have expressed an interest in welcoming “12 Gauge” back to the octagon. VanZant would likely want the highest-ranked opposition available and, while Ribas is certainly on the up, she might not carry enough upside to convince PVZ to sign the bout agreement. If and when she returns, I’d expect VanZant to face a more established name. As for Ribas, there’s another exciting matchup waiting to be made, with Angela Hill tweeting UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard saying she’d like to face the Brazilian next.
“Hopefully, with a victory and no injuries, I’d still like to face Paige VanZant.”
[autotag]Amanda Ribas[/autotag] still hopes to get the opportunity to face one of the sport’s biggest stars.
Ribas (8-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) originally was scheduled to fight [autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag] on Saturday at UFC on ESPN+ 28, but an injury forced VanZant out, and she was replaced by Randa Markos.
Markos is one of the most experienced strawweights on the roster, and while Ribas may have missed out on the opportunity to face VanZant, she’s fully focused on the task at hand.
However, she does hope that a win over Markos leads to a rescheduled bout with VanZant.
“Hopefully, with a victory and no injuries, I’d still like to face Paige VanZant,” Ribas told MMA Junkie. “I think it’d be a great fight for both of us and for the UFC. But my current focus is only on Randa.
“People had been asking me if I was worried that Paige VanZant, a high-profile fighter, dropped out. I was worried, but only about the fact that I didn’t have an opponent. About two days later, I was booked against Randa. So, that’s where my complete focus is now. I’m getting ready to put on a show.”
Ribas got a taste of what it’s like to face a notable name last October when she upset the highly touted MacKenzie Dern, knocking her from the ranks of the unbeaten. Now Ribas will look to make it 3-0 in the UFC against a strong grappler and always game “Ultimate Fighter” veteran Markos.
“Randa is very strategic,” Ribas said. “My plan is to do my game and not fall into hers. I think that’s her main weapon – she’s a strategist. She’s very strong and experienced. She’s often able to nullify her opponents’ strong points. I’m training to keep that from happening.
“Expect a highly exciting fight. Amanda Ribas is coming at full force. When you have a dream, and you work hard for it, it doesn’t matter where you come from. What matters is your willpower and positivity. Things will work out for the best.”
UFC on ESPN+ 28 takes at Ginasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia, Brazil. The card is expected to stream on ESPN+.
Paige VanZant’s toughest opponent continues to be her right arm.
[autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag]’s toughest opponent continues to be her right arm.
For the past couple years, VanZant (8-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC) has been pushing to get her arm back to 100 percent after suffering the initial injury during a January 2018 fight with Jessica-Rose Clark at UFC Fight Night 124. She’s had multiple surgeries to repair the damage, and it seemed as though 2020 might be the year everything got back on track.
But more adversity has come VanZant’s way. After news broke this week that VanZant was out of her scheduled bout with Amanda Ribas at UFC on ESPN+ 28, the popular UFC strawweight posted on social media Friday to reveal yet another fracture to the arm was the culprit.
VanZant claimed the injury will push her octagon return back another two months, but she is keeping positive spirits that she will overcome her health struggles (via Instagram):
You know that Japanese proverb “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” Well my story is break your arm three times, keep fighting four. Anyone could choose to give up here, it would be the easiest thing to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that’s true strength. Yes I fractured my arm again. No this isn’t the end of my story. This is a very small fracture and will only take 6-8 weeks to heal. My Dr. said I will be back ready to take a fight in May. This is the second time I broke through a screw hole where my plate in my arm is, third break in a third spot. I know I need to adjust my training now that I have a permanent plate and screws in there. I will make those adjustments and I will return successfully just as I have before. I am not going anywhere, I am only 25 years old and I am a gangster fighter. I will be making my UFC return in May. God just wanted me to have a little more patience. Send me some good vibes #fanzants I could use some love 💗
VanZant hasn’t competed since UFC on ESPN+ 1 in January 2019, where she earned a submission win over Rachael Ostovich. “12 Gauge” has been scheduled in multiple fights since then, but nothing has come to fruition due to the injuries.
It’s well known that VanZant only has one fight remaining on her UFC contract, and she has made it clear she intends to test the free agency market once she completes that bout. Her husband, Austin Vanderford, is a middleweight fighter for Bellator.
It will be some more time before VanZant gets that free agency experience, though. Now she has to endure the rehabilitation process from another injury setback.
Paige VanZant goes down with an injury, and in comes Randa Markos to step in at UFC Brasilia.
[autotag]Randa Markos[/autotag] will be stepping in to fight sooner than expected.
Markos will replace injured [autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag] to meet [autotag]Amanda Ribas[/autotag] at UFC on ESPN+ 28 in Brasilia. A person with knowledge of the situation confirmed the change to MMA Junkie on Thursday after an initial report from Combate. At this time, no specifics on the nature of VanZant’s injury are available.
UFC on ESPN+ 28 takes place March 14 at Ginasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia, Brazil. The card is expected to stream on ESPN+.
Markos (10-7-1 MMA, 6-6-1 UFC) continued to alternate her win-loss streak when she bounced back with a split decision win over Ashley Yoder at UFC Singapore. The “Ultimate Fighter” veteran has been around since the introduction of the weight class in the UFC and will hold the divisional record for most appearances at 14 when she makes the walk in Brazil.
Cynthia Calvillo apparently got a lot of flak from Paige VanZant fans after ripping former teammate ahead of UFC on ESPN 7.
WASHINGTON – [autotag]Cynthia Calvillo[/autotag] apparently got a lot of flak from [autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag] fans after ripping her former teammate ahead of UFC on ESPN 7. Now she’s putting an end to it.
Ahead of Saturday’s matchup with Marina Rodriguez, which serves as the co-headliner, Calvillo (8-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) has been asked about VanZant and a potential matchup between the two. Calvillo (8-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC) dismissed it as anything that would be competitive, and laid into VanZant in the process.
Not only were Calvillo and VanZant former teammates at Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, Calif., but they used to be roommates, as well. That’s why Calvillo thinks she has a deeper insight into who VanZant is as a person.
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“It’s different when people have their opinion when they don’t really know,” Calvillo said at UFC on ESPN 7’s media day Thursday. “I know her very well. I know Paige VanZant very well. We used to live together. So there’s a lot of people out there who want to put their two cents in and a lot of stuff. I don’t want it to get more blown up, more out of proportion than it needs to be. It is what it is.”
The comments “definitely” got a lot of heat from VanZant fans, Calvillo said. She’s able to handle any pushback without issue, but given she’s about to meet Rodriguez in a key strawweight bout at Capital One Arena on Saturday and VanZant is set to fight out her UFC contract in March, Calvillo sees no point in continuing to talk about it.
“At this point, I’m just done giving her attention,” Calvillo said. “It’s just pointless. I don’t really care to talk about that anymore. She’s just getting pretty much what she wants. I feel like they keep interviewing me about it nonstop, and that’s all we see and we’re on two different journeys, two different levels. We shouldn’t even be talked about in the same sentence, honestly.”
