MMA Preview – Marina Rodriguez vs Amanda Ribas at UFC 257
MARINA RODRIGUEZ VS AMANDA RIBAS FACTS
When is UFC 257? Sunday 24th January, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 257? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 257? No tickets are available as this event will take place with a limited number of spectators
What channel is UFC 257 on? BT Sport 1 (prelims) BT Sport Box Office (£19.95)
Where can I stream UFC 257? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website and app
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
MARINA RODRIGUEZ VS AMANDA RIBAS LOWDOWN
Marina Rodriguez (12-1-2) is coming off the first loss of her career suffering a fate many top strawweights have suffered, getting outwrestled by Carla Esparza. This came off a draw with Cynthia Calvillo which was a great performance but means she has not won since August 2019. Not a fair reflection of her talent especially considering her last wins were unanimous decisions over Jessica Aguilar and Tecia Torres who has looked great recently.
Amanda Ribas (10-1) has quickly become one of the most exciting fighters and top contenders in the division. Mainly after her immaculate performance against Mackenzie Dern in her second UFC appearance back in October 2019. She was the underdog against the decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion but put on a clinic. She dominated the fight by out wrestling her and keeping her pinned to the mat and followed up that performance with a unanimous decision over Randa Markos and a ruthless submission over Paige VanZant up at flyweight.
MARINA RODRIGUEZ VS AMANDA RIBAS PREDICTION
They are both very talented and skilled fighters who are well rounded with Rodriguez coming from a Muay Thai background and Ribas a Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo background.
Excitingly, we should see all of it in this bout. Rodriguez is a long rangy striker and will have a three-inch height advantage but interestingly, she will be giving up a slight reach advantage to Ribas.
Ribas has a clear grappling advantage and Rodriguez has weak takedown defence. Once Ribas takes her down, she has the technique to keep her there. However, she will also have the confidence to take Rodriguez on at her own game.
Ribas is a solid striker, and she has the technique to counter. Rodriguez tends to throw looping hooks where Ribas’ straight punches down the pipe can catch Rodriguez especially with her reach.
The stand-up battle will be a competitive high-class contest but Ribas’ two-pronged attack should earn her a hard-fought decision showcasing her wide pallet of skill.
Prediction: Ribas via Decision
