Amanda Ribas will be seeking a new opponent at UFC 256 after the withdrawal of Carla Esparza for the December date.
Per MMAFighting.com, surging prospect Amanda Ribas is looking for a new opponent following the withdrawal of former champion Carla Esparza. The two had verbally agreed to fight at UFC 256, though the report reveals the bout was never made official. Per the report, the hope is that the fight can be salvaged in 2021 although the UFC is moving forward seeking an opponent for Ribas for December.
Amanda Ribas (10-1) has quickly become one of the most popular up-and-comers on the roster after a twelve month stretch that has seen her record victories over Mackenzie Dern, Randa Markos, and Paige VanZant. The latter bout took place on the biggest pay-per-view event of the year and Ribas record a first round submission over the established fan-favorite. Following the bout, Ribas called for a fight with Esparza who had a fight coming up at the time and later won.
Carla Esparza (17-6) is on an impressive four fight stretch since losing to Tatiana Suarez in 2018. Previously struggling to build on the momentum of winning the inaugural strawweight after winning The Ultimate Fighter, Esparza has reestablished herself as one of the top fighters in the weight class following consecutive victories over Virna Jandiroba, Alexa Grasso, Michelle Waterson, and Marina Rodriguez. Currently, no reason for Esparza’s withdrawal for the December date has been given.
