UFC Vegas 54: Amanda Ribas Could Call For Title Shot With Win Over Chookagian

Las Vegas, NV – It’s a little wild to think that UFC strawweight Amanda Ribas has been in the UFC since 2019, but has never fought in Las Vegas. That ends this Saturday at UFC Vegas 54 when she takes on Katlyn Chookagian in a flyweight bout.

“Really, the feeling here is “fight”. Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight. It’s fighter vibe because yesterday over at the PI, for me, that is like I am inside of the movie. When I come in I saw Brandon (Moreno), I saw Valentina (Shevchenko), I saw all the pictures and the belt. For me this is huge. I think I can absorb the fighter vibe inside the PI. So i’m feeling good,” Ribas said.

Ribas had been set to take on Michelle Waterson in march, but the latter suffered an injury that canceled the bout completely. Instead the opportunity to tale on Chookagian arose and Ribas took it.

“When the fight with Michelle, they tell they hurt, I was like ‘oh my goodness, I am 7 months without fight. And now everyone in my division has a fight.’ My dad, my coaches talk with the UFC that I can fight 125 too. They offered me Katlyn so that for me was a huge opportunity that I will grab with my hands, my arms, my legs, with everything to get really good…like I am feeling now, inside the cage,” said Ribas.

Ribas said she can move between strawweight and flyweight, but a permanent move to 125-pounds depends on what happens on Saturday night.

“I think everything depends off the result this fight. It’s my original fight weight division, the 115, so I need to wait to see, but I like to fight in both,” Ribas said.

The difference in this bout isn’t just the weight, but the opponent. Chookagian is currently the #1 contender at flyweight.

“Look that is so amazing because it’s the #1 so this for me, some people think, it is not too much pressure for me? No. For me it’s a huge opportunity. So amazing,” said Ribas.

Chookagian is one of the better strikers in the flyweight division, and it’s to be seen if Ribas will be able to match the striking when they fight.

“We are fighting MMA. Everyone can do everything. I am MMA fighter, not just Judo fighter, not just jiu jitsu fighter. I am MMA fighter,” Ribas said.

Traditionally, if you beat the #1 contender, you’re on the short list for a possible title shot. With a win can Ribas call for a title shot at 125-pounds?

“I think yes. Of course depends the result of the fight, but yes. I think, yes.”

Watch the full UFC Vegas 54 Media Day appearance by Amanda Ribas above. More coverage from the event can be found at CagesidePress.com