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UFC 251: Amanda Ribas submits Paige VanZant with slick first-round armbar on Fight Island

  • Brazilian Ribas edges step closer to UFC double champion dream – ‘people did not trust that I could beat her’
  • Ribas goes 4-0 in the UFC and announces she prefers to drop down to strawweight for her next fight

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Amanda Ribas celebrates after winning against Paige VanZant in their flyweight fight at UFC 251 on UFC Fight Island in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Photos: USA Today

An emotional Amanda Ribas spoiled Paige VanZant’s potentially final UFC fight after securing a first-round armbar at UFC 251 on Saturday.

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The 26-year-old Brazilian Ribas (10-1), who before the Fight Island bout said she wanted to take some of VanZant’s supporters and aims to be a future two-division champion, took the fan favourite down almost immediately.

A smooth transition from bulldog choke position to armbar ensured Ribas’s unbeaten run in the promotion continued to four fights.

“I was training in my small city, people did not trust that I could beat a girl who trains at a big gym,” said Ribas, who beat Randa Markos via unanimous decision in March.

“Thanks to the UFC for giving me the opportunity to fight and do my work. This fight I came through for myself and the world. It doesn’t matter wherever you are or who you are, what matters is what you want to do in your life.”

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