UFC Vegas 89 Result: Amanda Ribas vs. Rose Namajunas Full Fight & Winner
The UFC Apex in Las Vegas braces itself for a pivotal women's flyweight clash this Saturday night as Amanda Ribas squares off against Rose Namajunas in the main event of UFC Vegas 89.
Ribas, a veteran since joining the UFC in 2019, holds a unique distinction of being ranked in both the strawweight and flyweight divisions. Despite her consistent success, a title shot has remained elusive. A win over a former champion like Namajunas could be the key to unlocking that dream.
Namajunas, a two-time UFC strawweight champion, has experienced the highs and lows of the fight game. After dominating Zhang Weili twice to solidify her reign at 115 lbs, she suffered a shocking defeat to Carla Esparza, a fight considered one of the least exciting in recent MMA history.
Seeking a resurgence, Namajunas made a move to flyweight but came up short in her debut against Manon Fiorot last September. This fight against Ribas marks her second outing at flyweight, and a win is crucial to get back on the winning track.
ROUND 1: Rose Namajunas edged out a close first round against Carla Esparza. Both fighters came out tentative, circling each other and testing the waters with jabs. Namajunas landed the first significant strike, a straight left, but Ribas countered with a flurry of calf kicks and stance switches.
The round continued with a frenetic pace. Ribas displayed energetic movement but was caught by a dipping right hand from Namajunas. Ribas responded by clinching and attempting a takedown, but Namajunas defended well and landed some knees to the body while trapped against the fence.
Ribas continued to fight with constant movement, landing a right hook that stunned Namajunas momentarily. However, Namajunas answered back with a left of her own. Ribas secured another takedown, but Namajunas displayed impressive grappling skills, rolling through and taking top position with 90 seconds remaining in the round.
ROUND 2: The second round started with Ribas throwing a pair of kicks to the body, but Namajunas quickly established her circling movement and landed a right hand followed by left overhand punches. Despite absorbing the shots well, Ribas struggled to find her range.
A spinning back kick from Ribas landed on Namajunas's body, but Namajunas maintained good posture. Namajunas then opted for a more cautious approach, aiming for single shots at range while Ribas kept busy with hand movements and leg kicks.
ROUND 3: The first two rounds were a display of contrasting styles. Ribas, known for her frenetic energy, constantly pressured Namajunas, while Namajunas used her jab and footwork to control the distance and land counterstrikes. Ribas even attempted a head kick that Namajunas narrowly avoided.
The third round saw a shift in momentum. Namajunas started landing more consistently, including a well-timed body kick reminiscent of Lyoto Machida's style. Despite this, Ribas remained undeterred, pressuring Namajunas and eventually securing a takedown with a bodylock. However, Namajunas displayed impressive grappling skills, scrambling free and preventing Ribas from establishing dominance.
ROUND 4: In a close-fought battle, Rose Namajunas emerged victorious after a three-round fight against Michelle Ribas. The fight saw a shift in momentum throughout, with Ribas bringing high activity in the early rounds, but Namajunas landing the cleaner shots.
Ribas started strong, keeping Namajunas on the defensive with her constant movement. However, Namajunas weathered the storm and began to find her rhythm, landing sharp jabs and rights throughout the fight.
ROUND 5: The first three rounds were tightly contested, with both fighters showcasing their striking prowess. Ribas displayed aggression, but Namajunas countered with clean technique and movement. The fourth round was a pivotal turning point, with Namajunas showcasing sharp jabs and a takedown that seemed to sway the judges.
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