The main event between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier is getting the shine it deserves, but one battle that isn’t is between Marina Rodriguez and Amanda Ribas. Entrenched in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, all the participants for UFC 257 feel extra pressure to perform.
Undoubtedly, one of the biggest cards to take place in 2021, “The Notorious”, Conor Mcgregor returns to face a former rival, Dustin Poirier in a rematch seven years in the making. Given all the attention around the main event, the pair of strawweights will look to steal some of that attention, and assert themselves into the title picture.
Marina Rodriguez and Amanda Ribas Go to War
Although Rodriguez (12-1-2) struggled with pace in her last outing, she inflicted a lot of damage in the process of taking the loss. Not to mention, it was Brazilian Rodriguez’s first defeat, and it came to a former champion. Conversely, the infectious personality of Ribas (10-1) has taken the world by storm. But don’t let that fool you, Ribas’ skill set is diverse and her Judoka background acts as a great base. Interestingly, the 27-year old Ribas endured her lone loss in the cage back in 2015 at Jungle Fights 83.
Put on a happy face! @AmandaRibasUFC has returned 😆
[ #UFC257 | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/eDCr7bF6RJ
— UFC (@ufc) January 18, 2021
On the other hand, Rodriguez has shown a lot of what it takes to compete at the top. For instance, her staple win over Tecia Torres cemented her status inside the UFC. Similar to Ribas, both Brazilian fighters have had a target on their back. Despite the loss to the former champion, Carla Esparza, Rodriguez took her to a very close split decision. Also similar in stature, both athletes share an incredibly close reach, but Rodriguez is three inches taller than Ribas. Typically, that type of size can be impactful, although if Ribas implements her grappling that advantage fades away.
Motivada, sempre buscando a evolução nos mínimos detalhes e animada para os próximos compromissos! 🙌🏻
Let’s gooo! Vamooo em frente sempre, com toda energia e vontade que tiver! 🙏🏻👊🏻
☝🏻🌎🏆 pic.twitter.com/pZZLCvaiN1— Marina Rodriguez🇧🇷 (@wmmarz) October 17, 2020
By the Numbers – Marina Rodriguez and Amanda Ribas
Here, we will take a look at some of the stats behind Marina Rodriguez and Amanda Ribas:
Takedown AVG:
- Rodriguez: 0.38
- Ribas: 2.28
Clearly, the discrepancy here is wide, and this very well could play a major factor when these two step into the cage. Additionally, even in a striking affair, the threat of the takedown can provide an athlete with more openings when striking. With a 54.55% probability of success, this stat may tell the story of the fight before it happens.
Strikes Landed Per Minute:
- Rodriguez: 5.04
- Ribas: 4.71
Significant Strikes Landed Accuracy:
- Rodriguez: 50.84%
- Ribas: 45.04%
Given that both strikes landed per minute and significant strike output are so similar, it stands to reason that the bout between Marina Rodriguez and Amanda Ribas may come down to conditioning, and Riba’s strong suit is grappling, and Judo. If the fight remains on the feet, the numbers indicate that this could be a very close fight. However, Rodriguez edges Ribas in both those categories, so her volume could make the difference come fight night.
Overall, the card is stacked top from bottom. Not only do fans get a spectacular co-main and main event, but they also get essentially, a title eliminator between Marina Rodriguez and Amanda Ribas.
Keep it locked on MMASucka.com for the latest live results, previews, and more! Don’t miss the pay-per-view this Saturday!
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