Fans react as major UFC Tampa fight reportedly gets postponed to feature as first main event of 2025: "Horrible way to start the year"

The UFC’s first main event of 2025 has been announced, but it’s not the news fans were expecting. A pivotal strawweight bout between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas has been rescheduled from the UFC Tampa card to headline the promotion's January 11 event, sparking mixed reactions.

Originally slated as the co-main event for UFC Tampa, the Dern vs. Ribas clash now takes center stage at UFC Vegas 101. Fans took to social media to voice their opinions, with one writing:

“Horrible way to start the year smh 🤦‍♂️”

Another expressed optimism, stating:

“People may be bummed but these two always bring a fire fight so it’ll be a great main event and there will be a finish imo”

Check out some of the fan reactions below:

Fans react to Dern vs. Ribas reportedly being moved to UFC Vegas 101. [Screenshot courtesy: X]

Dern, currently No. 6 ranked in the strawweight division, will be looking to move closer to a title shot after a win over Lupita Godinez in August.

On the other hand, Ribas, a top contender in both the strawweight and women’s flyweight divisions, returns to 115 pounds after a loss to Rose Namajunas earlier this year.

---

UFC Tampa: A look into the betting odds for Colby Covington vs Joaquin Buckley fight

As Colby Covington prepares to face surging contender Joaquin Buckley in the UFC Tampa headliner on Dec 14, let's look at the betting odds for the fight.

According to BetOnline.Ag, Covington is a +155 underdog, while Buckley is a -180 favorite. At 36, Covington (17-4) has struggled in recent years, winning only two of his last five fights and not defeating any active UFC fighters since 2018.

Meanwhile, Buckley (20-6) recently knocked out Stephen Thompson in the second round at UFC 307. With this fight, he hopes to cement his status as a top welterweight contender, which promises intense action.