"I just think she's got more tools" - UFC commentator shares prediction for first main event of 2025, Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas

Former UFC lightweight Paul Felder recently gave his prediction for the first UFC main event of 2025. The promotion returns to action this Saturday night after a four-week break to start off the new year.

In the main event, No. 8-ranked Amanda Ribas strawweight will take on the No. 6-ranked Mackenzie Dern in a rematch. The pair squared off against each other in 2019, with Ribas getting the better of Dern via unanimous decision. Both fighters have shown incredible growth since that fight and have improved their skillsets.

Dern was last seen in the octagon against Loopy Godinez in August, winning via decision. On the other hand, Ribas stepped into the octagon in March of last year against former champion Rose Namajunas. The Brazilian came up short in that fight, losing to 'Thug Rose' on the scorecards.

Speaking with Micheal Bisping on the BELIEVE YOU ME podcast, Felder predicted Ribas to once again get the better of Dern. 'The Irish Dragon' said:

“At this moment I'm leaning towards Amanda Ribas. I just think she's a bit more of a versatile striker on the feet, uses more weapons. Coming off that five-round fight with Rose, she's got a lot of experience with other good strikers and people that are well-rounded. I think if it gets to the ground, she's good enough with her defense to avoid any kind of crazy submission. So I'm going for Ribas, probably by decision."

Check out Paul Felder's comments below (13:29):

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Amanda Ribas helps Brazilian youth struggling with substance abuse through UFC bonus money

UFC strawweight contender Amanda Ribas is fighting against substance abuse in her homeland by helping the affected youth.

Ribas picked up a Performance of the Night bonus with a TKO win in November 2023. The Brazilian put the money to use by starting construction for a facility near the Ribas family gym, where affected youth will be helped.

Speaking with MMA Junkie last year, Ribas said:

"Here, in front of my gym, I will do my project... Some kids, they have parents using drugs or in jail, or they don't have parents... For me, [since my dad was my idol], I wanted to [be like] my dad or my mom. [Those kids] don't have that. So who is their idol in their life?... I want to put this gym here so they can say, 'I want to be like Amanda Ribas because she is from here and she conquered the world.'"