We asked AI to predict the winner of UFC Vegas 101: Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas 2 (And it gave a definitive reply)

The UFC Vegas 101 card is to be headlined by the Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas rematch. Google's AI Gemini has put forth its prediction for Dern vs. Ribas 2, giving a definitive take.

Ribas won their first encounter. The prediction indicated that their rematch is a much-awaited stylistic clash. Their strengths and weaknesses were listed.

Dern's strengths are supposedly her improved striking defense, world-class Jiu-Jitsu prowess, and incredible submission game. Dern's weaknesses were deemed to be her takedown defense, striking power, and striking accuracy.

Alternatively, Ribas' strengths were noted to be good cardio, robust takedown defense, and explosive striking prowess. As for Ribas' weaknesses, it was suggested that she tends to be hittable and is vulnerable to submissions.

Screenshot of UFC Vegas 101: Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas 2 prediction

The prediction entailed that the rematch at UFC Vegas 101 would potentially be another closely contested encounter. However, Ribas' evolved striking defense and well-rounded MMA arsenal is expected to give her the advantage.

The potential scenario, as to how the fight could play out, is that Ribas could use her striking and movement to keep Dern away. The BJJ savant is expected to attempt takedowns, but Ribas' improved takedown defense would probably ensure that Dern can't consistently secure takedowns.

In the later rounds of their five-round rematch's, the volume of Ribas' striking and her cardio could gradually break Dern down, culminating in Ribas winning via decision or a late stoppage.

Moreover, three key factors were emphasized -- Dern's striking improvement, Ribas' takedown defense, and the fight's pace.

Firstly, if Dern avoids getting hit and considerably improves her striking accuracy, she could secure takedowns and utilize her famed grappling prowess on the mat.

Secondly, Ribas' defending against Dern's takedowns is believed to be a major factor for her if she's to win. It'd help Ribas keep the fight on the feet, which could greatly benefit her because she supposedly possesses an edge in the striking department.

Thirdly, if their matchup turns into a back-and-forth affair that's mainly contested in the striking realm, Ribas' superior volume in striking and her greater cardio could be the difference-makers.

The prediction cautioned that though Ribas winning via decision or a late stoppage seems likely, the fight's result could ultimately be different -- alluding to the unpredictability and minuscule margin of error in combat sports contests.

Screenshot of UFC Vegas 101: Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas 2 prediction

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UFC Vegas 101: Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas 2 has long been in the making

Multi-time BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) world champion Mackenzie Dern (14-5 MMA) is no stranger to fellow 31-year-old MMA stalwart Amanda Ribas (13-5 MMA). In October 2019, the Brazilian-American Dern faced Brazil's Ribas.

Dern was undefeated in MMA and viewed as a future UFC champion due to her terrifyingly elite Jiu-Jitsu. Regardless, Ribas out-struck her and steered clear of her grappling, winning their strawweight bout via unanimous decision and handing Dern her first MMA defeat.

Dern is ranked No. 6, and Ribas No. 8, in the official UFC women's strawweight rankings. Their rematch, years in the making, was to transpire at UFC Tampa (Dec. 14, 2024) but was rescheduled. Their strawweight bout will headline the first UFC card of 2025 -- UFC Vegas 101 at the UFC's Apex facility in Vegas on Jan. 11, 2025.