UFC Fight Night: Dern vs Ribas 2 - A Thrilling Start to 2025 with Explosive Finishes
UFC Fight Night: Dern vs Ribas 2 lived up to its expectations with an electric night of action at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, setting the tone for the year ahead in mixed martial arts. From rapid knockouts to high-level grappling, the evening provided plenty of jaw-dropping moments, with several fighters staking their claim in the rankings.
The night kicked off with a bang as Punahele Soriano wasted no time, dispatching Uroš Medić with a devastating right-hand knockout in just 31 seconds. Soriano, fighting in the welterweight division, proved he’s a serious threat, showcasing the power and aggression that made him a fan favorite early in his career.
Christian Rodriguez also made a statement by handing Austin Bashi his first career loss. The bout was a competitive one, but Rodriguez outworked Bashi across all three rounds, landing the more significant strikes and showcasing solid control throughout. This victory marks his fourth over an undefeated prospect, adding Bashi to his growing list of accomplishments in the UFC.
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Roman Kopylov and Chris Curtis engaged in a back-and-forth war that truly set the tone for what was to come. Despite a competitive first two rounds, it was Kopylov who prevailed with a stunning high kick in the final second of round three, knocking Curtis to the canvas and securing a TKO victory. Though the timing of the stoppage was a point of controversy, there’s no doubting the tremendous effort both fighters displayed in what was ultimately the Fight of the Night.
Cesar Almeida delivered one of the most spectacular knockouts of the evening with a first-round counter-left hook that sent Abdul Razak Alhassan crashing to the canvas. After recovering from a knockdown earlier in the round, Almeida landed the perfect shot, securing a KO finish and showing that he’s a force to be reckoned with in the division.
In the co-main event, Santiago Ponzinibbio earned a crucial third-round TKO victory over Carlston Harris. The Argentine Dagger fought through adversity, being dropped in the first and staggered in the second, before mounting a comeback in the third. Ponzinibbio’s relentless pressure and striking proved too much for Harris, earning him an emotional win after a series of setbacks in his recent fights.
The main event saw Mackenzie Dern pull off an incredible victory over Amanda Ribas, avenging her 2019 loss with a submission in the final seconds of the third round. Both women spent much of the fight on the ground, with Ribas having her moments in the second, but Dern’s superior jiu-jitsu skills ultimately shone through. With only seconds left on the clock, Dern locked in an armbar, forcing Ribas to tap just before the bell, giving Dern a massive win to start the year and solidifying her place among the top contenders in the women's strawweight division.
Overall, UFC Fight Night: Dern vs Ribas 2 showcased a night full of excitement, explosive finishes, and incredible performances that have set a high bar for the rest of 2025. With so many thrilling matchups, the UFC continues to prove that they are the best in the world when it comes to delivering action-packed events.
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