Amanda Ribas Faces Surgery After Brutal Elbow Strike in UFC Abu Dhabi Loss

MMA is a brutal sport, and sometimes the aftermath of a fight can be just as painful as the bout itself. That’s exactly what Amanda Ribas is experiencing right now after her tough loss to Tabatha Ricci at UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday night.

I’ve covered countless UFC events, but when I saw that elbow connect, I knew immediately it wasn’t good. The crack was audible even from press row.

The Devastating Blow That Changed the Fight

During the strawweight bout, Ricci landed a devastating elbow strike that didn’t just secure her the victory – it sent Ribas straight to surgery. The Brazilian fighter now faces a significant recovery period just when her career was gaining serious momentum.

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The injury occurred in the second round when Ricci caught Ribas with a perfectly timed elbow that immediately caused visible damage. While Ribas showed incredible heart trying to continue, the damage was already done.

Breaking Down Ribas’ Injury and Recovery Timeline

According to sources close to Ribas’ camp, the 30-year-old fighter suffered significant structural damage that requires immediate surgical intervention. This isn’t just a simple recovery – we’re looking at potentially months of rehabilitation.

What This Means for Ribas’ UFC Future

This setback comes at a particularly difficult time for Ribas (11-5), who was looking to establish herself as a consistent contender in the UFC’s strawweight division. The loss to Ricci halts her momentum and now the injury will keep her sidelined during a crucial period in her career.

You have to wonder what’s next for the always-smiling Brazilian. At 30, she still has prime years ahead, but recovering from both a loss and major surgery creates a challenging road back to contention.

Ricci’s Rise Continues

While Ribas faces a difficult recovery, let’s not overlook Tabatha Ricci’s impressive performance. “Baby Shark” has now won three consecutive fights, improving her professional record to 9-1. The technical precision she displayed in landing that fight-altering elbow showcases why she’s quickly becoming a name to watch in the division.

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I’ve watched Ricci’s development closely, and her striking has improved dramatically since her UFC debut. This victory might just earn her a ranking in the division’s top 15.

The Brutal Reality of MMA

This injury serves as another reminder of the very real consequences fighters face every time they step into the octagon. While we celebrate the victories and highlight-reel moments, it’s important to acknowledge the physical toll this sport takes on its athletes.

Ribas has always been known for her infectious positivity and bright personality. That mindset will certainly be tested during what promises to be a challenging recovery period.

What’s Next For Both Fighters?

For Ribas, the immediate future is clear: surgery, recovery, and rehabilitation. The timeline for her return will depend on the severity of her injury and how well the surgical procedure goes.

For Ricci, this victory should propel her up the strawweight rankings. Don’t be surprised to see her matched against a top-10 opponent in her next outing.

The MMA Community Shows Support

In true MMA fashion, fighters from across the UFC have already begun showing support for Ribas. This community may be built around combat, but it consistently demonstrates remarkable solidarity when one of its own is injured.

Social media has been flooded with well-wishes from fans and fellow fighters alike, showcasing the respect Ribas has earned during her UFC tenure.

Looking Forward

While this setback is significant, Ribas has overcome challenges before. Her positive attitude and dedicated approach to training suggest she’ll attack her recovery with the same enthusiasm she brings to everything else.

For fans of Amanda Ribas, patience will be key. The road back from surgery is rarely quick, but when she does return to the octagon, expect that same joyful fighter with perhaps an added layer of determination.

Have you seen the fight? What did you think of that elbow strike? Let us know in the comments, and join us in wishing Amanda Ribas a speedy recovery.

Source: UFC Abu Dhabi Fight Night Coverage