Amanda Ribas’ body language as she fell to the canvas in a TKO loss to Tabatha Ricci at UFC on ABC 9 was the result of some serious damage.
After a competitive strawweight fight for nearly eight minutes on Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, Ricci (12-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) unleashed a pinpoint elbow to the right eye socket of Ribas (12-7 MMA, 7-6 UFC) during an exchange on the clinch. The Brazilian immediately showed signs of distress after it landed, then moments later she was curled up as the referee pulled her opponent off.
It was a significant shot from Ricci, because Ribas revealed in the hours after the fight that she suffered facial damage to the point that surgery will be required and a plate will have to be inserted (via X):
It wasn’t the result I wanted, but I know it’s what I love! It’s where I love to be, it’s where it makes my eyes shine, and I get paid very well for it. Thank you to God for the opportunity to work with what I love and to @ufc.I’m going to have surgery soon, on top of the one I already had on my facial bone. God continues to be wonderful to me and is in control. Prayers. 🙏🏼❤️🥰
According to Ribas, this is not the first time such a surgery will be required, but she maintained her trademark positive attitude despite the difficult moment.
With the result, the 31-year-old is on a three-fight losing skid for the first time and hasn’t seen her hand raised since October 2023.
Ribas did not provide a specific timeline for her recovery and when she could potentially make an octagon return.
