What does it take to create a world-class MMA fighter? A top-tier gym, a skilled coach, an unshakable mindset, and a supportive family—what if all these elements align perfectly? This is the reality for Amanda Ribas, a two-weight class UFC women’s contender with an impressive record of 7 wins from 11 fights inside the promotion.

However, after facing a setback in her most recent bout, the Brazilian native is determined to bounce back and seek redemption against her longtime rival, Mackenzie Dern, in a highly anticipated rematch at the UFC’s opening event of 2025. Despite competing in two weight classes, Ribas remains somewhat of a mystery to many fans. Her family, especially her father, sparks curiosity. What role does Amanda Ribas’ father play in her career? Is he her coach, or does he own a gym? Let’s take a closer look into the Brazilian native’s life and uncover some of the untold facts.

Meet Marcelo Ribas, Amanda Ribas’ father

Amanda Ribas was born into a family with deep martial arts roots, with her father, Marcelo Ribas, being a respected judo and jiu-jitsu coach and having a strong background in Muay Thai. While he didn’t have the resources or support to showcase his talents on the international stage, Marcelo was determined to give his daughter the opportunities he had only dreamed of. He was quick to recognize Amanda’s natural ability, seeing that she belonged on the mat rather than playing with toys. Looking back on her childhood, Amanda shared how strict her father was, recalling, “I stopped grappling for dancing. My father wanted to die.”

However, Ribas eventually returned to the mat, training under her father until she quickly earned a spot on the national judo team. Regardless of who she trained with, Amanda always had her father by her side, providing constant support. This was especially evident when Marcelo decided to immortalize her successful UFC debut against Emily Whitmire with a tattoo in June 2019, celebrating her victory by rear-naked choke in the second round.

Despite his strict approach, Marcelo Ribas has always stood by his daughter, offering unwavering support. However, a controversial comment he made about her over a decade ago continues to resonate outside the Octagon. Let’s take a closer look at what Marcelo Ribas had to say.

When Amanda Ribas’ father a highly controversial statement about her MMA career

After injuries derailed Amanda Ribas’ initial judo career, her dream of representing Brazil in the Olympics was shattered. However, following advice from former UFC heavyweight Carlos Barreto and her father Marcelo Ribas, Amanda decided to pursue a new life in MMA. She entered the IMMAF 2014 World Championship, an amateur MMA tournament, where she lived up to her father’s expectations and emerged as the flyweight champion. Once Amanda broke through in MMA, she became unstoppable, earning a 5-fight win streak.

However, a knockout loss to Polyana Viana caused her confidence to waver, and for a time, she even considered quitting and finding a stable job due to the toll the sport was taking on her body. In 2021, Marcelo Ribas strongly disapproved of Amanda’s idea to quit, reportedly telling her, “No way, you’re not getting a f-cking job… You’ll either study or fight. Are you crazy? She wanted to be a secretary, man. I wanted to k**l her.” Since then, Amanda has never looked back, continuing to make her father and country proud, particularly by showcasing her father’s “plan” for her career.

Now, the Brazilian sensation is set to face the formidable Mackenzie Dern in a rematch. Dern, having bounced back from her setbacks in her last fight, presents a tough challenge. Do you think Ribas can replicate her past performance, or will she struggle against Dern this time? The question remains: can Amanda Ribas overcome Mackenzie Dern? Who are you rooting for—Dern or Ribas? Drop your prediction below.