If you thought UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Ribas 2 was going to be anything less than spectacular, think again! The thrilling event, held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, was broadcast on ESPN+ and featured a staggering 14 MMA bouts.

From jaw-dropping knockouts to slick submissions, here’s your full breakdown of every fight from start to finish.

Main Event: Dern vs. Ribas 2

Mackenzie Dern def. Amanda Ribas via Submission (Armbar) at 4:56 of Round 3 (5 Rounds Scheduled)

Fight Breakdown

In this highly anticipated strawweight rematch, Mackenzie Dern once again demonstrated why her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu credentials are second to none. The first two rounds saw both fighters exchanging crisp strikes and calculated clinch work. Ribas utilized her footwork to stay on the outside and land counterpunches. However, Dern began timing her takedowns more aggressively as the fight wore on. Near the end of Round 3, Dern capitalized on a scramble, securing an armbar that forced Ribas to tap with just four seconds left in the round.

Dern’s elite grappling remains her most dangerous weapon, proving she can finish fights even when the clock is running out.

Co-Main Event: Ponzinibbio vs. Harris

Santiago Ponzinibbio def. Walt Harris via KO/TKO (Punches – Standing TKO) at 3:13 of Round 3 (3 Rounds Scheduled)

Fight Breakdown

In a welterweight bout that promised fireworks, Santiago Ponzinibbio and Walt Harris delivered exactly that. Harris initially tried to bully Ponzinibbio with heavy strikes, but the Argentinian showcased his trademark movement and striking precision. As Round 3 began, Harris looked noticeably tired, and Ponzinibbio seized the moment with a barrage of punches, leading to a standing TKO. Ponzinibbio’s striking IQ and endurance proved pivotal in securing a big victory.

Main Card Highlights

1. Almeida vs. Razak Alhassan

   • Result: Caio Almeida def. Abdul Razak Alhassan via KO/TKO (Left Hook) at 4:16 of Round 1

   • Summary: Almeida wasted little time, engaging Alhassan in a furious striking exchange right from the bell. A perfectly timed left hook dropped Alhassan, and Almeida followed up with ground-and-pound to earn the stoppage.

2. Kopylov vs. Curtis

   • Result: Roman Kopylov def. Chris Curtis via KO/TKO (Head Kick) at 4:59 of Round 3

   • Summary: In one of the most dramatic finishes of the night, Kopylov unleashed a highlight-reel head kick with just a second left in the final round. Curtis, who was winning on some scorecards, was caught off guard by the late attack.

3. Rodriguez vs. Bashi

   • Result: Bryan Rodriguez def. Javid Bashi via Unanimous Decision

   • Summary: This fight went the distance, with Rodriguez using superior striking combinations and solid takedown defense to outpoint Bashi. All three judges scored in favor of Rodriguez.

4. Soriano vs. Medic

   • Result: Punahele Soriano def. Uroš Medić via KO/TKO (Right Hook to Ground Strikes) at 0:31 of Round 1

   • Summary: This was a lightning-fast finish. Soriano caught Medić with a vicious right hook that sent him crashing. Follow-up ground strikes left no doubt, forcing the referee to step in.

Preliminary Card Recap]

1. Bunes vs. Johnson

   • Result: Bruno Bunes def. Michael Johnson via Submission (Armbar) at 2:04 of Round 1

   • Summary: Bunes capitalized on Johnson’s early takedown attempt by quickly transitioning to an armbar. Johnson tapped out almost immediately.

2. Tulio vs. Potieria

   • Result: Antônio Tulio def. Ihor Potieria via KO/TKO (Right Hook to Ground Strikes) at 3:04 of Round 1

   • Summary: Tulio scored big with a perfectly placed right hook, dropping Potieria before finishing him on the canvas.

3. Moisés vs. Ogden

   • Result: Thiago Moisés def. Trey Ogden via Unanimous Decision

   • Summary: Moisés employed a smart game plan, mixing in takedowns and controlling the pace to earn a clear-cut win on the scorecards.

4. Smith vs. Parsons

   • Result: Jeff Smith def. Preston Parsons via KO/TKO (Left Hook) at 1:13 of Round 1

   • Summary: Smith made it look easy with a swift left hook that landed flush, putting Parsons down in the opening minute.

5. Kareckaite vs. Caliari

   • Result: Lina Kareckaite def. Maria Caliari via Split Decision

   • Summary: In a hard-fought battle, Kareckaite edged out Caliari with a slight advantage in striking volume and cage control, winning via a closely contested split decision.

6. Lopes vs. Gadzhiyasulov

   • Result: Gabriel Lopes def. Ruslan Gadzhiyasulov via Unanimous Decision

   • Summary: Lopes showcased tactical striking and solid defense, controlling the bout from start to finish for a unanimous nod from the judges.

7. Kline vs. Dudakova

   • Result: Ludovit Kline def. Viktoriya Dudakova via KO/TKO (Elbows From Half Guard) at 4:27 of Round 2

   • Summary: Kline, known for his versatile offense, showcased vicious ground-and-pound, raining down elbows in half guard to force a stoppage late in the second round.

8. Aliev vs. Solecki

   • Result: Mahomed Aliev def. Joe Solecki via Unanimous Decision

   • Summary: Aliev outworked Solecki over three rounds with crisp boxing and effective takedown defense, securing a unanimous decision victory.

UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Ribas 2 provided an unforgettable night of MMA action at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. From Dern’s astonishing last-second armbar to Kopylov’s electrifying head-kick finish, the event showcased the sport at its very best. With 14 fights packed into this epic card, fans were treated to a little bit of everything—high-level grappling, lightning-fast knockouts, and close decisions.

For all the latest MMA news, detailed fight breakdowns, and exclusive interviews, keep visiting our site. Make sure to follow our social media channels to never miss another moment of UFC Fight Night madness!

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