UFC Vegas 54: Katlyn Chookagian Defeats Amanda Ribas Behind Jab

Having recently inked a new deal with the promotion, Katlyn Chookagian was set to welcome Amanda Ribas back to the flyweight division at UFC Vegas 54 on Saturday.

Ribas had last competed at 125 pounds as part of a July 2020 fight against Paige VanZant, which saw her submit the now-former UFC starlet with a first-round arm-bar. The following year, Ribas had posted a 1-1 record, and was competing for the first time in 2022 against Chookagian, who appeared to have settled into a gatekeeper role in the women’s flyweight division.

Ribas came out quickly with a leg kick that missed, but she was aggressively moving forward. Chookagian’s trademarked straight strikes began to show up. Ribas then closed the distance and landed a throw into side control. Ribas stayed strong on top as Chookagian continued to try working her way out with her legs. After several minutes, Chookagian was able to hit a sweep and return to her feet. Ribas connected with a few uppercuts, but then started eating jabs regularly. The right straight of Chookagian was on the money consistently as she stepped up her game after returning to the feet.

Chookagian went right to the jab to start the second round. Ribas had no answer for the straight punches of Chookagian, who continued to pepper Ribas on the feet. Ribas then had enough and got a hold of Chookagian and threw her down again. It was multiple minutes of top control for Ribas again before Chookagian got back to her feet. It was the same story on the feet, as Chookagian was dominating the striking portion of the fight. She capped off the second round with a takedown attempt against the fence.

Chookagian slipped early in the third round but Ribas couldn’t take advantage. Ribas closed the distance shortly after and Chookagian threw her to the side. The punches kept coming from Chookagian as she thwarted another takedown attempt. The jabs continued to land with ease until the final minute, when Ribas scored a quick takedown. Chookagian popped back up, but a fire was lit under Ribas. She began charging forward and throwing looping punches. Chookagian obliged and went to war with her for the final 30 seconds before ending the fight with knees in the clinch.

Katlyn Chookagian def. Amanda Ribas by Split Decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)