UFC Abu Dhabi: A Challenging Fight for Amanda Ribas
Amanda Ribas faced a tough round-two knockout loss at UFC Abu Dhabi, which led to another surgery for her orbital fracture. This injury first occurred during her fight at UFC on ABC 5, when she was defeated by Maycee Barber in the second round. The impact caused a severe injury, resulting in a broken orbital bone and the need for a titanium plate to stabilize her eye socket.
Health Concerns Ahead of the Match
In her latest fight, Ribas collided with Tabatha Ricci, whose elbow strike dislodged the titanium plate. However, prior to this bout, concerns about the implant had already emerged. Marcelo Ribas, Amanda’s father and coach, revealed that she had been experiencing ongoing health issues.
Amanda took to Instagram after the fight, sharing her suspicions about the looseness of the plate. She stated, “Those who were with me know I was constantly training with headaches, and I thought it was nothing. It appears that with the impact of the strike, the plate moved and got the muscle out of position, and it’s pressing I don’t know what.”
Discovering the Cause of Her Symptoms
Marcelo Ribas explained that Amanda’s titanium plate had actually been dislocated during her previous fight against Luana Pinheiro. He commented, “The old plate was dislocated in the Luana Pinheiro fight, and Amanda was experiencing faints, severe pain and even seizures. She almost couldn’t train since the Luana fight.” After numerous tests, doctors had previously ruled out the implant as the source of her headaches. The impact from Ricci’s elbow, however, ultimately revealed the underlying issues.
Marcelo further added, “[Amanda] was doing psychiatric and psychological treatment thinking that was [the problem]. And if it wasn’t for the elbow, maybe we wouldn’t have found out. It’s God, brother. Thank God we discovered what was causing the pains, faints, and seizures since the Luana fight.” He provided a hopeful update, stating, “She’s not in pain anymore. She felt the worst pain in the world on the trigeminal nerve, and the worst is over.”
Current Medical Status
Doctors are currently conducting tests at Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo. Meanwhile, Tabatha Ricci expressed her concern for Ribas’ well-being. In an interview with MMA Fighting, she said, “I was worried about Amanda, what happened to her eye, but I know she’s fine now and will do the surgery in Brazil. I’m glad that she will have a good recovery and will be well treated.”
Ricci admitted she was unaware of the serious nature of Ribas’ injury during their fight, stating she did not realize her elbow had made contact with Ribas’ eye. “Amanda is an athlete that knows how to win and lose, she’s a very nice person. I love her,” Ricci emphasized. “This sport is very dangerous. That could have been the other way around. It’s always a risk in there, right?”
Looking Ahead
With the titanium plate now fixed, Amanda Ribas can anticipate a future free from seizures and persistent headaches, hoping to return to training soon once she receives clearance from her medical team. For now, fans and supporters continue to rally behind her, eager to see what lies ahead in her journey.
