UFC Vegas 26: Angela Hill vs Amanda Ribas Preview and Prediction

Angela Hill vs Amanda Ribas: Meet the Fighters

Angela Hill (13-9, 8-9 UFC): will be aiming to go on a winning streak after her Unanimous Decision victory vs Ashley Yoder earlier this year in March, her first win in three fights. Prior to the Yoder fight, Hill gave a great account of herself against two former title challengers in Michelle Waterson and Claudia Gadelha, both of which were controversial split decision losses. At 36 years old, a victory over a tough, up-and-coming opponent in Amanda Ribas would surely push “Overkill” towards title contention. Angela Hill vs Amanda Ribas is just the fight Hill needs to get a great run started!

One thing that stands out to me when looking at this Angela Hill vs Amanda Ribas fight is Hill’s record and the number of decisions. Her last four fights have ended in decisions. Seven of her last ten outings have ended in a decision. 62% of her career wins have ended in a decision and 68% of all her total fights have ended in a decision. On paper, this may give fans the wrong idea that she is somewhat of a boring fighter.

However, I went back and watched a few of her recent fights and that just isn’t true. She constantly moves forward and tries to win the fight by pressuring her opponents and throwing strikes at a high rate. According to UFC stats, Hill lands 5.66 significant strikes per minute, which ranks in the top 5 in the Strawweight division. She also is tied at 2^nd for knockdowns landed with 3, only behind the champion Rose Namajunas. Considering she trains at Alliance MMA, where compelling fighters such as Jeremy Stephens and Dominick Cruz also train, these numbers don’t come as a surprise. All things considered, it goes to show that Angela Hill is one of the most exciting fighters in the division.

Amanda Ribas (10-2, 4-1 UFC): suffered her first loss in the UFC against Marina Rodriguez, who is headlining this weekend’s card. The Brazilian saw her 5-fight win streak end and the 27-year-old will no doubt be looking to get back to winning ways and rise to the top of the division.

Amanda Ribas is all action. Since beginning her journey at the tender age of 20, 70% of her wins have ended with her finishing her opponents (30% by KO/TKO, 40% by Sub). Her latest win was a first-round victory over Paige VanZant via Armbar. She also has impressive wins over #5 ranked Strawweight, Mackenzie Dern, and Randa Markos, who holds a victory over Angela Hill, former Strawweight champion, Carla Esparza and fought to a draw with headliner Marina Rodriguez.

Ribas’ offense is very great but only tells half of the story. Her defensive numbers are quite impressive, with solid takedown defense at 85% and only 1.78 significant strikes absorbed per minute, the lowest in the top 15 of the division. Now, her career is still fairly new, with only 12 career fights in total but her defense is still really impressive and will play a big part in her attempts to win this Saturday.

Angela Hill vs Amanda Ribas: The Path to Victory

Angela Hill is an intelligent fighter who enjoys mixing it up on the feet with a high output, as stated in the fighter breakdown, so it seems that keeping the fight standing will be her best shot at getting her arm raised. As good as her striking offense is, her defensive striking will be key. Hill’s ability to not just dish out punishment but also avoid 64% of significant strikes thrown by her opponents makes her a tough out for anyone in the division. If she’s able to be at her best on Saturday night, she will surely be able to leave as the victor of this Angela Hill vs Amanda Ribas battle.

The main route of victory for this Angela Hill vs Amanda Ribas fight, and what I predict will be Ribas’ game plan for the fight, will be dictating where the fight occurs. Ribas averages 2.31 takedowns per 15 minutes, with an accuracy of 58%. After getting finished in her last fight, I do see her going back to her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu roots to control Hill and get the finish. I just don’t think the finish will come considering Angela Hill will be entering the octagon for the 18^th time in her career. Taking into account that Ribas was finished in her last fight, I predict Hill’s game plan will be to aim to take advantage of potential hesitation in the stand up exchanges, find her rhythm early and have success throughout the fight. Unfortunately for Hill, I don’t see her finishing Amanda and the longer the Angela Hill vs Amanda Ribas fight goes, I think Ribas will grow in confidence and come away with the victory.

Angela Hill vs Amanda Ribas Prediction: Amanda Ribas via Decision

What’s your take on this amazing Angela Hill vs Amanda Ribas fight? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!

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