For the third consecutive time, Amanda Ribas will compete on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi. She admittedly loves it there – especially the sun and pool time as evidenced by the tan lines she showed off Wednesday.

Ribas’ first visit to “Fight Island” was a success, with her submitting Paige VanZant at UFC 251 in July 2020. Her follow-up trip, however, was not so good after she was TKO’d by Marina Rodriguez for her first promotional loss this past January at UFC 257.

Ribas was still her normal bubbly self as she fielded reporters’ questions during UFC 267 media day, but she was more measured with her message.

“I think this time I will be more motivated,” Ribas said. “I want to fight. In all my interviews I’m saying that, because last time I did all my camp, all my weight cut, and then didn’t fight. Now I want to fight. I think my eyes are different because I know now I have more fire in the eyes. …

“For sure I am more motivated, I am more focused, and I want to fight again. That loss made me feel a feeling that I don’t like.”

Ribas (10-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) will look to rebound against fellow Brazilian and former Invicta FC strawweight champion Virna Jandiroba, who is 3-2 in the UFC after starting her career 14-0.

Jandiroba, like Ribas, has a good ground game, but Ribas sees a big difference that could factor into the outcome.

“I think my jiu-jitsu is for MMA, and now I can tell you I’m not just a muay Thai fighter, not just judo fighter, not just jiu-jitsu fighter,” Ribas said. “I am MMA fighter. MMA fighter is in my blood.”

You can watch Ribas’ full media day interview in the video above.

UFC 267 takes place Saturday at Etihad Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The entire card streams on ESPN+.

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