The first UFC event of 2025 at the Apex facility delivered a thrilling night of mixed martial arts action, featuring a blend of technical grappling, explosive knockouts, and hard-fought battles. The main event showcased a compelling rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas, a contest that heavily favored grappling enthusiasts. Dern, seeking redemption for her 2019 loss to Ribas, ultimately triumphed via a slick armbar submission with mere seconds remaining in the final round. The fight unfolded with Dern securing the first round through a well-timed takedown, only to cede control in the second as Ribas reversed the momentum and dominated from the top position. The decisive third round saw another takedown from Ribas, but Dern, displaying her superior ground game, expertly maneuvered from her back, patiently setting the trap for the fight-ending armbar. This victory propelled Dern, the sixth-ranked strawweight contender, to a two-fight win streak and earned her a Performance of the Night bonus. While the loss stings for Ribas, likely keeping her around the eighth spot in the rankings, it unfortunately extends her losing streak to two.
The co-main event featured a dramatic comeback story as Santiago Ponzinibbio weathered early adversity to secure a thrilling third-round TKO victory over Carlston Harris. Ponzinibbio, desperately needing a win, showcased his resilience by overcoming knockdowns in the first round and absorbing further punishment in the second. His perseverance paid off in the final frame, where he unleashed a barrage of strikes culminating in a spectacular finish. This victory not only reinvigorates Ponzinibbio’s career trajectory but also provided fans with an unforgettable display of grit and determination. The undercard also delivered its share of fireworks, highlighted by Cesar Almeida’s stunning first-round knockout of Abdul Razak Alhassan. Despite being dropped early in the round, Almeida exhibited remarkable composure, capitalizing on a wild swing from Alhassan to counter with a devastating left hook that instantly extinguished the lights. This spectacular knockout, potentially a contender for knockout of the year, earned Almeida a well-deserved Performance of the Night bonus.
Another highlight of the night came courtesy of Roman Kopylov and Chris Curtis, who engaged in a captivating back-and-forth war that earned them Fight of the Night honors. Their 15-minute battle saw both fighters exchange heavy blows, showcasing their toughness and striking prowess. The fight concluded with a controversial stoppage by referee Mark Smith, who waved off the contest with just one second remaining after Kopylov landed a head kick that dropped Curtis. While Curtis protested the stoppage, being still conscious and able to continue, Kopylov was en route to a clear decision victory, mitigating the impact of the early stoppage. The fight, despite its controversial ending, was a testament to the warriors’ spirit and provided fans with an exhilarating spectacle. The event also witnessed several other impressive finishes, including Punahele Soriano’s first-round TKO of Uros Medic, and a collection of quick finishes in the first round by Felipe Bunes, Marco Tulio, and Jacobe Smith.
Felipe Bunes wasted no time in submitting Jose Johnson with a first-round armbar, demonstrating his prowess in the grappling department. Marco Tulio delivered a lightning-fast first-round knockout of Ihor Potieria, showcasing his devastating striking power. Jacobe Smith, making his UFC debut following a successful stint on the Contender Series, made a resounding statement with a first-round knockout of Preston Parsons, highlighting his explosiveness and potent punching power. His performance marked the most impressive debut of all the Contender Series alumni on the card, signaling his potential as a future force in his division. Smith’s combination of explosive striking and world-class wrestling undoubtedly establishes him as a fighter to watch.
Further down the card, Thiago Moises secured a unanimous decision victory over Trey Ogden in a closely contested battle. The women’s flyweight division saw Ernesta Kareckaite edge out Nicolle Caliari via split decision in a competitive bout. Bruno Lopes also earned a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Magomed Gadzhiyasulov, while Fatima Kline secured a second-round TKO win against Viktoriia Dudakova. Finally, Nurullo Aliev dominated Joe Solecki, cruising to a unanimous decision victory with a dominant performance. The varied outcomes across the card, including submissions, knockouts, and decisions, underscored the diverse skill sets and exciting nature of the fighters competing at the highest level of mixed martial arts.
The event showcased a blend of established veterans and rising stars, providing a glimpse into the future of the sport. Dern’s impressive submission victory solidified her position as a top contender in the strawweight division, while Ponzinibbio’s resilient comeback win breathed new life into his career. Almeida’s stunning knockout undoubtedly elevated his profile, marking him as a fighter with serious knockout power. The thrilling battle between Kopylov and Curtis, despite the controversial ending, provided a testament to their fighting spirit and delivered high entertainment value for the fans. The successful debuts of fighters like Jacobe Smith, further injected new blood into the promotion, promising exciting matchups in the future.
The UFC Apex 101 event delivered on all fronts, offering a compelling mix of technical prowess, explosive finishes, and gritty battles. The performances of the night highlighted the ever-evolving landscape of mixed martial arts, with established fighters continuing to refine their skills and emerging talents making their mark on the sport. From Dern’s calculated submission to Almeida’s highlight-reel knockout, and the back-and-forth war between Kopylov and Curtis, the event provided a thrilling start to the 2025 UFC calendar, setting the stage for another exciting year of action inside the octagon. The event also showcased the depth of talent within the UFC roster, highlighting the continuous influx of skilled fighters vying for their place among the elite. The performances showcased a multitude of fighting styles, further demonstrating the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of mixed martial arts.
