A fast-rising star of women's MMA submitted Paige VanZant then ended an interview saying it was time for chocolate

• Amanda Ribas submitted Paige VanZant with an armbar in the first round of their flyweight UFC 251 match.
• After defeating VanZant in the Flash Forum on "Fight Island," Ribas delivered a post-fight interview as memorable as her performance at the media day earlier in the week where she could not stop smiling and laughing.
• Ribas thanked the UFC for the opportunity to fight in Abu Dhabi, spoke of what she hopes comes next, and then ended the interview by saying it was time for her to go eat some chocolate.

FIGHT ISLAND — A fast-rising star of women's MMA submitted Paige VanZant then ended an interview saying it was time for her to go eat chocolate.

Amanda Ribas, 26, beat VanZant midway through the opening round of a flyweight bout Saturday at the Flash Forum on "Fight Island," which is a purpose-built venue in Abu Dhabi designed to help the UFC hold international events during the coronavirus pandemic.

After nailing VanZant with knee strikes during a clinch, the Brazilian took her opponent down and applied an armbar which VanZant couldn't help but tap to.

Bleeding heavily from the nose, Ribas offered a consolatory cuddle, which VanZant accepted, before giving a post-fight interview that was as memorable as her performance during the virtual media day earlier this week, when she couldn't stop smiling and laughing.

"Thanks to the UFC for the opportunity to fight here," Ribas said after her fourth UFC win. "It doesn't matter who you are. What matters is what you do with your life. I was training in a small city and no one thought I could beat the girl training in the big gym. But I have a big heart. I gave all my energy to come here and do my best.

"I'm very happy. The energy was amazing and I came out with a victory. I had my dad and brother in the Octagon with me and started to cry. There were a lot of emotions in my heart. I was happy I could show my jiu-jitsu."

Speaking of what she hopes comes next, Ribas said: "If I fight next at 115 pounds, I hope I get the winner of Marina Rodriguez and Carla Esparza. If the UFC puts me at flyweight again, I hope to get a top 10 or top 15."

Saturday's win advanced Ribas' record 10 wins (three knockouts, four submissions, and three decisions) against one loss.

"Now, it's time to eat my chocolate," she said.

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