If Amanda Ribas defeats Mackenzie Dern in Saturday's UFC Fight Night 249 main event, she sees a lot of opportunities for her career. In Saturday's strawweight main event at the UFC Apex (ESPN+), Ribas (12-5 MMA, 7-4 UFC) will rematch Dern (14-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC), and the Brazilian believes the bout could have weight-class title implications. There isn't a clear contender because champion Zhang Weili is scheduled to defend against Tatiana Suarez, who hasn't lost, at UFC 312 in Sydney on February 8. Ribas is quick to point out that both she and Dern have victories over Virna Jandiroba, despite her impressive winning run. At Wednesday's media day, Ribas told MMA Junkie and other reporters, "I know this fight is really important because we both won against Virna and she's No. 3 (in the UFC rankings)." We are aware of the magnitude and significance of this battle because, in my opinion, if I prevail and am blessed with the victory, I will be able to rise to the top. "I have faith in it since I have two strawweight victories under my belt and we both face Virna, who is ranked No. 3. If I have a strong victory, I might be able to fight Virna again or serve as a backup fighter for the title. Since losing to Rose Namajunas in the main event in March, 31-year-old Ribas has not played. After her bout at women's flyweight, Ribas took a self-imposed break to rejuvenate her body and mind, which made her "more dangerous." Now that she is back at 115 pounds and 5-1 under the UFC banner, Ribas is determined to win her first gold medal and believes that the outcome of Weili vs. Suarez will determine her course. "If Zhang Weili wins, I'm here to move the category," Ribas remarked. "No rematches. Other girls are present. Since we both deserve a chance at the title, I believe Virginia should wait for the victor of this bout.