Greg "Ribz" Rebello Goes Live on UFC FIGHT PASS
By: Jackie Campbell
Paul, Will. CES 44: Bessette vs. Trjillo. 2017. CES MMA. Lincoln, RI. CES MMA Facebook. July 9, 2017
Fresh off the heels of his CES 44 win, the call came through for New England’s Greg “Ribz” Rebello (22-7) to compete for a UFC contract. The opportunity proved unlike any other, as Rebello is set to fight live on UFC FIGHT PASS for the premiere of Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series on July 11th.
The hard-hitting heavyweight is calm, collected and ready to finish opponent, Zu Anyanwu. “At this point in my career there is no pressure,” explains Rebello. “I’ve had 30+ fights professionally. I’ve learned to channel it. It’s business as usual for me.”
And business is right. Rebello’s camp knows what it takes to bring home the win, and in this case- a UFC contract. “For this camp I will change absolutely nothing. I’ll continue doing what got me here: Training at Tri-Force MMA, Sityodtong, Juniko and Renzo Gracie RI,” says Rebello.
Timing is also optimal, as the UFC Heavyweight Division is ready for exciting prospects to add to the roster- prospects like Rebello. Dangerous knockout power paired with expert footwork make for a lethal combination on the feet, but Rebello also boasts a serious ground game through skilled wrestling and jiu-jitsu.
“But it’s a cage and a canvas like always. No different.”
Dana White and the UFC have been quiet until just recently about the new series and its contenders. Only a week after his dominant CES win this past May, Rebello was invited to compete for the series, launching him back into fight camp. “It will be the first episode that they’ve done, so I didn’t- and still don’t- know what to expect,” explains Rebello. “But it’s a cage and a canvas like always. No different.”
As a known top contender for the UFC, Rebello feels focused and prepared. “The best way to deal with pressure is experience. I’ve been in this situation many times and I’ve played it out in my head a million times,” Rebello explains. “I know what to expect.”
Anyanwu and Rebello are yet to face off inside the cage despite their East Coast proximity. “He’s a striker like me. This will make for a great and exciting fight for the fans,” says Rebello. Certainly there is no coincidence that this matchup was sought after by Dana White and UFC promoters.
Paul, Will. CES 44: Bessette vs. Trjillo. 2017. CES MMA. Lincoln, RI. CES MMA Facebook. July 9, 2017
Just days away from the action, Rebello and his team are West Coast bound and focused on the win. “Competing for a spot in the UFC has been the goal since day one. I want to compete at the top. This is what I’ve strived for since 2005 when I started my fight career,” says Rebello. “There are definitely advantages to fighting in the series, especially the first episode. People don’t know what to expect, but there will be a ton of viewers watching!”
Don’t miss the action live on UFC FIGHT PASS this Tuesday, July 11th at 8:00pm EST and support “Ribz” Rebello as he continues his journey to the top.