Esteban Ribovics


Esteban Ribovics Marijan is an Argentine mixed martial artist who currently competes in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background

Ribovics was born in Salta, Argentina. He first encountered mixed martial arts at the age of 12, when his friend introduced him to it, and he took a liking to it following his first class. After finishing high school, at 17, he moved to Córdoba and began perfecting his skills, training in multiple disciplines such as boxing, muay thai, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He made his professional debut at age 18 with Infernales de Tartagal, in Salta.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Ribovics made his professional debut on December 12, 2015, and faced Lautaro Iturbe. He won the fight via Inverted Triangle Choke in the 3rd round. He then went 7–0 in his next 7 fights, winning all by finish.
On December 10, 2020, he faced Javier Basurto for the Fusion FC Interim Lightweight Championship. He won the bought by 1st round KO. On February 12, 2022, he fought Franco Aranda for the Samurai Fight House Lightweight Championship. He won the bought via first-round KO.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Ribovics made his UFC promotional debut on March 4, 2023, at UFC 285. The event was scheduled to be a lightweight bout between Kamuela Kirk and Esteban Ribovics. However, Kirk pulled out of the event for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Loik Radzhabov. Ribovics lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Ribovics then had his match with Kamuela Kirk rescheduled and they fought on July 8, 2023, at UFC 290. He won the fight by unanimous decision.
Ribovics was scheduled to face Elves Brener on November 4, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 231. However, Ribovics pulled out of the fight after suffering an accident that made him unable to fight.
Ribovics then faced Terrance McKinney on May 11, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 56. He won the fight via 1st-round knockout.
Ribovics faced Daniel Zellhuber on September 14, 2024, at UFC 306. He won the back and forth fight by split decision. This fight earned him his first Fight of the Night award.
Ribovics faced Nasrat Haqparast on March 1, 2025, at UFC Vegas 103. Ribovics lost the fight via split decision. The bout earned him another Fight of the Night award.
Ribovics faced Elves Brener on August 2, 2025, at UFC on ESPN 71. He won the fight via unanimous decision and earned his third straight Fight of the Night bonus.

Championships and accomplishments

Ultimate Fighting Championship