Esteban Ribovics

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training at the age of 12, after my father's death, and at 18, I became a professional.

What ranks and titles have you held? I have become the number one freelancer in Argentina, and won two titles "FFC Peru" and "Samurai fight house"

Who is your favorite fighter and why? I always say Georges St-Pierre. I’ve been a fan since I was a kid. I admire his athleticism, his discipline, and especially his fight IQ. He’s the complete martial artist.

Do you have any heroes outside of fighting? My heroes are my parents. My father is my angel—he’s no longer here, but he guides me every day. He’s my example in life. And my mom… she’s the definition of strength and perseverance. She taught me to never give up. She’s everything that’s right in this world to me.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means everything to me; it is to fulfill a dream, the dream of every fighter. It will change my life completely.

What fight do you consider to be the key fight in your career and why? If we’re talking about April 11th, this is the biggest fight of my career—it puts me in the rankings and closer to my goal. But before this one, the fight at the Sphere changed everything for me. It was my first bonus, my first fight on my second contract. It allowed me to move into a house with my wife and buy my first car. That fight changed my life.

Is there a cause that you want to use your platform for? I want to be a source of motivation, a real-life fighter. I want to help grow MMA in Argentina, give it more recognition, and support the new generation of fighters coming up.

Beyond a championship or money, what motivates you? I’ve said it before: I want my last name—Ribovics—to be heard as loud as Messi or Maradona. I want Ribovics to become a symbol of MMA fighting.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to university, but I left to dedicate myself to this sport.

What was your job before you started fighting? I always trained, taught classes in MMA gyms, and helped in the family business.

Favorite grappling technique: Kimura 

Favorite Striking technique: Cross 

Tell us about your life outside of fighting: I have a beautiful wife—we’ve been together for a long time, and she’s my biggest support. We’re already thinking about having kids soon, we both really want to be parents. I also have a dog named Kai and a cat named D’Artagnan here in the U.S.

As for hobbies, I love riding motorcycles, especially enduro in the mountains back in Argentina. I ride my dad’s bike with my brother. Honestly, anything that gives me adrenaline—that’s my hobby.

What is one thing you want UFC fans around the world to know about you? I want fans to know that if I made my dream come true, anyone can do it—if you’re willing to work as hard as it takes. I live by this: “Keep going when you feel like you have nothing left—that’s what makes you different.” And now more than ever: “Train so hard that your idols become your opponents.” That’s exactly what’s happening to me