Tabatha Ricci: The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Specialist in the UFC Female Strawweight Division
Tabatha "Baby Shark" Ricci, born on February 21, 1995 in Birigui, Brazil, is a talented mixed martial artist (MMA) who currently competes in the UFC's female strawweight division. She is known for her strong background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo, combined with an aggressive and technical fighting style. Ricci has quickly emerged as one of the brightest prospects in the UFC thanks to her impressive skills and fighting spirit.
Early Life and Career
Tabatha Ricci began training in martial arts at a young age. She grew up in Brazil, where martial arts such as judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu are deeply rooted in the culture. Ricci began training in judo at the age of four, later transitioning to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, where she quickly developed into a talented practitioner.
Ricci has a long history of competing in jiu-jitsu, where she has won several championships. Her strong grappling skills and passion for combat sports eventually led her to transition to MMA. She began her professional MMA career in 2013 and quickly built an undefeated record in regional promotions in Brazil and the United States before making the move to the UFC.
UFC Career
Tabatha Ricci made her UFC debut on short notice at UFC Fight Night 189 in June 2021, where she faced talented fighter Manon Fiorot. Although Ricci lost the fight via TKO in the second round, she showed great resilience and determination. Her debut made it clear that she had the skills and potential to succeed in the UFC, and she remained determined to cement her place in the organization.
After her debut, Ricci bounced back with an impressive decision win over Maria Oliveira at UFC Fight Night 195 in October 2021. Ricci earned the victory via unanimous decision, showcasing her strong ground game and jiu-jitsu skills. Her ability to control her opponent on the ground and her solid grappling technique established her as a dangerous challenger in the strawweight division.
Style and Technique
Tabatha Ricci is known for her excellent grappling and ground game, which comes from her strong background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo. She is particularly adept at takedowns and ground control, where she works on submissions and ground-and-pound. Her ability to close the distance and take fights to the ground is one of her greatest strengths.
While grappling is her main strength, Ricci has also worked on improving her striking. She has an aggressive style that allows her to pressure her opponents while using precise punches and kicks to create openings for takedowns. Her versatility makes her a well-rounded fighter who can excel in a variety of scenarios.
Major Victories
One of Ricci's most important victories to date was her dominant performance against Maria Oliveira. In that fight, Ricci showed her technical prowess and controlled most of the fight, earning a unanimous decision. This victory highlighted her capabilities as a top grappler in the division.
Future Ambitions
Tabatha Ricci has her sights set on climbing the ranks of the UFC's strawweight division. With her strong technical foundation and fighting spirit, she is determined to break through to the top and ultimately challenge for the UFC title. Ricci continues to work hard to improve her overall skills and remains focused on achieving her goals in MMA.
Conclusion
Tabatha "Baby Shark" Ricci is a promising prospect in the UFC strawweight division. Her impressive background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo, combined with her determination to succeed, makes her a dangerous challenger in the division. As she continues to grow as a fighter and develop her skills, Ricci will undoubtedly continue to climb the ranks and become a name to watch in the future of MMA.