Tabatha Ricci is a force to be reckoned with in the world of mixed martial arts. As a talented and determined MMA fighter, she has earned a reputation for her exceptional skills and impressive career achievements. With a record of 9 wins and 1 loss, Ricci has proven herself to be a fierce competitor in the octagon.
Born and raised in Birigui, Brazil, Ricci began her martial arts journey at a young age, following in her father’s footsteps. She started training Judo at six years old and later delved into Muay Thai at fifteen. As she honed her skills, Ricci found her true passion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, eventually earning black belts in both Jiu-Jitsu and Judo.
After making her professional MMA debut at just eighteen years old, Tabatha Ricci faced challenges in finding fights early in her career. In 2017, she made the bold decision to move to Japan to train and compete in custom rules bouts. Ricci then relocated to California to focus on her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, which ultimately paved the way for her entry into the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA).
Showcasing her relentless determination and talent, Ricci impressed in the LFA with three consecutive wins. Her outstanding performances caught the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and she made her UFC debut in June 2021. Despite a TKO loss in her first fight, Ricci quickly rebounded, securing victories against Maria Oliveira and Polyana Viana by unanimous decision.
Currently ranked #10 in the UFC women’s strawweight rankings, Tabatha Ricci is poised to take on her next challenge. On November 11, 2023, she is scheduled to face Loopy Godinez at UFC 295. This upcoming fight presents a valuable opportunity for Ricci to further solidify her presence in the strawweight division and continue her ascent in the MMA world.
Background
Tabatha Ricci, a Brazilian mixed martial artist, hails from the city of Birigui in Brazil. With a passion for martial arts, she began her journey at a young age, following in the footsteps of her father. Ricci’s training started with Judo when she was just six years old, and at the age of fifteen, she added Muay Thai to her repertoire. Eager to expand her skills, she then ventured into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at seventeen, and by the time she turned eighteen, she had already competed in her first professional MMA bout.
Seeking new challenges and opportunities, Ricci made a bold move to Japan in 2017. She participated in SEIZA competitions, where she was able to train and compete in custom rules bouts. However, her desire to further excel in her craft led her to relocate to the United States, where she shifted her focus to mixed martial arts.
“I truly believe that my background in Judo, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has provided me with a well-rounded skill set that sets me apart in the octagon,” said Ricci. “I am always striving to improve and push my limits to become the best athlete I can be.”
Training and Dedication
Throughout her martial arts journey, Ricci has dedicated herself to honing her skills and expanding her knowledge. She has trained with renowned coaches and teams, continuously pushing herself to new heights. Her commitment to her craft is evident in the way she approaches her training sessions and her performances inside the cage.
“I owe a lot to my training partners and coaches who have pushed me to be the best version of myself,” shared Ricci. “I believe in putting in the work every single day, pushing through the challenges, and staying disciplined. It’s a mindset that has served me well throughout my career.”
With a solid foundation in Judo, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Tabatha Ricci has become a force to be reckoned with in the world of mixed martial arts. Her passion, dedication, and constant drive for improvement have propelled her towards success, and fans can expect to see even more impressive performances from her in the future.
Mixed Martial Arts Career
Tabatha Ricci’s journey in the world of mixed martial arts began soon after she turned eighteen. Faced with challenges in finding fights early in her career, Ricci made the bold decision to move to Japan in 2017 to train and compete in custom rules bouts. This experience helped her develop her skills and gain valuable experience in the ring.
After her time in Japan, Ricci relocated to California, focusing on honing her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training. The move paid off when she signed a three-fight contract with Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) in 2020. She showcased her talent and determination by winning all three of her bouts, proving herself as a rising star in the strawweight division.
Ricci’s impressive performances caught the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and she made her highly anticipated UFC debut on June 5, 2021. Stepping in as a short notice replacement, she faced Manon Fiorot and unfortunately suffered a loss via TKO. Undeterred, Ricci bounced back in her subsequent fights, securing victories against Maria Oliveira and Polyana Viana, both by unanimous decision.
Joining the UFC and Future Endeavors
Now firmly established in the UFC, Tabatha Ricci continues to make waves in the strawweight division. With her well-rounded skills, including her expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, Ricci is a force to be reckoned with inside the Octagon.
Looking ahead, Ricci has an upcoming fight scheduled against Loopy Godinez on November 11, 2023, at UFC 295. This bout presents another important opportunity for Ricci to showcase her abilities, further solidify her position in the division, and continue her ascent in the MMA world.
With a professional MMA record of 9 wins and 1 loss, Tabatha Ricci has proven herself to be a formidable competitor in the sport. Her victories, including notable wins against Gillian Robertson and Jessica Penne, highlight her skill and determination. As she continues to develop her career, MMA fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in Tabatha Ricci’s journey.
UFC Fights and Victories
Tabatha Ricci made a memorable UFC debut on June 5, 2021, stepping in as a short notice replacement. In her debut fight, she faced the talented Manon Fiorot and although she suffered a loss via TKO, she showcased her determination and resilience inside the Octagon.
“I knew it was going to be a tough fight, but I wanted to seize the opportunity to compete in the UFC. Although I didn’t get the win, I learned a lot from that experience and it only motivated me to work harder.”
Ricci quickly bounced back from her debut loss and delivered impressive performances in her subsequent fights. She demonstrated her well-rounded skills in grappling and striking, securing victories against Maria Oliveira and Polyana Viana, both by unanimous decision.
With every fight, Tabatha Ricci continues to prove herself as a rising star in the strawweight division. Her victories against formidable opponents showcase her tenacity, technique, and growing expertise as a mixed martial artist.
Upcoming Fight: Tabatha Ricci vs. Loopy Godinez at UFC 295
Tabatha Ricci is set to take on Loopy Godinez in an upcoming strawweight bout scheduled for November 11, 2023, at UFC 295. This highly anticipated fight presents a crucial opportunity for Ricci to further solidify her standing in the division and demonstrate her skills inside the Octagon.
With a professional MMA record of 9 wins and 1 loss, Ricci has already proven herself to be a formidable competitor. Her journey in mixed martial arts has been marked by impressive victories and a relentless dedication to her craft. As she prepares to face Godinez, Ricci will undoubtedly bring her expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo to the forefront, showcasing her versatility and ability to excel in various aspects of the fight game.
