What's Happening?
Tabatha Ricci secured a significant victory at UFC Abu Dhabi by defeating Amanda Ribas with a second-round TKO. The strawweight bout took place at Etihad Arena on July 26, 2025, and was broadcasted on ESPN and ABC. Ricci, known as 'Baby Shark' for her fierce fighting style despite her small stature, landed a decisive elbow in the clinch during the second round, leading to the referee stopping the fight. This victory marks Ricci's first UFC stoppage win, enhancing her reputation in the strawweight division. Amanda Ribas, who was favored to win, suffered her third consecutive loss, impacting her ranking and future prospects.
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Why It's Important?
Tabatha Ricci's victory over a ranked opponent like Amanda Ribas is significant for her career and the strawweight division. It demonstrates Ricci's ability to compete with top fighters, potentially leading to more high-profile matches. For Amanda Ribas, this loss could result in a drop in rankings and necessitate a strategic reassessment to regain her standing. The outcome of this fight contributes to the dynamic nature of the UFC strawweight division, influencing future matchups and rankings.
What's Next?
Following her victory, Tabatha Ricci may face higher-ranked opponents, possibly entering the top-10 strawweight contenders. Potential matchups could include fighters like Angela Hill or Virna Jandiroba. Amanda Ribas, on the other hand, might need to fight lower-ranked opponents to break her losing streak and rebuild her career momentum. The results of this fight will likely affect the planning of future UFC events and fighter rankings.
