Undefeated UFC strawweight Tabatha Ricci aims to challenge Gillian Robertson‘s record for most submissions when they face off at UFC Jacksonville.
Gillian Robertson holds the record for the most submissions in UFC women’s history with seven, but Tabatha Ricci is ready to bring a whole new set of challenges when they meet this Saturday afternoon at UFC Jacksonville. Ricci, a black belt in jiu-jitsu and judo, is not only undefeated in her three UFC strawweight bouts, but she also recently showcased her skills with a second-round armbar over Jessica Penne. Although keenly aware of Robertson’s impressive credentials, including a 65-second rear-naked choke finish over former UFC champion Rose Namajunas, Ricci is confident in her ability to face Robertson in the Octagon.
“I watched that as a grappling match, but like you said, it’s completely different [from MMA],” Ricci said. “The match started on the feet but not with an MMA stance, there were no punches to the face, so it’s completely different. But I definitely trained watching the techniques she’s done in that match as well. We’ve studied her in every aspect of the game, so we’re ready for everything.” Ricci also mentioned that she expects Robertson to shoot for takedowns because “it’s her instinct to take the fight to the ground regardless of what happens on the feet.” However, it’s important to note that Robertson has suffered a first-round armbar loss to Mayra Bueno Silva back in 2018.
“I’m very confident,” Ricci said. “She has a lot of submissions but I also have a background in jiu-jitsu and judo and I’m quite confident in my ground game. I’m ready for everything. One of my goals is to master in all techniques in MMA, to be a complete fighter.” She continued, “It’s going to be a great fight. She’s a very tough opponent, she has submitted a lot of people, but I haven’t seen her submit or have a high-level performance against someone as experienced as I am in jiu-jitsu, so I think it’s going to be a first for her too.” With an MMA record of 8-1, Ricci’s sole loss came against Manon Fiorot in a flyweight fight during her UFC debut in June 2021.
Ricci is determined to make a statement by potentially finishing the fight with a submission, stating, “It will be wonderful if I can end this fight with a submission.” She added, “The ‘Baby Shark’ era has begun. I hope this fight elevates me a little bit in the rankings. Let’s see where it puts me. I’m in no rush. The more fights I get, the more experience I have when I get to fight for the belt. I’m not chasing anyone. My dream is great, I have a great manager, and I trust my team.”