Ali Akbar Rosady
Las Vegas, NV – Tabatha Ricci, known as "Baby Shark," is poised to make a significant statement in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s strawweight division this weekend, believing a dominant performance against former title challenger Virna Jandiroba at UFC Vegas 115 will catapult her into contention for the 115-pound championship. The highly anticipated co-main event, set to unfold at the Meta APEX facility, pits two elite grapplers against each other in a clash with considerable implications for the divisional hierarchy.
Ricci, a formidable Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with an impressive professional mixed martial arts record of 10-2, enters this pivotal contest following a career-defining victory. In July 2025, she showcased her evolving striking prowess by delivering a violent second-round knockout of Amanda Ribas, a performance that not only earned her a ‘Performance of the Night’ bonus but also emphatically erased the memory of a decision loss to veteran contender Yan Xiaonan eight months prior. That Ribas victory underscored Ricci’s continued development as a well-rounded fighter, combining her world-class grappling with increasingly potent stand-up techniques. Prior to her loss to Xiaonan, Ricci had been on a four-fight winning streak within the UFC, establishing herself as a legitimate threat with notable victories over fighters like Jessica Penne and Polyana Viana. Her fighting style is characterized by relentless pressure, precise takedowns, and a dangerous submission game, making her a challenging opponent for anyone in the division.
Her opponent, Virna Jandiroba, 22-4, brings a similar grappling pedigree to the octagon. Also a highly decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, "Carcará" is recognized for her stifling top control and opportunistic submission finishes. Jandiroba’s most recent outing saw her challenge Mackenzie Dern for the vacant UFC strawweight championship in October 2024. In a grueling five-round affair in Abu Dhabi, Jandiroba pushed Dern to the limit, ultimately losing a unanimous decision in a bout that showcased her resilience and elite-level ground game. Despite the loss, Jandiroba’s ability to go the distance in a championship fight against a top-tier opponent like Dern solidified her standing as one of the division’s most dangerous athletes. Her path to the title shot included impressive wins over Felice Herrig and Kanako Murata, demonstrating her consistent threat within the strawweight landscape.
Ricci views her clash with Jandiroba as perfectly timed to validate her championship aspirations. "I think it’s a great fight and a big name," Ricci told MMA Fighting in a recent interview. "Virna just fought for the belt, and I think fighting her will prove a lot for me, for everyone, for all the fans watching, that I truly belong at the top and that I can be next in line for a title shot." Ricci acknowledged the challenge posed by Jandiroba, particularly given her recent experience in a championship bout. "Especially with Virna coming off a loss, I think she’ll be very well-trained, very focused, and I think it’s going to be a really good fight." The strategic significance of facing a former title challenger, regardless of their recent result, is a recognized pathway to elevate a contender’s status within the UFC’s rigorous ranking system.
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The landscape of the UFC strawweight division is currently in a state of flux, adding further weight to the outcome of this co-main event. Mackenzie Dern currently holds the undisputed championship, having captured the vacant title against Jandiroba. However, the identity of her next challenger remains officially undetermined by the UFC matchmakers.
A significant variable in the strawweight title picture is the potential return of former champion Weili Zhang. Zhang, widely considered one of the most dominant strawweights in UFC history, recently ventured into the flyweight division, challenging Valentina Shevchenko for the 125-pound title earlier in 2025. While Zhang ultimately came up short in her bid to dethrone Shevchenko, her performance underscored her elite capabilities across weight classes. Her decision on whether to return to strawweight or pursue further opportunities at flyweight is keenly awaited by fighters and fans alike. If Zhang opts to return to 115 pounds, she would immediately become a strong candidate for a title shot against Dern, potentially setting up a highly anticipated clash between two of the division’s most explosive fighters.
Beyond Zhang, other compelling contenders are vying for a shot at the strawweight crown. Gillian Robertson, who delivered an impressive performance by defeating Amanda Lemos this past March, has steadily climbed the rankings and positioned herself as a dark horse in the title race. Additionally, the winner of the upcoming bout between Loopy Godinez and Tatiana Suarez, scheduled for April 11, 2025, will undoubtedly emerge as a formidable force. Both Godinez and Suarez possess strong wrestling and grappling foundations, making their contest a critical determinant of future title challengers.
Ricci is acutely aware of the complexities surrounding the division’s top contenders. "I don’t know if Weili will stay [at flyweight] or what she’s deciding," Ricci admitted. "Everyone is waiting on her decision, but I believe that once Virna fights and once Loopy and Tatiana fight, we’ll have a clearer idea of who will be next." She emphasized that her own performance against Jandiroba would be a crucial factor in the UFC’s decision-making process. "I think it will depend a lot on my performance and how the fight goes, because there are a lot of great fighters in the rankings. There will be plenty of new contenders ready to fight for the belt. Since I’m fighting Virna, who just challenged for the title, I think it puts me in a favorable position, but it will really depend on how our fight goes."
Expressing her ambition to face the best, Ricci also articulated a desire to potentially face Weili Zhang. "I would love to fight Weili as well, to face the best in the world," she stated. "She has dominated our division, so it would be an honor to compete for the belt against her too. If she moves down, in theory she would have to fight Mackenzie, so that would be a very interesting fight. I think Weili is a slightly more complete athlete, but it all depends on where each fighter is in their life and career at the moment, so it’s quite complex." This statement highlights Ricci’s confidence in her abilities and her willingness to test herself against the division’s most formidable opponents.
However, before any discussions of title shots or future super-fights can materialize, Ricci must first navigate the immediate and significant challenge posed by Jandiroba. Both fighters are renowned for their jiu-jitsu prowess, leading to speculation about the strategic direction of their contest. "Baby Shark" remained strategically guarded about her exact game plan, particularly regarding whether she would engage Jandiroba in a grappling battle.
"I come from jiu-jitsu as well, I have a long history in jiu-jitsu, just like Virna, so I’ll be ready if she wants to take it there," Ricci affirmed, indicating her readiness for a ground exchange. "I’ll be prepared. It won’t be anything new for me in that area." She also acknowledged a common dynamic when two grappling specialists meet in the octagon. "Usually when they match two grapplers the fight ends up staying on the feet a bit more, but I don’t know how it’s going to play out. Maybe I’ve evolved, maybe Virna has too." Ricci noted Jandiroba’s perceived improvements in striking, suggesting that the fight could unfold in various ways. "Maybe she watched my last fight against Mackenzie and it could turn into a ground battle. I’ll be ready for the jiu-jitsu. I also think she’s improved her striking, and I believe this matchup will be a very interesting contest."
When pressed for further details on her strategy, Ricci offered a glimpse into her tactical mindset while maintaining a degree of secrecy. "I can’t give all the details of my strategy here [laughs] but I do think I have a bit of an advantage in the striking," she revealed. This suggests Ricci might look to exploit any perceived stand-up discrepancies, potentially aiming to keep the fight on the feet where she believes she holds an edge. However, she quickly tempered expectations, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of MMA. "But it’s MMA, so you have to be ready for everything. Everyone wants to finish the fight quickly, but you can’t force anything in the moment. I hope I can finish the fight as soon as possible, but it all depends on how it plays out. It’s going to be a very smart game."
The co-main event at UFC Vegas 115 is not merely a contest between two highly skilled athletes; it is a critical juncture in the careers of both Tabatha Ricci and Virna Jandiroba. For Ricci, it represents an opportunity to solidify her claim as a legitimate title contender and to demonstrate her comprehensive evolution as a mixed martial artist. For Jandiroba, it is a chance to reassert her position at the top of the division and prove that her championship aspirations are far from over. The outcome will undoubtedly have significant ramifications for the ever-evolving UFC strawweight landscape.
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