Despite being in the top 10 of the strawweight division (up to 52,2 kg), Tabatha Ricci is going through a difficult time in MMA. This Saturday (18), the Brazilian fought at UFC Oklahoma City and couldn't find her rhythm in the octagon against Fatima Kline , losing by unanimous decision. Thus, the athlete lost her second consecutive fight in the organization.
Due to the unfavorable result, Ricci is likely to lose positions in the rankings of the highly competitive category. Currently, the Brazilian is ranked seventh. Meanwhile, the American secured her fourth consecutive victory and should make a tremendous leap in the rankings. Before fighting at UFC Oklahoma City, Kline was ranked 14th.
Tabatha Ricci , 31, began her MMA career in 2013 and debuted in the UFC in 2021. In the sport, the Brazilian has built a record of 12 wins and five losses. Her main victories were over Amanda Ribas , Angela Hill , Gillian Robertson , and Tecia Torres.
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Everything went wrong
Ricci started the fight pressuring Kline. However, Kline landed some good punches and kicks. Quickly, Kline continued to pose a threat to Ricci in the striking exchanges. At a disadvantage, Ricci attempted a takedown, but Kline defended. Ricci didn't give up on the takedown and managed to take Kline to the ground, but was reversed. Not satisfied, Kline surprised Ricci and took her down. On her feet, Kline remained superior, relying on kicks and straight punches, and took Ricci down again.
In the second round, Ricci came back aggressively, but struggled against Kline's speed, precision, and volume of strikes. Again, Ricci attempted a takedown, but was unsuccessful. Then, Kline took Ricci's back and landed some good strikes in the clinch. On his feet, Kline again defended Ricci's takedown attempt and scored with his kicks and jabs.
Fierce and determined, Ricci didn't give up, pressured Kline, and landed a good high kick. In response, Kline unleashed a flurry of punches. In the clinch, Kline surprised everyone by taking Ricci down, taking her back, and nearly finishing her with a rear-naked choke. In the third and final round, Kline, sharper than ever in striking, rocked Ricci with crosses and straight punches. Ricci advanced, but Kline ignored the danger and executed two spectacular and difficult takedowns.
In the striking exchanges, Ricci again received clean blows and couldn't impose herself. After receiving numerous low kicks, Ricci began to limp around the octagon. Even so, Ricci had the strength to take Kline down, but couldn't control her on the ground and lost position. On top, Kline landed some good punches on Ricci.
Results from UFC Oklahoma City
MAIN CARD
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Dricus Du Plessis defeated Kamaru Usman by unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Christian Leroy Duncan defeated Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Chase Hooper defeated Mitch Ramirez by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:15 of round 1.
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Fatima Kline defeated Tabatha Ricci by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Tommy McMillen defeated Alberto Montes by technical knockout (punches) at 3:29 of round 3.
PRELIMINARY CARD
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Jose Miguel Delgado defeated Austin Bashi by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani defeated Seok Hyeon Ko by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Felipe Negão defeated Levi Rodrigues Jr. by technical knockout (punches) at 1:40 of round 2.
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Ezra Elliott defeated Damien Anderson by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Alden Coria defeated Stewart Nicoll by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): RJ Harris defeated Alvin Hines by technical knockout (punches) at 1:40 of round 1.
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Dione Barbosa defeated Anna Melisano by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:04 of round 1.
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