Tabatha Ricci scores her career biggest victory as she submits Jessica Penne via Armbar in the second round at UFC 285.
Round 1
An immediate takedown from Tabatha Ricci sees her gain control early. Jessica Penne uses her wealth of experience to get back to her feet. In the open, each woman throws combinations but nothing devastating lands.
After seeing success with her grappling, Ricci continues to pursue this avenue. Jessica seems content to fight from the bottom inviting Ricci back down multiple times. Tabatha controlled the majority of the first.
Round 2
Ricci is non-stop action entering the second. Keeping active and pressing the action constantly. Penne gets in close but is swiftly dealt with as Ricci uses a judo throw slamming Jessica to the May with authority.
Ricci then wastes no time collecting an arm and locking in a swift armbar for the finish. The stoppage came at 2:14 into round two.
What’s Next?
Making it three in a row inside the octagon Tabatha Ricci is on the cusp of a UFC ranking. Since moving to Strawweight after her debut loss at flyweight to Manon Fiorot, Ricci has been unblemished inside the cage.
Defeating a formerly ranked opponent in Jessica Penne adds an impressive name to the growing resume of the 28-year-old. This win puts Ricci not far from a number next to her name.
Next out a fight for a spot in the rankings seems ideal. Either competing against another Strawweight on the periphery of the top 15 or a fight ranked 15th to 12th.
With this in mind, the two names just inside the top 15 are Emily Ducote and Luana Pinheiro. Each of these fights make perfect sense for Ricci’s next fight.
Featured image credit to Embed from Getty Images
