A high-level Brazilian showdown highlights the prelims of UFC on ABC 9: Whittaker vs. de Ridder on July 26, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, as top-10 strawweights Amanda Ribas and Tabatha Ricci square off in a pivotal divisional bout. Both women are looking to bounce back from recent setbacks and reassert themselves as contenders in the 115-pound title picture.
Amanda Ribas
Amanda Ribas (13–6) is a dynamic, well-rounded fighter known for her infectious energy and technical versatility. She’s competed at both strawweight and flyweight, holding notable wins over Mackenzie Dern, Viviane Araújo, and Luana Pinheiro. Ribas is dangerous wherever the fight goes, with four submissions and four knockouts among her 13 wins. However, she's dropped three of her last four, including a third-round submission loss in her rematch against Dern.
Ribas thrives in scrappy, high-tempo fights, using constant movement, volume striking, and solid grappling transitions. But defensive lapses and inconsistent fight IQ have cost her in recent big moments.
Amanda Ribas – Last 5 Fights:
Loss vs. Mackenzie Dern – Submission (Armbar) – UFC FN: Dern vs. Ribas 2, Jan 11, 2025
Loss vs. Rose Namajunas – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN, Mar 23, 2024
Win vs. Luana Pinheiro – TKO (Spinning Wheel Kick) – UFC FN: Allen vs. Craig, Nov 18, 2023
Loss vs. Maycee Barber – TKO (Elbows & Punches) – UFC on ABC, Jun 24, 2023
Win vs. Viviane Araújo – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 285, Mar 4, 2023
Tabatha Ricci
Tabatha “Baby Shark” Ricci (11–3) is a compact, powerful grappler who brings relentless pace and positional control. She’s earned her way into the top-10 with wins over Angela Hill, Tecia Pennington, and Gillian Robertson. Ricci excels in the clinch and on the mat, combining aggressive jiu-jitsu with improving striking fundamentals. She’s hard to shake off once she gains control, but her striking still lags behind top-tier technicians.
Ricci is coming off a tough decision loss to Yan Xiaonan and will be looking to reassert her dominance in the grappling realm. Her ability to close distance and control tempo will be key against a more experienced, rangier opponent.
Tabatha Ricci – Last 5 Fights:
Loss vs. Yan Xiaonan – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN: Yan vs. Figueiredo, Nov 23, 2024
Win vs. Angela Hill – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN, Aug 24, 2024
Win vs. Tecia Pennington – Decision (Split) – UFC on ESPN, May 11, 2024
Loss vs. Loopy Godinez – Decision (Split) – UFC 295, Nov 11, 2023
Win vs. Gillian Robertson – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ABC, Jun 24, 2023
This is a classic striker-grappler matchup. Ribas has sharper striking and more octagon experience, while Ricci is physically stronger in the clinch and excels at control. Ribas will need to use her jab, footwork, and range to stay off the fence and avoid extended grappling exchanges. Ricci’s path to victory depends on turning this into a grind, with takedowns and control time.
Prediction
Amanda Ribas def. Tabatha Ricci via Decision (Unanimous) – A close, competitive fight, but Ribas’ range striking and versatility should edge out Ricci’s control. Expect technical scrambles, volume, and a battle of pace.