Gillian Robertson has made history in the UFC women’s division with a record-breaking seven submissions. However, Tabatha Ricci believes that their upcoming encounter at UFC Jacksonville this Saturday will present a fresh set of challenges.
As a black belt in both jiu-jitsu and judo, Ricci remains undefeated in her three UFC strawweight bouts. Her most recent victory showcased a second-round armbar against Jessica Penne. In a recent interview on the Trocação Franca podcast by MMA Hook, Ricci acknowledged Robertson’s impressive credentials. This includes a notable 65-second rear-naked choke finish against former UFC champion Rose Namajunas in a Fury Pro grappling event last December.
While Ricci recognized the significance of that match, she emphasized the fundamental differences between grappling and MMA. She explained, “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.”
Anticipating Robertson’s instinct to seek takedowns, Ricci believes her opponent’s preference is to take the fight to the ground regardless of the situation on their feet. Nevertheless, Ricci pointed out that Robertson has experienced a submission loss before, specifically a first-round armbar defeat against Mayra Bueno Silva in 2018.
Confident in her own skills, Ricci expressed, “I’m very confident. 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 all techniques in MMA, to be a complete fighter.”
Ricci anticipates an exciting battle against Robertson, acknowledging her toughness and her success in submitting numerous opponents. However, she also noted that Robertson hasn’t faced someone with the level of jiu-jitsu experience that she possesses. Ricci sees this fight as an opportunity for both of them to encounter something new.
With a solid MMA record of 8-1, Ricci’s only setback came in her UFC debut in June 2021 when she lost to Manon Fiorot in the flyweight division. Nonetheless, Ricci intends to turn the tables on Robertson by showcasing her own submission skills.
“It would be wonderful if I can end this fight with a submission,” Ricci stated confidently.
Embracing her own nickname, Ricci added, “The ‘Baby Shark’ era has begun. I hope this fight elevates me 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. I have a great dream, a great manager, and I trust my team.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about grappling skills
Q: What is Tabatha Ricci’s record in the UFC?
A: Tabatha Ricci currently holds a record of 8-1 in the UFC, with her only loss coming in her debut fight against Manon Fiorot in June 2021.
Q: How many submissions does Gillian Robertson have in the UFC?
A: Gillian Robertson holds the record for the most submissions in UFC women’s history with a total of seven submission victories.
Q: Has Gillian Robertson ever been finished on the mat?
A: Yes, Gillian Robertson has been finished once on the mat. She suffered a first-round armbar loss to Mayra Bueno Silva in 2018.
Q: What is Tabatha Ricci’s fighting background?
A: Tabatha Ricci is a black belt in both jiu-jitsu and judo, bringing a strong grappling background to her fights in the UFC.
Q: What does Tabatha Ricci expect from her upcoming fight with Gillian Robertson?
A: Tabatha Ricci expects Gillian Robertson to shoot for takedowns and take the fight to the ground, as it is Robertson’s instinct regardless of the situation on the feet. Ricci is confident in her own ground game and is prepared for all aspects of the fight.
Q: What is Tabatha Ricci’s goal as an MMA fighter?
A: Tabatha Ricci’s goal is to become a complete fighter, mastering all techniques in MMA. She aims to showcase her grappling skills and hopes to end her fights with submissions.
Q: What is Tabatha Ricci’s mindset going into the fight with Gillian Robertson?
A: Tabatha Ricci is confident in her abilities and believes that she has a higher level of jiu-jitsu experience compared to Robertson’s previous opponents. She sees this fight as an opportunity to demonstrate her skills and make an impact in the rankings.
More about grappling skills
- Tabatha Ricci’s UFC Profile
- Gillian Robertson’s UFC Profile
- UFC Official Website
- [MMA Hook’s Trocação Franca Podcast](insert relevant link if available)
- [Fury Pro Grappling Event](insert relevant link if available)
- Mayra Bueno Silva’s UFC Profile
- Manon Fiorot’s UFC Profile
5 comments
Robertson better watch out! Ricci is bringing her jits and judo skills to the cage. Will she catch her in a slick submission or will Robertson prove why she’s the submission queen? It’s gonna be fire!
Robertson is no joke, man! 7 submissions in UFC? Damn! But Ricci seems to have some skills too. Should be an interesting match, bro!
Ricci’s record is lookin’ good, but that debut loss to Fiorot must’ve stung. Let’s see if she can bounce back and submit Robertson like she’s plannin’. War of the ground game!
wow this ricci chick seems confidnt af, she thinks she got better grpple game than robertson. I cnt wait to see if she can back it up in the octagon.
Baby Shark era? Seriously? Well, if Ricci can pull off a submission win, she’ll definitely make some noise in the rankings. Can’t wait to see what happens!