Upset in the making? Tabatha Ricci banks on impactful win against rising prospect at UFC Oklahoma — Federação de Jiu-Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation

Federação de Jiu-Jitsu: Ranked No. 8 in the strawweight (52 kg) division, Tabatha Ricci faces Fatima Kline, the division's No. 11, on the main card of UFC Oklahoma this Saturday (18th). And even though the fighters' current rankings suggest otherwise, the Brazilian stands out as a big underdog for the bout against the American — regarded as a rising prospect. Aware of her underdog status, "Baby Shark," as she's known, aims to "break the bank" with an impactful win inside the most famous octagon in the world.

In an exclusive interview with Ag Fight's reporting team, Tabatha went further and predicted a favorable outcome by finish (knockout or submission). Should she pull off such a feat and put a stop to the American rival's hype, the Brazilian could once again move closer to an eventual title fight in the 52 kg division. Ricci came close to earning the coveted title shot in her last outing, but was ultimately bested by fellow Brazilian Virna Jandiroba in a bout that was crucial to her aspirations.

“Definitely (finishing by knockout or submission is a differentiator). Even more so now. I want to end this fight as fast as possible to put myself back in the same position as before the last fight. Getting an impactful win already puts me back where I was before (…) I haven't checked the numbers (the odds). But I really did see that I wasn't the favorite (for the fight). I actually like that. I don't care. It doesn't worry me at all. I actually think it's good, because it shuts a lot of people up when I come out with the win. (I win) by submission or ground and pound”, predicted the Brazilian.

Banking on experience

Despite exuding confidence that she'll have her hand raised, even against the odds, Tabatha doesn't underestimate Kline. Quite the opposite. For "Baby Shark," even though she's young — just 26 years old — the American rival is extremely dangerous, especially on the feet. With that in mind, the Brazilian is banking on her experience and background against elite-level athletes to work in her favor when the fight happens.

“Fatima is good on her feet, a very dangerous striker. But she also mixes it up well, we have similar styles. She likes to go for takedowns, she's already done some jiu-jitsu competitions, so she knows grappling. But I think I'm more experienced, I've already fought high-level athletes. So I'm going to surprise her. It's going to be a very active and fun fight”, Ricci predicted.

Besides Tabatha, three more Brazilians will be in action in Oklahoma next Saturday. Among the women, Dione Barbosa takes on Anna Melisano at flyweight (57 kg). Among the men, in the light heavyweight division (93 kg), an all-Brazilian showdown stands out: Levi Rodrigues Jr vs Felipe Franco. The night's main event will feature the African former champions Kamaru Usman, of Nigeria, and Dricus du Plessis, of South Africa.

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