The all-Brazilian Strawweight Clash between Tabatha Ricci and Amanda Ribas – UFC on ABC 9

Published on June 30, 2026 by administrator

Full fight video of the all-Brazilian strawweight clash between Tabatha Ricci and Amanda Ribas took place at UFC on ABC 9: Whittaker vs. de Ridder on July 26, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. Both fighters entered the contest looking to rebound from losses, making it a pivotal matchup for their positions in the UFC strawweight rankings. Ricci delivered one of the most impressive performances of her career, earning a second-round TKO with devastating elbows from the clinch.

Round 1

The fight began at a fast pace, with Ribas using her reach advantage to establish her jab and long-range kicks. She moved well on the outside while Ricci patiently looked for opportunities to close the distance.

Ricci quickly turned the bout into a physical contest by pressing Ribas against the fence. From the clinch, she controlled positioning with underhooks, making it difficult for Ribas to unleash combinations. Ribas briefly reversed position with a slick judo trip, drawing applause, but Ricci immediately scrambled back to her feet and resumed applying pressure.

During the striking exchanges, Ribas landed several clean straight punches and body kicks, while Ricci mixed short punches, knees, and shoulder pressure whenever she trapped her opponent against the cage. The round was competitive, but Ricci’s relentless clinch work and control along the fence gave her a slight edge on many scorecards.

Round 2

Ribas opened the second round with renewed confidence, attempting to keep the fight at boxing range. She landed a few clean punches, but Ricci once again marched forward and forced another clinch against the fence.

This proved to be the turning point.

While controlling Ribas in close quarters, Ricci began throwing short, sharp elbows instead of simply holding position. One crushing elbow landed flush to Ribas’ face, immediately staggering her. Ricci recognized the damage and followed with another powerful elbow that sent Ribas collapsing to the canvas.

Without hesitation, Ricci swarmed with ground-and-pound, forcing the referee to intervene and stop the contest at 2:59 of Round 2, awarding Ricci the victory by technical knockout.

Technical Analysis

Ricci executed an excellent tactical game plan throughout the fight.

Instead of engaging in prolonged kickboxing exchanges where Ribas’ speed and reach could become advantages, Ricci consistently forced clinches along the fence. Once there, she controlled posture, limited Ribas’ offense, and gradually wore her down with knees, punches, and especially elbows.

The finishing sequence highlighted Ricci’s Muay Thai skills. Her elbows from the clinch were compact, accurate, and thrown with perfect timing, causing severe damage before the final barrage ended the fight.

Ribas showed flashes of her technical striking and movement but struggled to prevent Ricci from closing distance. Every time she created space, Ricci immediately re-established pressure, preventing Ribas from settling into her preferred rhythm.

Aftermath

Following the bout, it was revealed that Ricci’s finishing elbow had dislodged a metal plate that Ribas had received after a previous orbital injury. Ribas later underwent further medical evaluation and surgery, while Ricci expressed concern for her fellow Brazilian and wished her a full recovery.

For Ricci, the victory was one of the biggest of her UFC career. It snapped her losing streak, earned her a finish over a top-ranked opponent, and significantly strengthened her position in the strawweight title picture. Ribas, meanwhile, suffered another setback in what became the most difficult stretch of her UFC career.

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