Tabatha Ricci Embraces Underdog Role Ahead of UFC Oklahoma City Fight
The Brazilian says she welcomes being the betting underdog and expects an impressive finish against Fatima Kline.
Tabatha Ricci knows she enters UFC Oklahoma City as the underdog against one of the fastest-rising prospects in the women's strawweight division. The Brazilian doesn't seem worried.
On the contrary, instead of seeing that as extra pressure, "Baby Shark" believes it actually works in her favor. In fact, Ricci is confident in delivering a good performance and believes a statement win over Fatima Kline would put her right back among the division's top contenders.
Tabatha Ricci Welcomes Underdog Role
Despite entering the fight as the betting underdog, Ricci isn't bothered and actually enjoys that position. Speaking to Ag Fight, the Brazilian said proving people wrong is an extra source of motivation for her.
"I haven't checked the odds, but I did see I'm not the favorite," Ricci began. "I actually like that. I don't care. It doesn't bother me at all. I think it's a good thing because I get to prove a lot of people wrong when I win. I'll win by submission or ground and pound."
Major Victory for Tabatha Ricci Could Change Everything
Coming off a unanimous decision loss to Virna Jandiroba back in April, Ricci is looking to bounce back. But beyond simply getting back to winning ways, the Brazilian believes an impressive finish could immediately change her position in the division.
"Definitely. A knockout or submission makes all the difference, especially now," Ricci said. "I want to finish this fight as quickly as possible to put myself back in the position I was in after my last fight. A statement win puts me right back where I was before."
Respect for Kline, Confidence in Experience
Although confident she will put on a good performance, Ricci knows she faces one of the division's brightest prospects, who can deliver a tough fight both on the feet and on the ground. Still, with more than twice as many appearances in the UFC as her opponent, the Brazilian believes her experience against elite competition will make the difference.
"Fatima is good on her feet. She's a very dangerous striker," Ricci claimed. "But she also mixes things up well. We have similar styles. She likes to take the fight to the ground and has competed in jiu-jitsu tournaments, so she knows how to grapple. But I believe I'm the more experienced fighter. I've faced top-level opponents, so I'm going to surprise her. It's going to be a fast-paced and exciting fight."
Currently ranked No. 8 in the strawweight division, Ricci knows a victory over Kline could immediately put her back in the conversation among the division's top contenders. As for Kline, a victory over a veteran like Ricci would further establish her as one of the division's brightest prospects.
