Get to know the betting odds, predictions and picks for the upcoming Amanda Ribas vs Tabatha Ricci fight at UFC Abu Dhabi!
Brazilian mixed martial arts has always been a breeding ground for fierce competitors. From the legendary Gracie family to modern superstars like Amanda Nunes, Brazil consistently produces world class fighters. The strawweight division has seen its fair share of Brazilian talent, and this weekend at UFC Abu Dhabi, two ranked Brazilians will settle their differences inside the octagon.
Amanda Ribas and Tabatha Ricci were originally scheduled to fight months ago, but the bout got postponed. Now both fighters are hungrier than ever to prove themselves at UFC Abu Dhabi. Ribas sits at seventh in the rankings while Ricci holds the tenth spot. This matchup carries serious implications for both women’s championship aspirations. A win here could launch either fighter into title contention talks.
Amanda Ribas brings a 13-6 record into this contest. The 31 year old has been grinding in the UFC since 2019. She’s faced the division’s elite consistently, going 2-3 in her last five outings. Her striking statistics tell an interesting story. Ribas lands 4.29 significant strikes per minute with 39% accuracy. She absorbs 3.24 strikes per minute while defending 60% of incoming attacks. On the ground, she averages 2.06 takedowns per fight with 53% success rate. Her takedown defense sits at a solid 83%.
Tabatha Ricci enters with an 11-3 record and plenty to prove. The 30 year old from Sao Paulo has gone 6-3 in the UFC, showing steady improvement. At 5’1″ with a 61 inch reach, she will be giving up five inches to Ribas. Ricci’s numbers show a more well rounded approach. She lands 4.18 significant strikes per minute with 36% accuracy. However, she absorbs more punishment at 5.29 strikes per minute with only 57% defense. Her wrestling game is more active, averaging 2.74 takedowns per fight despite just 37% accuracy. Her takedown defense matches Ribas at 81%.
According to Fanduel, Amanda Ribas enters as the betting favorite at -190 odds. Meanwhile, Tabatha Ricci sits as the underdog at +160. These odds reflect Ribas’s higher ranking and recent competition level.
The odds for the fight going the distance have also come out. The probability of the fight ending before the final bell is lower and the odds (+280) reflect that. The odds for the fight seeing the judges scorecards stand at -410.
This fight comes down to range management and fight IQ. Ribas needs to use her reach advantage to keep Ricci at distance. Her jab should be the key weapon, as it historically works well against shorter opponents. If she can maintain proper spacing, her superior striking volume should carry her to victory.
Ricci’s path to victory runs through the wrestling game. She needs to pressure Ribas against the cage and hunt for takedowns. Her submission average is low, but she’s dangerous on the ground when she gets there. The key is avoiding extended striking exchanges where her height disadvantage becomes obvious.
If we bet on the fight, we are going with Amanda Ribas to win the fight via unanimous decision.
(Image Credit: Corey Perrine/Florid – Imagn Images)
mma I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!
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