Tabatha Ricci is approaching her bout at UFC Vegas 115 against Virna Jandiroba as a pivotal moment that could launch her into title contention for Mackenzie Dern’s strawweight belt. However, Ricci emphasizes that this fight is merely another crucial step on her path, not the ultimate destination. The Brazilian strawweight is set to face Jandiroba in a three-round co-main event this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, a matchup pitting an established top-three fighter against a surging contender vying for elite status.
Tabatha Ricci Aims for Statement Win Against Virna Jandiroba to Secure Title Consideration
Virna Jandiroba enters this fight as a prominent figure in the 115-pound division, currently holding a spot around No. 3 in the rankings. She recently contended for the title against Mackenzie Dern at UFC 321, where, despite a five-round decision loss, she demonstrated her capability to compete at a championship level. Jandiroba boasts a professional record in the low-twenties in terms of wins with minimal losses, highlighted by a significant number of submission victories and a career spanning Invicta FC and the UFC.
For Ricci, this contest represents a significant opportunity to reshape her standing in the eyes of matchmakers. She began 2026 positioned just outside the top 10, following a UFC tenure marked by victories against notable opponents such as Jessica Penne, Polyana Viana, Gillian Robertson, and Angela Hill. Her journey has also included challenging bouts against fighters like Loopy Godinez and Yan Xiaonan. Ricci’s mixed martial arts record typically shows low-teen total fights with a couple of losses, with the majority of her wins coming by decision, complemented by a few submissions and one knockout.
Ricci acknowledges the heightened importance of this weekend’s event but maintains her philosophy of approaching every fight as the most significant of her career, a strategy she employs to remain focused and avoid distractions from ranking discussions.
“I consider every fight to be the most crucial of my career up to that point,” Ricci stated. “However, this particular fight certainly comes with higher stakes. The top of the division is quite congested, so delivering a strong performance here will undeniably place me directly into the title conversation. That’s precisely my objective. I intend to fight with extreme intensity, aiming for a standout performance, and subsequently earn my shot at the championship.”
The discussion surrounding this fight in Las Vegas has also touched upon the role of grappling in contemporary MMA, particularly after recent criticism of Charles Oliveira’s wrestling-focused performance in a BMF title bout against Max Holloway. Jandiroba, a highly accomplished jiu-jitsu practitioner with over a dozen submission victories, frequently finishing opponents with techniques like rear-naked chokes and armbars, embodies the grappling-dominant style within the strawweight division.
Ricci quickly refuted any claims that she has become critical of grappling as an integral part of the sport.
“I would never speak negatively about jiu-jitsu,” Ricci asserted. “My foundation is in grappling, specifically judo and jiu-jitsu. I deeply appreciate grappling and strongly advocate for jiu-jitsu within the division. I’m unsure where such an idea originated, but I have nothing but positive things to say about jiu-jitsu or grappling. For a jiu-jitsu specialist, when a fight goes to the ground, it becomes incredibly engaging because you understand the dynamics at play.”
Mackenzie Dern currently reigns as the strawweight champion, facing a line of formidable contenders including both Jandiroba and Ricci. Jandiroba has already tested her mettle against Dern in a grueling five-round title challenge, while Ricci views a victory this weekend as her gateway to joining those elite title discussions.
“I am always prepared to do whatever moves me closer to my objectives,” Ricci affirmed. “Naturally, with a win this weekend, I would eagerly welcome a title shot, as any fighter would. However, if that opportunity isn’t immediately available, I am open to other significant matchups, such as rematches with Yan Xiaonan or Loopy Godinez, or even a fight against Jillian Robertson, as long as it brings me closer to challenging for the championship.”
Any of these potential pairings, particularly following a successful outcome on Saturday, would maintain Ricci’s strong position in the title picture as Dern, Weili, and other top-five contenders navigate their respective paths.
