Following a prior unsuccessful bid for the title, Virna Jandiroba delivered a commanding performance against Tabatha Ricci in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 115, firmly re-establishing her position among the strawweight elite.
The contest began with Jandiroba quickly asserting her grappling prowess, securing her first takedown within just 40 seconds of the opening round. Although Ricci managed to return to her feet momentarily, Jandiroba wasted no time in executing another takedown near the fence, immediately taking Ricci’s back. Despite Ricci’s defensive efforts to prevent submissions or significant damage, Jandiroba’s control was undeniable, clearly winning the first round on the judges’ scorecards.
The second round saw a similar pattern unfold. Jandiroba again initiated with an early takedown, settling into Ricci’s guard at the center of the Octagon. She maintained top control for the majority of the stanza, effectively nullifying Ricci’s offense. With approximately 70 seconds remaining, Ricci managed to scramble back to her feet, but her attempts to mount any meaningful offense were cut short as Jandiroba secured yet another takedown just before the round concluded.
In the third and final round, Ricci briefly found herself in a top position, a rare moment of advantage in the bout. However, with two rounds clearly in her favor, Jandiroba remained composed and efficiently escaped to her feet with relative ease, quickly returning to her offensive pressure. As the clock wound down, Ricci tried to intensify her attack, but it proved to be too little, too late to turn the tide.
The judges rendered a unanimous decision in favor of Virna Jandiroba, with scores of 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28, a testament to her dominant grappling display and control throughout the fight. This victory solidifies Jandiroba’s standing in the top five of her division.
Official Result
Virna Jandiroba defeats Tabatha Ricci via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).
