One of three newcomers on the UFC Vegas 28 card Saturday night, Tabatha Ricci was stepping in on short notice against Manon Fiorot. She was also moving up a weight class to take on the French fighter — but if nothing else, it was still a way into the UFC.
A hard way, in the end.
Fiorot started off with a kick-heavy attack. Going to the head and using a lot of side kicks to the body. The size advantage was playing a huge role as Ricci had trouble getting to the inside. Fiorot was landing a lot of volume with her hands and legs, always throwing in combinations. Round one was all Fiorot as her distance control was excellent. Ricci never found her range.
No wasted time for Fiorot in round two as she marched Ricci down throwing side kicks to the body and letting her hands go. Ricci did a good job throwing, but her one shot to Fiorot’s multi-shot combinations was adding up. Fiorot landed a right hand off a combo that sat Ricci down. She swarmed with punches and as Ricci made it back to her feet. Fiorot still poured on the pressure and the ref stopped it with Ricci still standing, but under heavy fire.
Bringing the heat 🔥@ManonFiorot_MMA proves to be too much! #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/P9KOzEVeYZ
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
Official Result: Manon Fiorot def. Tabatha Ricci by TKO (Strikes), Round 2, 3:00
