The co-main event of UFC Vegas 115 saw women’s strawweights and fellow Brazilians Virna Jandiroba and Tabatha Ricci collide.
Jandiroba entered the fight #3 in the weight class, coming off a title fight loss to Mackenzie Dern. Ricci was ranked #7, with the fight a massive opportunity to jump into the title picture.
“Baby Shark” Ricci was heavy on lateral movement early, moving side-to-side on the outside, with Jandiroba doing a good job cutting off her exits. The former Invicta champ soon had Ricci down, but to her credit Tabatha was quickly back up. Only to be dragged down a second time.
Once again, Ricci was soon back to her feet, but if nothing else the message had been sent. Jandiroba also found success on her feet, while Ricci landed kicks and threatened with a knee, takedowns no doubt in mind. Still, Jandiroba closed the distance and took the back, climbing up Ricci while she was among the fence. Virna was at risk of falling over the top, but was able to adjust, and would spend the rest of the round controlling Ricci.
Ricci touched the outside leg with a kick early, but 30 seconds into round two, Jandiroba landed another takedown. Ricci was way out in the center of the cage, looking to push off and create space, to no avail. Jandiroba spent a good amount of time in half guard, working on an arm-triangle choke. Even when it wasn’t to be had, she was mixing in the odd striking and completely dominating on top. At least until Ricci finally scrambled free with about a minute still on the clock. And even back on the feet, Ricci had to contend with some spirited offense from Jandiroba before they tied up again. One final takedown from Virna followed.
Ricci was going to need a finish in round three if she wanted to come away from UFC Vegas 115 with a win. To her credit, she was able to fend off a takedown early, but Jandiroba went to her back, luring Ricci in. Not necessarily her best path to victory, all things considered. And Jandiroba was soon in control, though Ricci did return to her feet. From there, a solid couple of minutes of stand-up action ensued, before Jandiroba earned yet another takedown, quickly taking the back. Given she was holding her own on the feet, there was little question as to who was winning the fight. Ricci was out of time, and Jandiroba easily back in the win column.
Official Result: Virna Jandiroba def. Tabatha Ricci by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
