Tabatha Ricci Bio
Tabatha Ricci Fabri Salto is a Brazilian mixed martial artist competing in the women’s Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Known by her ring name Baby Shark, Ricci has built a reputation for her technical skill and resilience inside the octagon. She has compiled a professional record of 12 wins and 3 losses while steadily rising in the UFC rankings.
Early Life and Background
Born on February 21, 1995, in Birigui, São Paulo, Brazil, Tabatha Ricci was raised in a family with an older sister. Following her father’s footsteps, she began training in Judo at the age of six. At fifteen, she expanded her martial arts training to include Muay Thai, and by seventeen, she started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. At eighteen, she added boxing to her skill set and made her professional MMA debut.
Ricci’s early dedication to multiple disciplines laid a strong foundation for her mixed martial arts career. In 2017, she moved to Japan to compete in SEIZA competitions and further develop her skills before relocating to the United States to focus exclusively on MMA.
Path to MMA
Ricci began her professional MMA career shortly after turning eighteen. After winning her first two bouts, she faced challenges in securing fights, prompting her move to Japan in 2017 to compete under custom rules and enhance her training. Later that year, she settled in California to concentrate on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA training.
Her commitment to growth led her to join respected teams such as Knuckleheadz Boxing, Kings MMA, Black House, and eventually Paragon BJJ. This progression helped her transition from regional circuits to prominent organizations, culminating in her signing with the Legacy Fighting Alliance in 2020.
Tabatha Ricci Career
Early Career (2013–2020)
Ricci’s professional MMA journey began in 2013. She initially competed in regional promotions, steadily building her record. Her move to Japan in 2017 allowed her to gain valuable experience in various combat disciplines and custom rules bouts.
Returning to the United States, Ricci focused on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, signing a three-fight contract with Legacy Fighting Alliance in 2020. She won all three bouts, including a unanimous decision over Kelsey Arnesen, a first-round armbar submission against Vanessa Marie Grimes, and a second-round TKO of Shawna Ormsby.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2021–Present)
Ricci made her UFC debut on short notice on June 5, 2021, against Manon Fiorot at UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Sakai, where she lost via second-round TKO. Returning to the strawweight division, she secured unanimous decision victories over Maria Oliveira and Polyana Viana later that year and early 2022, respectively.
In 2023, Ricci continued her ascent by defeating Jessica Penne via second-round armbar and winning a unanimous decision against Gillian Robertson. Despite a close split decision loss to Loopy Godinez in late 2023, she rebounded with a split decision win over Tecia Pennington and a unanimous decision over former Invicta Fighting Strawweight Champion Angela Hill in 2024.
Ricci faced Yan Xiaonan in November 2024, suffering a unanimous decision loss. She is scheduled to fight Amanda Ribas in July 2025, where she secured a second-round technical knockout victory, marking a significant milestone in her UFC career.
Paragon BJJ Era (Present)
Currently training with Paragon BJJ in Ventura, California, Ricci benefits from a team known for its high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expertise. This environment has enhanced her grappling skills and overall MMA game, contributing to her recent successes in the UFC strawweight division.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ricci’s fighting style is characterized by her technical proficiency in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, complemented by striking skills developed through Muay Thai and boxing. Her resilience and adaptability allow her to compete effectively across all areas of MMA, making her a well-rounded and strategic fighter.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Ricci’s career highlights is her rapid rise through the UFC rankings, currently holding the #8 spot in the women’s strawweight division as of August 2025. Her victory over Amanda Ribas by technical knockout in 2025 stands out as a defining moment, showcasing her evolving striking power.
Tabatha Ricci Career Wins
Tabatha Ricci has accumulated a total of 12 professional wins, including victories by knockout, submission, and decision. Her diverse skill set has allowed her to succeed in multiple facets of mixed martial arts competition.
Legacy Fighting Alliance Highlights
During her tenure with Legacy Fighting Alliance, Ricci achieved a perfect 3-0 record. Notable wins include a unanimous decision over Kelsey Arnesen and a first-round armbar submission against Vanessa Marie Grimes. These performances helped establish her as a rising talent and paved the way for her UFC debut.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
In the UFC, Ricci has secured several key victories, including submissions and decisions against high-level opponents. Her win over Jessica Penne via armbar and her recent technical knockout of Amanda Ribas highlight her growth and versatility at the highest level of competition.
Tabatha Ricci Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Ricci was born and raised in Birigui, Brazil, and has an older sister. There is no publicly available information regarding her parents or extended family involvement in sports or martial arts beyond her father’s influence in introducing her to Judo.
Personal Life
Ricci currently resides in Ventura, California. Details about her marital status or children are not publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Tabatha Ricci continued to demonstrate her skill and determination in the UFC strawweight division. She secured a significant technical knockout victory over Amanda Ribas in July, highlighting her striking improvements. Throughout the season, Ricci has maintained a competitive presence, aiming to climb further in the rankings.
Her training with Paragon BJJ and experience against top contenders have positioned her as a formidable opponent. The outlook for Ricci’s 2025 season remains promising as she seeks to capitalize on her momentum and contend for higher-profile fights.