Tabatha Ricci: "Biggest Fight of My Career" — Chasing Mackenzie Dern Via Virna Jandiroba Win at UFC Vegas 115

As she prepares for UFC Vegas 115, Tabatha Ricci views her upcoming bout against Virna Jandiroba as a critical opportunity to propel herself into the strawweight title picture, with champion Mackenzie Dern firmly in her sights. However, Ricci emphasizes that this fight represents an important milestone, not the ultimate destination. The Brazilian strawweight contender is set to face Jandiroba in the co-main event this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, a three-round contest pitting an established top-three fighter against a rising talent determined to join the elite ranks.

Tabatha Ricci Aims for Dominant Performance Against Virna Jandiroba to Earn Mackenzie Dern Title Shot

Virna Jandiroba enters this matchup as a recognized force in the 115-pound division, consistently holding a position around the No. 3 spot in the rankings. Her recent title challenge against Mackenzie Dern at UFC 321, where she ultimately lost a five-round decision, nonetheless proved her capability at the championship level. Jandiroba boasts an impressive professional record with over twenty victories and only a handful of losses, characterized by a significant number of submission finishes and extensive experience from her time in Invicta FC and the UFC.

For Ricci, this particular assignment has the potential to fundamentally alter how matchmakers perceive her. Entering 2026, she was on the cusp of the top 10, having built a UFC record that includes notable wins over Jessica Penne, Polyana Viana, Gillian Robertson, and Angela Hill. She has also gained valuable experience from tough losses to competitors like Loopy Godinez and Yan Xiaonan. Her overall MMA record shows a low double-digit number of fights with two to three defeats, with most of her victories coming by way of decision, supplemented by a few submissions and a single stoppage via strikes.

Ricci acknowledges the heightened significance of this weekend's fight but maintains that she approaches every contest with the mindset that it's the most crucial of her career. This perspective, she believes, prevents her from becoming overly preoccupied with rankings or title talk.

“I feel every fight is the biggest fight of my career so far. This one has some stakes attached to it though, right? It’s a little crowded at the top of the division, so if I go out there and get a performance, I’m right in that title discussion. That’s what I want. I’m going to go as vicious as I can, try and get my best performance of the night, and get my challenge for the belt.”

In the lead-up to this Las Vegas event, discussions have occasionally revolved around the role of grappling in modern MMA, particularly following criticisms of Charles Oliveira's wrestling-heavy approach in his recent BMF title fight against Max Holloway. Jandiroba, a highly accomplished jiu-jitsu practitioner with more than a dozen submission victories—often ending fights with rear-naked chokes and armbars—epitomizes the grappling-first style within the strawweight division.

Ricci was quick to dismiss any notion that she has turned away from the grappling aspect of the sport.

“I never say anything bad about jiu-jitsu. I come from grappling, that’s my background in judo and jiu-jitsu. I love the grappling and I really support the jiu-jitsu in the division. I don’t know where this came from, but I don’t have anything bad to say about jiu-jitsu or grappling. If you’re a jiu-jitsu player and the fight goes to the ground, it’s very exciting because you know what’s happening.”

The strawweight championship is currently held by Mackenzie Dern, who faces a growing line of contenders, including both Jandiroba and Ricci. Jandiroba has already tested her mettle against Dern over five grueling rounds for the title. Now, Ricci sees a victory this weekend as her direct pathway into those crucial title conversations.

“Any time, whatever takes me closer to my goals, I’ll be willing to do it. With a victory here this weekend I’d love a title shot, like any fighter, but if that’s not in the cards and it’s a rematch with Yan Xiaonan, Loopy Godinez, or maybe even a fight against Jillian Robertson, I’m open to it if it gets me nearer to the belt.”

Should Ricci secure a win on Saturday, any of these potential matchups would maintain her position firmly in the title contention lane, allowing Dern, Weili, and the rest of the top five to continue sorting out their own divisional affairs.