Tabatha Ricci

Tabatha Ricci, known by the nickname "Baby Shark," is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who competes in the women's strawweight division of the UFC.

Ricci was born in Birigui, in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and began training in combat sports as a child under the guidance of her father, a judo black belt. She later added Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a teenager, followed by boxing, before turning professional and steadily working her way toward the sport's top promotion. Along the way she relocated to California to continue her training, and outside of competition she has worked as a jiu-jitsu instructor and holds a degree in physical education.

Her grappling credentials are well documented. Ricci holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Ricardo "Franjinha" Miller of Paragon BJJ, along with a black belt in judo, and has won world titles in jiu-jitsu competition at the lower belt levels before turning her focus fully to mixed martial arts.

That grappling base defines her approach inside the cage. Ricci blends judo-rooted takedowns and jiu-jitsu control with crisp boxing combinations, using her wrestling exchanges and top position to set up submissions while remaining comfortable trading on the feet.

Since joining the UFC, Ricci has built a resume against well-established strawweight competition, highlighted by a submission finish of Jessica Penne via armbar and decision wins over Gillian Robertson and Angela Hill. She made her promotional debut opposite fellow Brazilian Polyana Viana