March 4, 2023, Las Vegas, NV, LAS VEGAS, NV, USA: LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 4: Tabatha Ricci celebrates her victory over Jessica Penne in their Women s Strawweight fight during the UFC 285 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 4, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV, USA. Las Vegas, NV USA - ZUMAp175 20230304_zsa_p175_076
March 4, 2023, Las Vegas, NV, LAS VEGAS, NV, USA: LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 4: Tabatha Ricci celebrates her victory over Jessica Penne in their Women s Strawweight fight during the UFC 285 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 4, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV, USA. Las Vegas, NV USA - ZUMAp175 20230304_zsa_p175_076
Jul 17, 2026, 3:15 AM CUT
Tabatha Ricci intensifies training with one week until fight
The July 18 UFC Fight Night is set to be a thrilling tale of fierce competition and explosive action. However, while the Dricus du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman bout steals the show, a quieter fight is secretly gearing up to turn the most heads.
The women's strawweight bout between Tabatha Ricci and Fatima Kline is featured on the prelims card, underscoring a heated clash between two of the top emerging forces within women's MMA.
Ricci, with a more extensive record of 12-4, recently posted pictures from her latest training session on Instagram, writing,
"One week out 🔥."
May 20, 2022, LAS VEGAS, LAS VEGAS, NV, United States: LAS VEGAS, NV - May 20: Tabatha Ricci steps on the scale for the official weigh-ins at UFC Apex for UFC Fight Night - Holm vs Vieira - Weigh-in on May 20, 2022 in LAS VEGAS, United States. Copyright: xLouisxGrassex
May 20, 2022, LAS VEGAS, LAS VEGAS, NV, United States: LAS VEGAS, NV - May 20: Tabatha Ricci steps on the scale for the official weigh-ins at UFC Apex for UFC Fight Night - Holm vs Vieira - Weigh-in on May 20, 2022 in LAS VEGAS, United States. Copyright: xLouisxGrassex
In the Instagram picture carousel, the Brazilian is seen working with kettlebells, sprinting in the gym, and shadowboxing.
The 'Baby Shark' is a strong grappler, with a background in judo and BJJ. She has also significantly polished her striking skills over recent years, as was apparent in her TKO win against Amanda Ribas in 2025.
Yet, a disheartening unanimous decision loss against Virna Jandiroba earlier this year hit the brakes on her momentum. Her recent results have been inconsistent, to say the least.
If Ricci wants to change that trajectory, she cannot take the upcoming bout lightly. In fact, in another reel, the Brazilian fighter could be seen refining her striking skills, cutting angles to close distance. That tool would come in clutch against a towering Fatima Kline.
However, while she breaks a sweat inside the gym, it's her intentional diet that gives Ricci the upper hand.
Tabatha Ricci's nutrition ahead of the fight
The Brazilian fighter has always been serious about her eating regimen, prioritizing high-protein and high-fiber meals to optimize muscle preservation, hormone health, and sustained energy.
Her meals often include packed bowls with lean meats, vegetables, and hummus to maximize output with minimal effort. She has also partnered up with Hummus Republic, fuelling her nutrition while she grinds inside the gym.
"@hummusrepublic has been my go-to spot for food that’s nutritious, healthy and still delicious," explained Ricci in an Instagram post.
That said, Ricci would need all the advantages that she can, given her opponent stands much taller at 5'6" with a reach of 67 inches. Also a BJJ black belt, Fatima Kline wouldn't be making it an easy fight.
Who are you supporting in the UFC Fight Night this week?
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Written by
Proma Chatterjee
Edited by
Zaid Quraishi