Tabatha Ricci Targets Mackenzie Dern Title Shot After UFC Vegas 115 Win Over Virna Jandiroba

Tabatha Ricci approaches UFC Vegas 115 viewing Virna Jandiroba as a crucial opponent capable of propelling her into title contention against Mackenzie Dern. However, Ricci carefully frames this opportunity as merely another step on her journey, not the final destination. This Saturday, the Brazilian strawweight will face Jandiroba in the co-main event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. This three-round bout pits a top-three ranked fighter against a rising contender striving to break into the elite ranks.

Tabatha Ricci Aims to Make a Statement Against Virna Jandiroba for a Shot at Mackenzie Dern's Title

Jandiroba is an established presence in the 115-pound division, currently holding approximately the No. 3 spot in the rankings. She recently challenged Mackenzie Dern for the title at UFC 321, where she lost a five-round decision but clearly demonstrated her ability to compete at a championship level. Her impressive professional record boasts over twenty wins with only a handful of defeats, supported by numerous submission victories and years of experience spanning Invicta FC and the UFC.

For Ricci, this fight offers a significant chance to alter how matchmakers perceive her. Entering 2026, she was on the cusp of the top 10 following a UFC tenure that includes victories over Jessica Penne, Polyana Viana, Gillian Robertson, and Angela Hill. She also gained valuable experience from tough losses against fighters like Loopy Godinez and Yan Xiaonan. Sports databases indicate her overall MMA record is in the low teens for total fights, with two to three losses. Most of her wins have come via decision, with a smaller portion by submission and just one by knockout.

Ricci acknowledges the increased stakes of this weekend's event but maintains her philosophy of treating every bout as the most important of her career. This mindset helps her remain focused and not get sidetracked by ranking discussions.

"I genuinely feel that every fight is the biggest of my career so far. But this one certainly has higher stakes, doesn't it? The top of the division is quite competitive, so if I go out there and deliver a strong performance, I'll be right in the title picture. That's what I'm aiming for. I'm going to be as fierce as possible, strive for my best performance of the night, and secure my challenge for the belt."

In Las Vegas, part of the discourse surrounding this matchup has focused on the role of grappling in modern MMA, particularly after Charles Oliveira's wrestling-heavy performance drew criticism in a recent BMF title fight against Max Holloway. Jandiroba, a highly decorated jiu-jitsu practitioner with over a dozen submission wins, often finishing opponents with rear-naked chokes and armbars, perfectly embodies the grappling-first archetype within the strawweight division.

Ricci strongly refuted any suggestion that she has turned away from this aspect of the sport.

"I never speak negatively about jiu-jitsu. My foundation is in grappling—my background is judo and jiu-jitsu. I absolutely love grappling and I wholeheartedly support jiu-jitsu in the division. I'm unsure where such an idea originated, but I have nothing bad to say about jiu-jitsu or grappling. If you're a jiu-jitsu fighter and the bout goes to the ground, it's incredibly exciting because you understand exactly what's unfolding."

Mackenzie Dern currently holds the strawweight belt, facing a line of contenders that includes both Jandiroba and Ricci. Jandiroba has already gone five grueling rounds with Dern in her championship bid, while Ricci now views a victory this weekend as her direct pathway into those crucial title conversations.

"Anytime, whatever brings me closer to my objectives, I'm ready to do it. With a win this weekend, I'd absolutely love a title shot, just like any fighter. However, if that's not immediately available, and it's a rematch with Yan Xiaonan, Loopy Godinez, or even a fight against Jillian Robertson, I'm open to it if it moves me closer to the belt."

Any of these potential matchups, especially following a victory on Saturday, would keep Ricci firmly in the title hunt while Dern, Weili, and the rest of the top five contenders navigate their respective paths.