Alright, sports fans, let me tell you something: there’s a new wave crashing over the UFC, and her name is Tabatha Ricci. Affectionately known as “Baby Shark,” this Brazilian powerhouse isn’t just making waves inside the Octagon; she’s absolutely dominating the digital space, proving that fitness and flair can go hand-in-hand. We’re talking about a fighter who recently broke the internet with her jaw-dropping Venice workout in a swimsuit, followed by a weigh-in video that sent TikTok into a frenzy. It’s not just about the knockouts anymore; it’s about the lifestyle, the grind, and the genuine charisma that makes an athlete truly shine.
Imagine this: the sun-kissed beaches of Venice, and there’s Tabatha Ricci, showing off an impressively fit physique as she crushes a strength training workout. This wasn’t just a casual stroll; it was a peek into the relentless dedication of a top-tier athlete, captured for her social media. She even captioned her Instagram Reel with, “Venice workout sequence from my upcoming short film with @pedroyasbek / out soon,” giving us a thrilling tease of more to come.
But the viral moments didn’t stop there. Just ahead of her colossal UFC Jacksonville fight against Gillian Robertson, a video showing Ricci’s weigh-in, shedding her clothes with confidence before facing off with the Canadian contender, exploded across TikTok. It was a moment that encapsulated her fierce determination and readiness, further cementing her status as a burgeoning social media sensation. Fans simply can’t get enough of “Baby Shark,” and honestly, neither can we.
So, what exactly fuels this incredible athlete? How does Tabatha Ricci maintain that incredible physique and the relentless energy needed to dominate in one of the world’s most demanding sports? It’s not just one secret, folks; it’s a meticulously crafted regimen that speaks volumes about her dedication and passion for martial arts and overall well-being. Let’s dive deep into the five pillars of her fitness empire, straight from the source.
Our journey into Tabatha Ricci’s world begins with her roots in Muay Thai. It’s fascinating how her path to becoming a UFC star wasn’t a straight line but rather a passionate exploration of martial arts. She didn’t stumble into it; she sought it out, driven by an innate love for the discipline that would shape her future. This foundational experience laid the groundwork for the versatile fighter we see today.
As Tabatha herself revealed to the Front Row Seat podcast, “I got in Muay Thai because I was loving the martial arts, so when I learned more contact sports so I got into the Muay Thai but it was not through my dad, I just was in the gym and I saw the class going on at a regular gym and when I do that and I got into it.” This wasn’t some inherited family tradition; it was pure, unadulterated passion that drew her in. She saw, she conquered, and a star was born.
The transition from casual observer to dedicated practitioner was swift for Ricci. Her commitment was so evident that by the time she was nearly 18, her Muay Thai gym approached her with an intriguing proposition. “And then when I was 17, almost turning 18, from my Muay Thai gym, they asked me if I wanted to do MMA. I was going to look it up, say, “Oh, what is that?” You know? And I looked at some YouTube videos, I was going to, like, Oh, I want to do that,” she recollected, perfectly capturing that moment of discovery that defines so many true athletes.
And just like that, the world of MMA beckoned, leading her to her next great love: Jiu-Jitsu. This wasn’t just another discipline; it became a cornerstone of her identity and career. Starting at 18, Jiu-Jitsu quickly became an inseparable part of her daily life, shaping not just her fighting style but her entire outlook. Her dedication is truly astounding, as she shared, “So I started Jiu-Jitsu when I was 18 because of the MMA, and then after that I fell in love with Jiu-Jitsu too. So I was training all my life, I was always training like four times every day,” on the Front Row Seat podcast.
But Jiu-Jitsu wasn’t just a sport for Tabatha; it was a life-altering force. The depth of her connection to it is palpable. “Jiu-Jitsu impacted my life a lot. Because of Jiu-Jitsu, I am where I am right now. I teach, and I have a family here. It got me open a lot of opportunities, you know, and I love judo. But I really have a deep connection with Jiu-Jitsu,” she articulated, highlighting how the martial art has provided her with opportunities, a community, and a profound sense of purpose. It’s more than just moves; it’s a lifestyle.
Her background in judo also gave her a distinct advantage when transitioning to Jiu-Jitsu, allowing her to pick up techniques at an accelerated pace. “I trained a little bit of Jiu-Jitsu techniques in judo because we learned a lot of ground game. So when I got into Jiu-Jitsu, I learned everything pretty quickly. I got my blue belt within six months. It was not like I got into Jiu-Jitsu and I didn’t know anything. I came from judo. So I already knew a lot of things about it,” she explained, showcasing her inherent talent and disciplined approach.
Beyond the specific martial arts disciplines, Tabatha Ricci is a beast in the gym. To maintain her fighting form and explosive power, she dedicates countless hours to weight and strength training. We’re not talking about light lifting here; Ricci is known for going full “beast mode,” tackling heavy weights and grueling, intense circuits that push her limits every single session. It’s the kind of dedication that separates the good from the great.
And for those wondering what exactly goes into one of those intense circuits, NASM provides a clear picture: “Circuit training is a form of body conditioning that combines endurance training, strength training, and high-intensity aerobics. It typically involves several different exercises that target various muscle groups, and each exercise has a target rep range or time cap in which the exercise must be completed. Once all exercises in a single circuit are completed, there is typically a rest period of 1-2 minutes.” This systematic approach is clearly key to her formidable physical prowess.
But Tabatha’s fitness routine isn’t confined to the gym or the dojo. She balances her rigorous training with activities that speak to her adventurous spirit. When she’s not prepping for a fight, she likes to hit the pavement with her skateboard, a liberating way to clear her head and keep active. It’s a side of her we don’t often see in the Octagon, but it’s crucial to her overall well-being.
And here’s where it gets even cooler: she’s been getting more and more into surfing. Imagine “Baby Shark” riding the waves! “I do like to skate a lot when I don’t have a fight schedule. I’m getting more into surfing. Actually I’m getting a board. Like I’m going to put some my Baby Shark on my surfboard customized. I’m going to customize my board,” she excitedly shared on the podcast. A customized “Baby Shark” surfboard? Talk about iconic!
However, she’s quick to point out that surfing is no walk in the park. It’s a demanding full-body workout that challenges even the most elite athletes. “Surfing is hard, super hard,” she admitted, adding that it takes a toll on her body. “Like when I go with short boards, my shoulders burn so much. It’s like my neck is my back. It’s crazy. It’s hard. It’s hard.” Despite the challenge, her recent “Surf Sunday” post shows she’s embracing every grueling moment.
And for the ultimate twist in her fitness regimen, who would have thought dancing would be a key component? But for Tabatha, it’s a vibrant, joyful way to stay fit, rooted in her Brazilian heritage. “I was a party girl back in Brazil a little bit, you know. I like to dance. I have the Brazilian swing,” she revealed on the podcast. This unique and fun approach to fitness perfectly encapsulates her personality and cultural background.
Beyond the sheer joy of it, dancing offers significant health benefits, especially for cardiovascular health. The Y notes, “If you’re at risk for cardiovascular disease – start dancing. More research has shown that people with heart failure who started waltzing not only improved their heart health and breathing, but they also saw overall improvement in their quality of life. Additionally, these improvements were significantly greater than those with heart failure who cycled or walked on a treadmill.” It’s a fantastic testament to how diverse and enjoyable fitness can be.
Now, let’s talk about the main event that had everyone on the edge of their seats: Tabatha Ricci’s highly anticipated UFC Jacksonville fight against Gillian Robertson on June 23, 2023. This wasn’t just any fight; it was positioned as the toughest opponent of Ricci’s career to date. Robertson, known as the master of submissions, holds the record for the most submissions in UFC history with a staggering seven. This was a true test of Ricci’s grappling prowess and overall evolution as a fighter.
Coming into the fight, Ricci was riding high on momentum, having secured a crucial win over Jessica Penne at UFC 285. That victory had propelled her into the top 15 ranking in the strawweight division, setting the stage for this pivotal showdown against Robertson. The stakes were incredibly high, and the world was watching to see if “Baby Shark” could continue her ascent.
Before stepping into the Octagon, Ricci spoke to MMA Fighting’s Trocação Franca podcast (H/T Yahoo Sports), acknowledging Robertson’s reputation. She anticipated that Gillian would instinctively go for takedowns, looking to bring the fight to the mat, which is Robertson’s bread and butter. However, Ricci wasn’t intimidated; she was ready for anything and everything Robertson could throw at her.
“I’m very confident,” Ricci declared with unwavering conviction. She continued, “She has a lot of submissions, but I also have a background in jiu-jitsu and judo, and I’m quite confident in my ground game. I’m ready for everything. One of my goals is to master all techniques in MMA, to be a complete fighter.” This statement perfectly illustrates her mindset: a blend of humility, confidence, and a burning desire for complete martial arts mastery.
It’s also worth noting that while Robertson is a submission specialist, she isn’t invincible on the ground. She had previously suffered a first-round armbar loss to Mayra Bueno Silva in 2018, a detail that surely factored into Ricci’s strategic preparation. Knowing your opponent’s past vulnerabilities, even a submission queen’s, is a key part of fight strategy, and Ricci clearly did her homework.
And when the dust settled, Tabatha Ricci delivered. She defeated Gillian Robertson via unanimous decision, a testament to her dominant performance and her ability to neutralize Robertson’s submission threats. This victory not only solidified her top 15 ranking but also extended her undefeated streak in the UFC strawweight division. She now remains undefeated after four UFC strawweight fights, a truly remarkable achievement.
With this latest triumph, coupled with her growing social media presence and captivating personality, there’s no doubt that Tabatha Ricci should now be considered the next big UFC star. Her judo and jiu-jitsu black belt pedigree, combined with her relentless work ethic and engaging persona, make her a force to be reckoned with both inside and outside the cage.
So, what’s next for “Baby Shark”? The sky’s the limit for this dynamic fighter. Her goal to be a “complete fighter” suggests we’re only just beginning to see the full breadth of her skills. Every viral moment, every dominant performance, and every insight into her unique training philosophy only adds to the allure of this rising superstar. She’s not just winning fights; she’s winning hearts and minds, one perfectly executed kick, one fluid jiu-jitsu transition, and one captivating social media post at a time. Get ready, MMA world, because Tabatha Ricci isn’t just swimming; she’s about to make a monumental splash.
Keep your eyes peeled, folks, because the “Baby Shark” era is officially here, and it’s going to be an absolutely thrilling ride. Follow her journey, soak in her infectious energy, and prepare to be amazed as Tabatha Ricci continues to carve out her legacy as one of the most exciting and multifaceted athletes in the UFC today. You won’t want to miss a single moment of her meteoric rise!
