Tabatha Ricci hopes to leave UFC Oklahoma City unscathed to volunteer for backup role at UFC 330

Tabatha Ricci is eyeing a statement victory at UFC Oklahoma City on July 18 against rising prospect Fatima Kline, with hopes of positioning herself as a backup for the UFC strawweight title fight between Gillian Robertson and Mackenzie Dern at UFC 330 in Philadelphia on August 15.

Ricci, who defeated Robertson via decision in June 2023, believes a clean win over Kline—coupled with no injuries—would earn her a spot on standby for the championship bout. She respects both title contenders but leans slightly toward Dern, citing the veteran's grappling pedigree, experience, and current momentum. However, Ricci acknowledged Robertson's dangerous ground aggression could prove decisive if the fight stays on the mat, while Dern's jiu-jitsu credentials present their own threat.

The Brazilian strawweight is hunting redemption after dropping an April decision to Virna Jandiroba and views this matchup as a pathway back toward title contention. She respects Kline's striking prowess—the prospect has won three straight UFC bouts against Victoria Dudakova, Melissa Martinez, and Angela Hill—but believes her superior experience and well-rounded skillset offer an edge. Ricci has faced elite strikers including Yan Xiaonan, a credential she expects will help her execute her grappling-heavy game plan.

The bout shapes up as a classic striker-versus-grappler contest. Ricci must impose her wrestling to control the narrative, while Kline will seek to keep the action standing and leverage her striking. Whoever executes their offensive game plan early and capitalizes on positional advantages is likely to emerge victorious.