Tabatha Ricci vs Maria Oliveira Odds, Preview and Prediction, October 23 (10/23): UFC

Credit: photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via USA TODAY Sports

Odds

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Preview

In the Women’s Strawweight division, we have a pair of fighters looking for their first UFC win in Tabatha ‘Baby Shark’ Ricci and UFC debutant Maria ‘Neta’ Oliveira. This will be the third time Ricci fights in 2021, and the second time inside the octagon. The first time, her UFC debut, didn’t go well. Unfortunately, Ricci fought the juggernaut that is Manon Fiorot. Meanwhile, Oliveira finally will get her chance in the UFC. After fighting and losing on Dana White’s Contender series in 2018, Oliveira built herself back up and earned a contract.

Prediction

This fight is interesting, in which Maria Oliveira holds a distinctive size advantage and Tabatha Ricci holds a massive grappling edge. Oliveira is a striker, who likes to pressure opponents while maintaining enough range to get off her leg kicks and straight punches. With a five inch height and seven inch reach advantage, Oliveira would appear to have the upper hand on the feet. However, Ricci is a submission specialist. Dealt a raw hand in her UFC debut, the second time around should bring out the best Ricci. After all, the UFC saw something in Ricci after only five fights. 

As for a prediction, I have Ricci. From the tape I’ve seen on Oliveira, she is susceptible to being taken down. While on the mat, Oliveira has little to no abilities off her back. Against a submission specialist like that of Ricci, I see a salivating fight for Baby Shark. So with that said, I predict that Ricci will win this fight via submission.

PICK: Tabatha Ricci (-230)

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