LAS VEGAS, NV – AUGUST 24: (From left) Tabatha Ricci of Brazil knocks down Angela Hill in a strawweight bout during UFC Fight Night: The Finals at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
In the co-main event of UFC Las Vegas 96 on Saturday, No. 9-ranked strawweight Angela Hill fought like a baby shark when she faced No. 11-ranked Tabatha Ricci.
“Baby Shark” Rich entered the fight coming off a win over Tecia Pennington and went into the clinch with Hill looking to make it two wins in a row.
Hill was able to break out of the grappling exchange and fend off a takedown attempt, but Ricci came right back with punches and continued to apply pressure and attack Hill. Hill landed a knee in the clinch, as did Ricci, but Hill was able to escape again.
Rich continued to advance undeterred. Hill fought back as best she could, but she was on the back foot and had some visible bumps around her face. Rich went with the flow and got into another clinch at the 90 second mark, but again was unable to hang in or improve her position. Nevertheless, the first round was nothing short of a success for Tabatha Rich.
The second round began with an early takedown by Rich. Rich had to fend off kicks as “Overkill” thrashed around on his back. Rich got up quickly, but Hill latched onto him and pressed him against the fence. Rich’s pace didn’t slow down in the second round, and while Hill is known for his cardiovascular strength, the onslaught was taking its toll on Hill. With about 90 seconds left, Hill was hoping for a right punch, but Rich landed an uppercut and had a bit more room to maneuver.
In the final round, Hill landed a combination early on, touching Hill’s chin. Rich held on, but after about a minute, Hill landed a hit from the top and converted it into a takedown. However, Rich shoved her off and scrambled up. Then it was a familiar scene, Rich drove Hill to the fence. But again, they didn’t stop there, and when they returned to the center, Hill, perhaps regaining some breath, turned up the volume, mixing in a few kicks. This led to an attack from Rich with just over a minute left, which Hill blocked. Hill doubled up with a left, aimed for the body, then the head. She landed a spinning back elbow, which just missed. They fought to the end, and were active until the final gong sounded in a very worthy semi-main event.
However, Rich took an early lead and dominated the battle.
Official result: Tabatha Ricci defeats Angela Hill by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
