Polyana Viana made her return to the cage after a year against Tabatha Ricci at UFC Vegas 55. Going into the bout with two consecutive wins prior, Viana was looking to secure another bonus. After losing her debut in the UFC, Ricci bounced back to win over Maria Oliveira last October.
Tabatha Ricci’s third outing under the UFC banner was a main card spot for UFC Fight Night 206: Holm vs. Vieira.
Round 1
The ladies get off trying to measure distance. Ricci uses her aggression to move forward and take Viana down. Viana is attempting an armbar. Ricci gets out and is standing up while Viana is lying on her back trading leg kicks from the ground with a standing Ricci. The referee steps in to have Viana back on her feet. Ricci shows bursts of energy as she moves forward and back. Ricci goes for another takedown but does not secure it. Viana pulls her down in full guard. Viana is looking for her arm. Light ground strikes traded between the two. Viana maintains guard as Ricci tries to stand up. Viana has her legs locked up Ricci’s body. Ricci gets up in the final seconds of the round.
Round 2
Both ladies keep their distance. Ricci the more aggressive fighter keeps going in range and coming out. Viana is returning the exchanges. Takedown attempt again by Ricci but still on the feet. Viana maintains her composure and takes advantage of her reach advantage to keep Ricci at a distance. Ricci keeps bouncing around the cage. Viana lands a back fist shot. Ricci goes for a double leg and gets it. After a purely striking contest in the first three minutes, Ricci has Viana down. Viana has pulled Ricci back into the guard. Ricci escapes the guard and is standing up while Viana seems content to end the round on the ground. The referee signals Viana to stand up. Ricci lands another double leg takedown to close the round.
Round 3
Viana steps forward in hopes of connecting a combination. Ricci dodges and tries the same. Ricci tries to take Viana down against the cage but fails. Both return to the middle of the octagon. Ricci rushing in with strikes but hasn’t landed clean. Ricci fakes a one and two and goes for a takedown. Ricci gets the fight to the ground as Viana tries hard to keep her away. Viana again decides to lay on the ground while Ricci is standing up. Both trade light leg exchanges. The referee intervenes to have them both stand-up. Ricci goes for another takedown. They both go to the ground but Viana looks to get a dominant position. Ricci regains control to get on top of Viana who has now pulled Ricci into her guard. Ricci stands up again while Viana is on the ground. Viana ends the fight on her back trading leg strikes from the ground to a standing Ricci.
Official Result: Tabatha Ricci defeats Polyana Viana via unanimous decision (29-28)
Check out the highlights below:
Who do you think took the first? #UFCVegas55 pic.twitter.com/SDopvugYyv
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Baby shark snatches the W 🦈
[ @TabathaRicci | #UFCVegas55 ] pic.twitter.com/h4gHhgwz6x
— UFC (@ufc) May 22, 2022
