Jandiroba and Ricci look to kick off 2026 with a win at the APEX
Virna Jandiroba’s first fight since challenging for UFC gold will be a Brazil vs. Brazil clash with Tabatha Ricci at the UFC APEX on April 4, MMA Fighting has confirmed following a report from Leo Guimaraes.
The UFC has yet to announce the main event attraction for the Las Vegas Fight Night card.
Jandiroba (22-4) was on a five-fight winning streak when she earned a shot at the vacant title against Mackenzie Dern in October, with then-champion Zhang Weili relinquishing the belt to challenge Valentina Shevchenko at flyweight, but ended up losing a decision.
“Carcara” is a former Invicta FC champion with a record of 8-4 since joining the UFC in 2019, collecting victories against Yan Xiaonan, Amanda Lemos, Loopy Godinez, Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill between 2022 and 2025.
Ricci (12-3) was victorious in seven of 10 octagon appearances since 2021, including a vicious knockout over Amanda Ribas in July 2025.
“Baby Shark” was only defeated twice in strawweight bouts, a pair of decisions to Xiaonan and Godinez, and has scored wins against veterans likes Hill, Tecia Pennington, Gillian Robertson and Jessica Penne.
Category: General Sports
