Tabatha Ricci has been fighting her whole life, literally. She started doing judo when she was just six years old. Her father, Carlos “Trovao” Salto is a master in it, and a highly respected legend in those circles. So, it’s no surprise she took to it at such an early age.
Growing up in Birigui, Brazil, where sports like judo and jiu-jitsu take up a national spotlight, didn’t hurt, either. She’s naturally gravitated toward Mixed Martial Arts, and her first professional debut came before her eighteenth birthday. To date, the strawweight has amassed a 7-1 professional record. She’s stoked to call the 805 her home now, and we’re stoked to announce her as our newest Authentico.
Tabatha was usually the only girl, and always the smallest one, in her gyms. But she hasn’t let that get her down, and her fighting style has always been persistent. She likes punching up. Like a great white pursuing its prey, she was constantly prodding, circling, and looking for weaknesses before striking. You can see how her nickname, “Baby Shark,” makes a decent amount of sense.
In addition to fighting, Tabatha is a Jiu-Jitsu instructor at Paragon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on the Central Coast. She spends her time at her San Luis Obispo studio not only teaching but also inspiring people to be the best version of themselves. While she certainly wants everyone to come out a good fighter, she also hopes to always motivate people to follow their dreams, no matter where they come from or what others say. In short, she wants everyone else to know that with work hard, discipline, and positivity, anything is possible.
Tabatha owes her success to her family that has supported her since day one and her friends that cheer her on and give her the power to keep going. She’s grateful for everything she’s achieved, and we couldn’t be more stoked to have this humble champion join the 805 crew.
