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 judo 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.
Tabatha was usually the only girl in her gyms, and always the smallest one. But she never 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’s constantly prodding, circling, and looking for weaknesses before striking. You can see how her nickname, “Baby Shark,” makes a decent amount of sense.
Judo would eventually make way for Muay Thai, where Ricci found huge success. She won the Brazilian Nationals and then picked up two world titles for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu soon after. Tabatha then made the decision to relocate to the United States to further hone her craft. Armed with the best of all three disciplines, she naturally gravitated to Mixed Martial Arts. Her first professional MMA debut came before her eighteenth birthday. To date, the strawweight has amassed a 7-1 professional record.
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, but she knows she’s just getting started.
Tabatha’s stoked to call the 805 her home now, and we’re stoked to have her as an Authentico. She’s a fighter, humble champion, and friend. Now, let’s get things going.