Tabatha Ricci defeats Angela Hill in UFC Vegas 95 co-main event

A women’s strawweight bout between ninth-ranked Angela Hill and eleventh-ranked Tabatha Ricco served as Saturday’s UFC Vegas 96 co-main event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.  

Hill entered the fight on a two-fight winning streak and having won four of her last five bouts.  She scored a second-round submission win over Luana Pinheiro in her last fight in May earning a ‘Performance of the Night’ bonus.  

Ricci made the walk to the octagon coming off a split decision win over Tecia Pennington.  Heading into Saturday, she had won five of her last six fights.    

Ricci pressed forward with pressure and Hill landed a right hand.  Ricci continued to close the distance and clinched.  They worked for position along the fence before separating.  Ricci connected with a right hand and tied Hill up.  Ricci pressured Hill throughout the opening round.  

Ricci pushed her way to the inside behind punches.  The two exchanged knees to the body in the clinch before breaking free.  Hill clinched and tried to trip Ricci but Ricci remained standing.  They separated before the bell.  MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Ricci.  

Ricci continued to pressure Hill in the second frame.  She connected with a right hand and tossed Hill to the canvas.  Hill threw up kicks before scrambling to her feet.  After s brief clinch battle, the two separated.  Ricci switched stances and delivered a combination.  Ricci closed this distance and clinched.  Hill landed to the body with kicks as they separated.  Hill connected with a clean right hand.  Ricci responded with a combination.  She changed levels and took Hill down.  In the closing seconds, Hill kicked Ricci off and rose to her feet.  They clinched and exchanged punches at the bell.  MMAWeekly scored the round d10-9 for Ricci.  

Ricci came out in the third pressuring Hill.  Hill spun and landed a spinning back fist.  Ricci took it and continued to press forward.  Hill caught a leg kick and took Ricci down.  Ricci got to her feet and took Hill down.  Hill kicked her off and they were back standing.  Ricci closed the distance with a combination and clinched.  They disengaged and began exchanging in the middle of the octagon.  

Ricci again to the clinch.  Hill pushed her away and landed a combination.  Hill picked up the output and starting delivering front kicks to the body.  Ricci landed a right hand and Hill responded with a big right hook.  Ricci clinched with 10 second remaining.  Hill circled free and the round ended.  MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Hill.