Tabatha Ricci eyes UFC Paris card spot in September, ‘ready for anyone’

Tabatha Ricci doesn’t usually name specific opponents, but she sees an attractive date on the UFC calendar.

Ricci (10-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) is surging in the strawweight division with five wins in six appearances, including a split decision victory over perennial contender Tecia Pennington at UFC on ESPN 56 in May.

The 29-year-old said she is taking a slow and steady approach to her career and would ideally like to return to the octagon as part of the UFC Fight Night card in Paris on September 28.

“I want to fight in September. I would love to fight at UFC Paris,” Ricci told MMA Junkie Radio during a recent interview at UFC X. “I’m in no rush in my career. I’m getting better with every fight. I’m going to fight again this year, so it doesn’t matter when.”

Ricci, ranked 13th in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie strawweight rankings, said she doesn’t see any particular matchup on the French competition card that would suit her. Ideally, she’d face an opponent one number above her own, but ultimately, she’ll take any offer.

“I don’t have anyone in mind,” Ricci said. “I’m ready to face anyone. I do my job in training.”

The story originally appeared on MMA Junkie