UFC 295: Ricci vs. Godínez 11/11/23 – In the illustrious world of mixed martial arts, few stages are as grand as Madison Square Garden, which will illuminate the New York skyline with the high-octane action of UFC 295 on Saturday. As pundits and enthusiasts circle their calendars, the women’s strawweight bout featuring Tabatha “Baby Shark” Ricci against Loopy Godinez stands out as a highlight. This battle between two formidable athletes provides a rich canvas for today’s MMA picks, with each fighter bringing a record that speaks to their resilience and skill within the octagon. This encounter is not just about the clash of fists and wills; it is also a clash of strategic minds, as bettors weigh in on the outcome of this gripping matchup.
UFC 295: Ricci vs. Godínez 11/11/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Tabatha “Baby Shark” Ricci
Tabatha Ricci enters the octagon with an impressive professional record of 9 wins and only 1 loss, her tenacity in the ring demonstrated by an average fight time surpassing 12 minutes. At 5’1″ and maintaining the strawweight limit of 115 pounds, Ricci’s presence is as formidable as her nickname “Baby Shark” suggests. With a reach equal to her height, she has adapted an orthodox stance, which complements her aggressive fighting style. Born on February 21, 1995, Ricci has quickly risen through the ranks, displaying a significant striking rate of 4.12 per minute, though her accuracy stands at 37%. What she lacks in precision, she compensates for in volume and pressure.
Defensively, Ricci absorbs 4.45 significant strikes per minute but boasts a solid defensive rate of 61%, indicative of her ability to weather oncoming storms. Grappling is where Ricci shines, with an average of 4.23 takedowns per 15 minutes and a takedown accuracy of 48%. This aspect of her game is critical, given that her takedown defense rate is 66%, a number that suggests she can control where the fight takes place. Furthermore, her submission average of 0.2 per 15 minutes might seem modest, but it reflects a strategic focus on control rather than seeking the finish at every opportunity.
In her most recent fight, Ricci claimed victory over Robertson, a testament to her evolving skill set and her ability to adapt and overcome in the heat of battle. The odds have placed her as the underdog with a moneyline of +145, but this position is one she has thrived in before, often defying expectations with her relentless approach.
Loopy Godinez Analysis
Loopy Godinez, with an 11-3-0 record, is known for her disciplined approach to combat, evident in her average fight time of over 13 minutes. Standing slightly taller at 5’2″, she shares an equal reach with her opponent, ensuring that in this battle of orthodox stances, neither has a definitive reach advantage. Born on September 6, 1993, Godinez has demonstrated a consistent striking ability with a landed per minute rate of 4.03 and a notable accuracy of 50%. This precision, paired with her absorbing only 3.52 strikes per minute, showcases a more measured approach in striking exchanges, complemented by a 62% defense rate.
Where Godinez truly excels is in the grappling department. Her average takedowns per 15 minutes are slightly less than Ricci at 3.82, but with nearly identical accuracy, she remains a threat on the ground. The standout statistic for Godinez is her takedown defense, a robust 82%, indicating her capability to maintain the fight standing when necessary. Her submission average per 15 minutes is a significant 1.3, hinting at a more opportunistic grappling style focused on finishes.
Coming off a win against Reed, Godinez has been positioned by the odds-makers as the favorite with a moneyline of -170. Her performances have consistently underscored her status as a well-rounded fighter, often proving to be a step ahead of her competition.
Tabatha Ricci vs. Loopy Godínez Stats
| Ricci | Godínez | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 9-1-0 | 11-3-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 12:03 | 13:06 |
| Height | 5′ 1″ | 5′ 2″ |
| Weight | 115 lbs. | 115 lbs. |
| Reach | 61″ | 61″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 4.12 | 4.03 |
| Striking Accuracy | 37% | 50% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 4.45 | 3.52 |
| Defense | 61% | 62% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 4.23 | 3.82 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 48% | 47% |
| Takedown Defense | 66% | 82% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 0.2 | 1.3 |
Tabatha Ricci vs. Loopy Godínez Betting Pick
After thorough analysis of both fighters’ strengths and historical performances, the pick here leans towards Loopy Godinez. Her striking accuracy, coupled with her exceptional takedown defense, positions her to dictate the pace and place of the fight. Godinez’s ability to avoid damage while efficiently executing her game plan is likely to be the differentiating factor in this contest. While Ricci’s aggression and grappling are formidable, Godinez’s measured approach and submission prowess may prove to be the keys to victory in this matchup.
Free Pick: Loopy Godínez -170
In the intricate ballet of fists and strategy that MMA so often is, the bout between Tabatha Ricci and Loopy Godinez at UFC 295 is anticipated to be a chess match with gloves. This fight promises not only to entertain but to offer insights into the trajectories of two rising stars in the strawweight division. While the insiders’ selections have tipped towards Loopy Godinez as the favorite, the margins are slim, and the nature of this sport is such that any fight can bring the unexpected. Regardless, one thing is certain: the fans at Madison Square Garden and watching around the world are in for a spectacle of combat sports at its finest.