There’s ongoing suspense in the UFC universe as Angela Hill nears Jessica Andrade’s record for the highest number of female bouts played. Hill’s previous record stood at 17 wins and 13 losses across MMA, respectively, and 12 wins and 13 losses in UFC. Her 26th UFC match is around the corner, where she’ll fight Tabatha Ricci, whose record boasts 10 victories and 2 losses overall, and 5 victories and 2 losses in UFC. This much-anticipated bout is scheduled to be the co-main event of UFC on ESPN 62, taking place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
As Hill steps towards the ring on the day the match is set, she will be positioned just a single fight behind Andrade, thus inching closer to matching Andrade’s record, if not breaking it. Andrade’s tally at the moment stands at 26 wins and 12 losses across MMA, with 17 wins and 10 losses in UFC. This is a significant moment in Hill’s career, as she humorously pointed out in an MMA Junkie exclusive.
‘Andrade keeps switching between weight classes. Perhaps she needs to settle on a single one, so that I can surpass her tally of fights.’ Hill stated, cheekily hinting at the fierce competition, yet lightly gilding it with humour. Her anticipation towards possibly breaking Andrade’s accomplishment is more than evident, as is her determination to avoid taking any severe damage during her bouts.
In recent years, she noticed a slight shift in her performances which has led to her taking on some damage, albeit minimal. Acknowledging this change, she’s been investing significant efforts in improving her defense to ensure she’s in good condition to rise the ranks. She is focused on maintaining her health inside the ring and ensuring she walks out unscathed.
In the attempt to expand her performances in the ring, Hill has started to place a greater emphasis on grappling. She acknowledges it to be a crucial factor that has extended her fighting career. People might question her perseverance in the face of challenges, but Hill doesn’t seem to be slowing down. She believes in her enduring agility and acknowledges her vast experience to be an advantage.
Perennially, questions may arise, asking why an older player continues to put everything on the line. For Hill, the answer is simple. She still enjoys a sense of youth and freshness that fuels her to compete against the new challengers who step into the ring. She sees the immense knowledge and experience she’s gained over the years as her leading edge.
Hill recently celebrated a significant victory – a UFC finish which clinched her the coveted Performance of the Night award. This was her result from her match against Luana Pinheiro that took place in May. What adds sweetness to the victory is, it was only her second UFC finish in her long and illustrious career.
Despite securing four wins out of her last five matches, Hill still aspires to face a more highly ranked opponent. For now, she has Ricci as her next competitor, and even though Ricci might not be the higher-ranked player Hill had hoped for, Hill is content nonetheless.
‘I appreciate this match-up,’ Hill expressed with satisfaction. ‘While I sought to challenge a stronger player, the ones above me in the ranks have been my previously defeated opponents. A new face in the ring certainly brings its own excitement, it’s like a breath of fresh air.’
In anticipation of her forthcoming match against Ricci, Hill exudes confidence and strength. She believes she is now more formidable and dangerous in the ring than ever before. The diversity of her skills, according to her, will hold her in good stead when facing Ricci.
Ricci, for her part, has earned Hill’s respect. Despite being competitors in an intensely competitive sport, Hill manages to maintain a friendly disposition towards her. ‘She’s really quite cool. I harbor no ill-will against her,’ Hill stated.
A unique aspect of Hill’s personality is her tendency to perform even better when she respects and likes her opponent. Statistically, she seems to fight at her best when there’s no ill will at play. This unusual trait could be advantageous for Hill in her upcoming bout with Ricci.
With Hill’s relentless determination and skill, the UFC world watches with breath held to see if she will close in on Andrade’s record. Her upcoming match against Ricci might be just another stepping stone in her pursuit to make history in the world of UFC.
As Hill gears up for this important fight, her fans and the entire UFC fraternity have their eyes locked onto the UFC Apex at Las Vegas. The result of her upcoming fight will answer whether she edges closer to Andrade’s record or adds another fight to her name that doesn’t contribute to this achievement.