Veteran UFC Strawweight Angela Hill is set to make her 26th walk to the Octagon this Saturday, facing Tabatha Ricci at UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs Borralho. At 39, Hill is proving that age is just a number, showing no signs of slowing down and hitting her prime nearly a decade after her UFC debut.
Despite being labeled as a gatekeeper, Hill is rewriting the narrative. "I might be Holly Holm when it comes to the oldest lady in the UFC," she joked, but with four wins in her last five fights, including victories over two Top 15-ranked opponents, Hill is far from done.
Hill credits her recent surge to her training at Alliance MMA, where an abundance of female training partners and experienced coaches have kept her sharp. "Iron sharpens iron," she says, and Hill's improved confidence and aggressive approach in the gym have translated into better performances in the Octagon.
As she prepares for her co-main event clash against Ricci, Hill is focused on a more offensive strategy, targeting her opponent's weaknesses rather than just avoiding grappling exchanges. This mindset shift has paid off, with Hill securing her first finish in four years by submitting Luana Pinheiro via guillotine choke.
Heading into Saturday's fight, Hill is determined to bring the same energy. "Orcas are the number one killer of baby sharks, and that’s the vibe I wanted to bring into this fight week," she said, signaling her intent to dominate Ricci in the Octagon.
Don't miss Angela Hill's latest chapter as she aims to continue her winning streak at UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs Borralho, live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 24, 2024. Prelims start at 7pm ET/4pm PT, with the main card kicking off live on ESPN & ESPN+ at 10pm ET/7pm PT.