Raquel Pennington makes history by winning the UFC women’s bantamweight title. Read about her journey to becoming the third Colorado-born fighter to claim a UFC championship.
| Key Points |
|---|
| Raquel Pennington wins the vacant women’s bantamweight title at UFC 297. |
| She becomes the third Colorado-born fighter to win a UFC championship. |
| Pennington calls out Julianna Pena for a future fight. |
| Her victory solidifies her place in UFC history. |
| Pennington’s win comes after a six-match winning streak. |
| She reflects on 14 years of hard work paying off. |
| The bantamweight title was vacated by Amanda Nunes. |
| Pennington aims to face Julianna Pena, the top-ranked fighter in the division. |
| Colorado fighters are making their mark in the UFC. |
| Pennington’s triumph highlights the growing prominence of fighters from Colorado. |
Raquel Pennington’s Historic Victory
Raquel Pennington achieved a remarkable feat on Saturday night, solidifying her place in the history books of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The Colorado Springs native emerged victorious in a thrilling battle against Mayra Bueno Silva at UFC 297, held at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Pennington’s triumph secured her the vacant women’s bantamweight title, making her only the third fighter from Colorado to claim a UFC championship.
Pennington’s hard work and dedication paid off as she outperformed her opponent, winning by unanimous decision. Reflecting on her victory, Pennington expressed her disbelief and gratitude during the post-fight news conference. She stated, ‘It’s surreal. It’s 14 years of hard work coming together.’
The women’s bantamweight title became available in June when former champion Amanda Nunes announced her retirement after defeating Irene Aldana at UFC 289. Since her defeat against Holly Holm in January 2020, Pennington has been on an impressive winning streak, securing six consecutive victories.
Looking ahead, Pennington has her sights set on a highly anticipated matchup with Julianna Pena, the top-ranked fighter in the division. Pennington expressed her desire for this fight, stating, ‘That’s the fight that makes sense. I honestly thought for the world title it would be me and Julianna, but she’s still injured. That relationship just goes back to 2013 when we were both on ‘The Ultimate Fighter.’ … You get under my damn skin. I’ve been waiting for that fight for 13 years whether the title’s on the line or not.’
Raquel Pennington’s victory not only showcases her exceptional skills and determination but also highlights the growing prominence of fighters from Colorado in the world of mixed martial arts. With her historic win, Pennington has firmly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the bantamweight division.
