Raquel Pennington, after nearly six years since her demoralizing defeat to Amanda Nunes, has finally achieved her dream of becoming the UFC’s bantamweight champion. In the co-main event of UFC 297 held at Scotiabank Arena, Pennington (16-8) secured the vacant title with an impressive unanimous decision victory over Brazilian challenger Mayra Bueno Silva (10-3-1). The judges’ scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 49-45 all favored Pennington, solidifying her well-deserved triumph.
Pennington’s journey to victory has been a tumultuous one. In her initial title bout against Nunes in Brazil back in May 2018, she suffered a TKO loss. Controversy surrounded her corner’s decision not to throw in the towel, as Pennington’s defeated demeanor between rounds raised concerns. Nonetheless, she persevered and made it back to the top through hard work, determination, and an unwavering spirit.
“It’s been a long five years getting back to this,” Pennington expressed after her victory. “I expected to come out here and open up more, but a fight is a fight. Mayra is tough. I have climbed mountains to get back here.” These words capture the true essence of her indomitable spirit and refusal to let failure define her career.
Throughout the match, Bueno Silva posed a significant threat to Pennington’s quest for the championship. Attempting various chokes both in standing positions and on the ground, Bueno Silva nearly secured a rear-naked choke in the fourth round. However, Pennington, known for her experience in women’s MMA since her professional debut in 2012, displayed incredible composure and escaped every dangerous situation.
Pennington’s offensive prowess primarily manifested through her striking. Utilizing her jab and right cross consistently, she prevented Bueno Silva from taking her down in the clinch. Pennington punished her opponent with body knees and elbows, making her pay for any failed attempts to grapple. Though the fight had moments of sluggishness due to grappling stalemates against the fence, Pennington’s dominance in those positions was evident. She scored points with hammerfists whenever she found herself in a top position.
With the victory, Pennington sets her sights on Julianna Peña for the next bantamweight title fight. Peña’s recovery from an undisclosed injury prevented the matchup at UFC 297, but Pennington wasted no time in calling her out. “Julianna, get your ass better and sign on the dotted line,” she declared. “It’s been 10 years that I’ve waited for that fight.” The anticipation for this clash between two top bantamweight contenders is undoubtedly building.
A notable figure present at UFC 297 was Amanda Nunes, the previous bantamweight champion. Nunes, currently retired and content, witnessed Pennington’s triumphant moment. With this victory, Pennington joins the exclusive ranks of the six undisputed bantamweight champions in UFC history, following in the footsteps of the legendary Ronda Rousey, the first of her kind.
Raquel Pennington’s journey from defeat to victory reflects the essence of never giving up on one’s dreams. Despite the criticism surrounding her previous title loss and corner’s decision, Pennington stayed focused, worked tirelessly, and ultimately earned her place as the UFC bantamweight champion. As she embarks on the next chapter of her career, the MMA world eagerly awaits her clash with Julianna Peña, a showdown years in the making. Raquel Pennington’s story serves as a testament to the resilience, courage, and unyielding spirit required to attain greatness in the face of adversity.
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