- George Chung
- Oct 1, 2024
- 3 min read
UFC 307 promises to be a monumental night, and the co-main event will showcase a thrilling matchup in the female bantamweight division. Raquel Pennington, the reigning UFC Female Bantamweight Champion, will defend her belt against the relentless former champion, vs Julianna Peña.
This clash between two top-tier athletes is bound to be electrifying, as both fighters bring their unique skills and history into the Octagon on October 5, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Raquel Pennington: The Relentless Champion
Raquel "Rocky" Pennington (16-8) has steadily climbed her way to the top of the bantamweight division through grit, determination, and resilience. After earning her championship in 2024, Pennington's career has been defined by overcoming adversity and outlasting her opponents. Known for her well-rounded game, Pennington is equally dangerous on her feet and on the mat.
Her striking is calculated, with powerful combinations and defensive counters that can break down even the toughest opponents. However, it’s her wrestling and clinch work that have often given her the upper hand in grueling fights, leading to her victory over the top names in the division, including Irene Aldana and Miesha Tate. Pennington’s toughness and ability to withstand pressure make her one of the most durable fighters in women’s MMA.
Julianna Peña: The Vengeful Challenger
Julianna "The Venezuelan Vixen" Peña (12-6) has a reputation for being one of the most aggressive and unpredictable fighters in the bantamweight division. Peña rose to fame by shocking the world when she dethroned Amanda Nunes at UFC 269, a feat that forever etched her name in UFC history. Peña’s relentless style, characterized by her forward pressure and unyielding pace, allows her to wear down her opponents. She has dangerous grappling skills, particularly in the submission department, as seen in her fights against Nunes and Sara McMann.
Peña’s loss in her rematch against Nunes in 2022 fueled her hunger to regain the belt, and her return to the Octagon has been one of redemption. With her eyes set on reclaiming the UFC Female Bantamweight Championship, Peña will undoubtedly bring her trademark aggression to UFC 307.
Tale of the Tape
Fighter | Raquel Pennington | Julianna Peña |
Record | 16-8 | 12-6 |
Height | 5'7" | 5'6" |
Reach | 67" | 69" |
Style | Striker/Wrestler | Grappler/Striker |
Significant Wins | Irene Aldana, Miesha Tate | Amanda Nunes, Sara McMann |
Championship Wins | 1 (Bantamweight) | 1 (Bantamweight) |
Fight Breakdown: Who Has the Edge?
Striking: While both fighters have solid striking games, Pennington is the more technical striker. Her ability to switch between offense and defense with calculated precision gives her the edge in stand-up exchanges. Peña’s striking is more aggressive but less refined, often leaving openings for counters.
Wrestling: This is where things get interesting. Both fighters have strong wrestling skills. Pennington uses her wrestling primarily for control in the clinch and top position, while Peña’s wrestling is more offensive, often leading to submissions. If Peña can close the distance and initiate grappling exchanges, she could turn the fight in her favor.
Cardio and Durability: Pennington is known for her ability to go the distance and endure heavy punishment. Peña, on the other hand, relies on overwhelming her opponents early. If Peña cannot finish the fight in the early rounds, Pennington’s endurance could take over in the later stages, giving her the upper hand.
X-Factor: Peña’s unpredictable nature and sheer willpower have made her a dangerous challenger in the past. She’s shown the ability to adapt mid-fight, particularly in high-stakes situations. However, Pennington’s consistent, well-rounded game plan and composure in title fights could be Peña’s biggest challenge.
What’s at Stake?
For Pennington, a victory at UFC 307 would solidify her status as the undisputed queen of the bantamweight division, marking another successful title defense in what has been an impressive career resurgence. For Peña, this is a do-or-die situation—her chance to reclaim the belt and prove that her initial run to the top was no fluke.
The technical prowess of Raquel Pennington versus the raw aggression of Julianna Peña promises an explosive fight that could go either way.
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