Raquel Pennington, despite losing her bantamweight title to Julianna Peña via a controversial split decision at UFC 307, still considers herself the rightful champion, as many in the MMA community and media scored the fight in her favor.
Raquel Pennington might’ve lost her title, but she’s still got the heart of a champion. After UFC 307, two judges’ scorecards didn’t sway her belief. She’s convinced she’s the rightful champ.
In Salt Lake City, Pennington faced off against Julianna Peña in a high-stakes bout. It was her first bantamweight title defense. Peña snagged the title via split decision, stirring up quite the controversy. Most of the MMA community had scored it for Pennington — an almost unanimous nod on MMA Decisions.
Media members weren’t alone in their support for Pennington. She claims several key figures, even those high up in UFC’s ranks, shared the same view. “These judges need to be clearer,” Pennington told MMA Fighting. Her frustration is palpable. Damaging shots should count more, she argues.
The judging left her baffled, not just for her fight but others too. Jose Aldo‘s match suffered similarly, she lamented. It’s perplexing how judges with the best seats in the house can miss so much.
Every media outlet backed Pennington over Peña. Top athletes reached out to her, expressing disbelief at the decision. Dana White, Joe Rogan — you name it — they were all puzzled.
This loss snapped Pennington’s impressive six-fight win streak. The final four rounds seemed straightforward: second and third for Peña; fourth and fifth for Pennington. A head kick and punch combo in the fourth had Peña reeling. Yet, two judges gave the pivotal first round to Peña.
Pennington was confident she’d won until Bruce Buffer’s announcement shattered that illusion. Her family was ready to celebrate before confusion set in. “Is Bruce playing a joke?” they wondered aloud.
It wasn’t just her; other athletes faced similar judging woes that night. “Something needs to change,” she insists about judging qualifications.
Peña called for a trilogy with Amanda Nunes post-victory, despite Kayla Harrison looming large on screen. But Pennington has different ideas.
She advocates for open scoring to curb questionable scorecards. And she sees herself clashing with Harrison for the real bantamweight title.
“I didn’t lose that fight,” she asserts confidently. While she desires a rematch with Peña, history suggests a wait could be long.
Ultimately, Pennington remains undeterred. She’s motivated like never before and vows to return stronger, injuries aside — just some sore hands from hard hits.
“I still feel like a champion,” she declares defiantly. And that’s what truly counts in her book.