Raquel Pennington is set to defend her title against Julianna Peña, despite doubts about Peña’s eligibility, due to their long-standing rivalry and personal history dating back to The Ultimate Fighter 18, with Pennington eager to settle their differences once and for all.
Raquel Pennington always had a hunch her first title defense would be against Julianna Peña, deserved or not. Despite being absent for over two years, the former UFC bantamweight champ hasn’t been seen since a lopsided loss to Amanda Nunes in 2022. Many expected a trilogy with Nunes, and then maybe a shot at the vacant title after "The Lioness" retired. However, injuries kept Peña sidelined while the division moved on.
Pennington gets why some argue against Peña getting a title shot. Yet, this fight was on her wish list long before she became champ. “In my mind, I knew just because Julianna had one of the biggest upsets in UFC women’s bantamweight history beating Amanda, I knew that it was going to come down to Julianna,” she told MMA Fighting before UFC 307. “So it’s like honestly, I’m excited for this fight.”
When they offered her the fight and said, "Hey, Julianna’s injured, so it’s Mayra [Bueno Silva]," Pennington felt disappointment. Not that Mayra isn’t talented—she’s young and still green—but Raquel wanted something more personal. It’s like stepping back into The Ultimate Fighter days.
Over 11 years ago, both were on Team Miesha Tate during TUF 18. They were early favorites but never met in the finals. Peña won TUF 18, while Pennington was eliminated due to a hand injury suffered against Jessamyn Duke.
Pennington doesn’t hold a grudge but admits they didn’t get along. "When we got in there, everybody was bullying Julianna," she explained. "I honestly felt bad for her." She tried taking Peña under her wing, but their personalities clashed big time.
Turns out, Pennington might not be alone in her feelings about Peña. When offered the fight, she claims some folks inside the UFC hinted they enjoy seeing Peña potentially falter. “She has a freaking Master’s degree in yapology,” Pennington quipped.
At the end of the day, UFC does what it wants. Some insiders allegedly said people love watching Julianna take a beating for five rounds. The tension between these fighters fuels an emotionally charged promotion leading up to their co-main event.
Pennington eagerly awaits the chance to finally silence Peña for good. From The Ultimate Fighter days to now, she’s heard enough from Julianna. “This is not a thing where we’re going to have this ongoing battle,” she asserted confidently.
“I’m going to go out there, I’m going to beat your ass.” At 36, Pennington feels she’s unlocked a new part of herself—mentally and physically ready to impress even herself during this camp.
With all the history and emotions tied to this fight, Pennington believes it’ll bring out her best self. Once it’s over? Shake hands and move on—or maybe just shake hands if that’s all it takes.