Raquel Pennington Wants Julianna Pena Next After UFC 297 Win

UFC / By

Raquel Pennington knows who she wants to fight for her first title defense.

On Saturday night, Pennington beat Mayra Bueno Silva in dominant fashion to win the vacant women’s bantamweight championship.

While speaking to the media in her post-fight press conference, Pennington called out former champion Julianna Pena, who is currently injured and is presumably the next in line for the title shot.

“That’s the fight that makes sense,” “I honestly thought that for the world title it was going to be me and Julianna, but she’s still injured.

“That relationship just goes back to 2013 when we were both back in The Ultimate Fighter. Let’s just say I learned Julianna’s personality then, and it’s kind of one of those where you stay your way, and I’ll stay mine, but you get under my damn skin. I’ve been waiting for that fight for 13 years – whether the title is on the line or not.”

UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that a fight between Pennington and Pena is likely next, but he’s not sure when it would happen, considering Pena’s injury.

In recent days, Pena has teased a comeback and mocked her 135-pound rivals on social media.

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