The UFC Women’s bantamweight title is vacated following Amanda Nunes’ retirement and now the title fight appears set for UFC 297 in January 2024. It is surprising to know that former champion Juliana Pena, who tops the ranking, will not compete for the title. Instead No.2 ranked Raquel Pennington and No.3 Mayra Bueno Silva will face off in January.
Pennington is on a five-fight win streak
The title match is scheduled for January 20, 2024. Although the official venue has yet to be announced, Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada, will reportedly host the event. Pennington is currently on a five-fight win streak and her most recent win came against Katelyn Vieira via split decision. Her MMA record is 15-8, out of which 10 of her wins came via decision. “Rocky” has wins over former Bantamweight title challenger Irene Aldana, former champion Miesha Tate and veteran Marion Reneau.
Silva have a great MMA record
Mayra Bueno Silva, on the other hand, has an MMA record of 10-2-1. She is on a four-fight winning streak. The 32-year-old came under intense scrutiny after failing a drug test following her fight against Holly Holmes earlier this year. As a result, her submission win over Holly Holm was overturned to a no-contest. Following this incident, the Brazilian was given a four-and-a-half-month suspension and fined $11,250, which was 15% of her fight pay.
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There were rumors of Pennington vs. Pena for the title
While Silva and Pennington are set to face off for the vacant Bantamweight title early next year, there were rumors about the promotion trying to set up a title fight between Pennington and former champion Julianna Pena. Silva was clearly against the idea. During an interview, “Sheetara” explained why it is best for the promotion if she fights for the title.
“I believe Raquel vs. Julianna, no one wants to see that fight. I believe I’m a new face, I have everything the UFC needs at the moment. If the UFC doesn’t put me in the fight for the belt, that would be a big mistake…I’m ready now.” said Silva
