After stepping away from the Octagon following her championship loss, former UFC Bantamweight titleholder Raquel Pennington is reportedly scheduled to make her highly anticipated return. Her opponent will be none other than the division`s rapidly ascending contender, Norma Dumont. This significant clash is slated for the upcoming Noche UFC event, taking place on September 13th in San Antonio, Texas.
Pennington`s last outing saw her fall to Julianna Peña via a split decision at UFC 307 last October. This came after she had secured the vacant bantamweight belt by defeating Mayra Bueno Silva at UFC 297. Her return marks her first appearance since that title defense attempt, almost a full year later.
The Contenders` Paths
Stepping opposite Pennington is Norma Dumont, a fighter who has been making considerable noise in the bantamweight ranks. Dumont is currently riding an impressive five-fight win streak, establishing herself as a legitimate threat. Her recent victories include a dominant performance against former title challenger Irene Aldana at UFC 306 last September, as well as wins over Germaine de Randamie, Chelsea Chandler, and Karol Rosa. Her unanimous decision win over De Randamie was particularly notable, signaling her strong return to the 135-pound division.
The Matchup: Stakes and Significance
The booking of Pennington vs. Dumont carries substantial weight for the women`s bantamweight picture. While discussions continue regarding a potential super fight between current champion Kayla Harrison and the returning Amanda Nunes, contenders like Pennington and Dumont are keen to position themselves for the next title opportunity. This matchup is widely viewed as a likely title eliminator, with the winner significantly boosting their claim for a shot at the coveted belt.
The Noche UFC event, where this pivotal bantamweight bout is expected to unfold, is set to be held in San Antonio. The card is also slated to feature other notable matchups, including a featherweight headliner between rising talents Diego Lopes and Jean Silva.
For Raquel Pennington, this represents a crucial opportunity to immediately re-establish herself at the top of the division and campaign for another shot at the title she recently held. For Norma Dumont, it`s the chance to cap off her impressive win streak by defeating a former champion, proving she belongs in the elite tier. All eyes will be on San Antonio to see who emerges victorious from this high-stakes encounter.
Percy Harlow