A new world champion will be crowned.
Battle Of The Bantamweights
The women’s UFC bantamweight title is up for grabs 224 days after Amanda Nunes left it behind in her retirement. Former title challenger Raquel Pennington goes against Mayra Bueno Silva in the co-headliner of UFC 297.
Pennington has won five fights in a row over the likes of Ketlen Vieira, Aspen Ladd and Macy Chiasson. ‘Rocky’ underwent title contention in 2018, but didn’t make it the distance against the dominant Nunes. Nine fights later, Pennington finds herself fighting for the vacant title.
Bueno Silva is coming off the biggest performance of her career against Holly Holm. The Brazilian submitted the former champ, but the result was ultimately overturned from a positive drug test. That wouldn’t really get in the way of Bueno Silva’a title shot though as she claimed the positive drug test was due to her ADHD medication.
The co-main event takes places from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Round 1:
Pennington rushes in with a few punches. Kick to the body lands for Bueno Silva. Pennington returns fire. Pennington looks for the takedown but finds herself only in the clinch with Bueno Silva. Pennington grabs the leg of Bueno Silva, trying to take her to the ground. She’s unsuccessful and is met with a crisp punch from Bueno Silva. They break, but Bueno Silva nabs a takedown of her own on the former title challenger.
Bueno Silva seizes the back of Pennington. Pennington stands up and wears Bueno Silva like a backpack. Bueno Silva’s back is against the cage. Bueno Silva hops off the back, getting another takedown on Pennington shortly after.
Round 2:
Pennington launches punches at Bueno Silva before the Brazilian initiates the clinch. Pennington obtains control in the clinch. Both fighters dirty box in the pocket. Bueno Silva lands a body shot in the clinch. ‘Rocky’ throws hard shots that get Bueno Silva’s attention. Punch after punch lands for Pennington.
Bueno Silva ties up the powerful Pennington in the clinch before grabbing the back. Bueno Silva tries to sink in a rear-naked choke but Pennington refuses to tap. Pennington survives the submission, getting on top to end the round.
Round 3:
The bantamweight challengers go into the clinch. Bueno Silva fires knees and so does Pennington. Bueno Silva throws Pennington down. Pennington gets back up only to be threatened by another submission from the Brazilian. Pennington escapes the position and goes back to clinching Bueno Silva.
They go to the ground and Pennington ends up on top for a moment before standing up. A seemingly fatigued Bueno Silva takes her time getting back up to her feet. Closing out the round, Pennington finds top position once again.
Round 4:
Pennington goes for a superman punch to begin the round. Bueno Silva closes the distance with the clinch. Bueno Silva grabs a takedown on Pennington, then attempts a rear-naked choke on Pennington. Pennington stays composed and survives by turning position. Pennington manages to control on top, landing short shots on the Brazilian.
Pennington rains down a huge punch on the grounded Bueno Silva. Elbows and more strikes land for Pennington, heading into the final round.
Round 5:
Bueno Silva clinches with Pennington right away. Pennington pushes her off, but Bueno Silva gets back to it with the clinch. It doesn’t turn out so well for Bueno Silva as her opponent eventually piles on her. Pennington establishes top control on the ground, attempting submissions. Bueno Silva shows she’s still good with a thumb up to the referee.
Pennington continues to threaten Bueno Silva with her submission game. With one minute left in the fight, Pennington pours it on with some punches. Pennington stands up, kicking the legs of Bueno Silva. Pennington finishes the round with ground and pound.
Official result: Raquel Pennington defeats Mayra Bueno Silva via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-45)
Check out the highlights below:
It went the distance but @RockyPMMA is your NEW bantamweight champion of the world 🏆#UFC297 pic.twitter.com/lcfxcmDHqe
— UFC (@ufc) January 21, 2024
"I have climbed mountains to get back here."
It's been 5 years since @RockyPMMA had her shot at a title fight. #UFC297 pic.twitter.com/wWHAW0y1BX
— UFC (@ufc) January 21, 2024
"I didn't give up, I went out there and I did it." 👊#UFC297 | @RockyPMMA pic.twitter.com/1GdrzXy87R
— UFC (@ufc) January 21, 2024
