Tecia Torres is expecting her first child with fellow UFC fighter Raquel Pennington.
Torres, 33, will take a break from fighting to start a family, joining Amanda Nunes and Nina Nunes as parents who both fight in the UFC. ‘The Tiny Tornado’ and Pennington have been together for several years and are taking their relationship to the next level. The UFC strawweight announced her pregnancy on Instagram by saying:
“We have a little extra to be thankful for this year. Happy Thanksgiving from our growing family to yours. Baby Pennington coming June 2023 ❣️We are beyond excited and feel incredibly blessed. Mommies love you so much sweet baby and we can’t wait for this life with you. ✨ @raquel_pennington”
Before competing on the Ultimate Fighter Season 20, Torres started her MMA career with four wins, including Paige VanZant, Rose Namajunas, and Felice Herrig. ‘The Tiny Tornado’ didn’t make the TUF 20 finals, but she still signed with the UFC.
Torres holds a UFC record of 9-6, including a 6-1 start and then a four-fight losing streak before winning three consecutive fights. ‘The Tiny Tornado’ lost her last fight out against Mackenzie Dern, but she has evolved into a potential strawweight contender. The number eight-ranked strawweight plans to return in 2024 after having her first child.
Raquel Pennington reacts to Tecia Torres’ pregnancy
Raquel Pennington will continue her career while Tecia Torres is pregnant. ‘Rocky’ joined the UFC after the Ultimate Fighter Season 18 and built a promotional record of 11-5. The number five-ranked UFC bantamweight posted an announcement about Torres’ pregnancy by saying:
“We have an extra turkey in the oven this year 😍🤰🏽 Happy Thanksgiving 🍁🦃 from our family to yours ❤️ Baby Pennington June 2023 #Rocknado #TeamRocky #TeamTiny #family #love #ivf #ivfpregnancy”
Pennington is training through Torres’ pregnancy with an upcoming fight on January 14. ‘Rocky’ is taking on number two-ranked bantamweight Ketlen Viera. With a win against Viera, Pennington will extend her four-fight win streak and put her name in the title shot conversation, which would surely help the future baby expenses.
