In a thrilling outcome, Raquel Pennington clinched the UFC’s vacant bantamweight championship at UFC 297, defeating Mayra Bueno Silva by unanimous decision. This victory marks a triumphant return for Pennington, who lost to Amanda Nunes in her previous title fight. With the win, Pennington becomes the first 135-pound champion since Nunes’ retirement. Bueno Silva fought hard, attempting several chokes, but Pennington’s composure and striking game secured her the victory. The next likely match-up for Pennington would be against Julianna Peña, pending her recovery from injury.
