Raquel Pennington believes that Amanda Nunes deserves a rematch for the title of Amanda.
LAS VEGAS – Raquel Pennington thinks she’s done more than enough for another UFC title shot.
Since losing to Holly Holm at UFC 246, Pennington (15-9 MMA, 12-5 UFC) has won five straight – including a split decision over Ketlen Vieira This past Saturday, UFC Fight Night 217.
Pennington knocked off the No. 2 ranked bantamweight in Vieira, Pennington says it’s time she got another crack at UFC bantamweight champion Amanda NunesWho is it? TKO’d her in Round 5 A lopsided title fight took place in May 2018.
“I don’t feel like I should be denied anymore,” Pennington told reporters at the UFC Fight Night 217 post-fight news conference. “A five-fight win streak, how much more are people going to keep denying me? At this point, I feel the need to have respect. Obviously I don’t have control of it, I would love to fight for the world title before the year’s over. If that doesn’t happen, then my ultimate goal is to be the No. Then, I will be No.1 in the world. But, I’m ready to go.”
Nunes has been linked to a trilogy bout with Julianna Peña but is yet to have her next title defense booked. So if the UFC does opt to book Nunes vs. Peña 3, Pennington doesn’t plan on sitting out and waiting for the winner.
“I want to stay active,” Pennington said. “I love challenges, and that’s what it’s about. It doesn’t matter if it’s No. 1; it doesn’t matter if it’s No. 20. I enjoy challenges. As an athlete, there is a limited window for me to take on these challenges. So I want fight, I want stay active, I love my passion, and I will continue to find opportunities. The ultimate goal is to win the world title. Give me the No. 1 contender spot. But if they don’t want to do that, just give me somebody who wants to get punched in the face.”