Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Pena at UFC 307: Prediction and Odds
Date: 2024-09-26 Author: Leon Pierce Categories: SPORTS BETTING
Racquel Pennington (16-8) will be making her first UFC women’s bantamweight title defense against former champion Julianna Pena (11-5), who hasn’t fought in the Octagon in over two years since losing her belt to the legendary Amanda Nunes.
Why is Pennington a -190 favorite?
Racquel Pennington, a 36-year-old from Colorado, has a 16-8 record, which may not sound impressive, but all of her losses have come against elite opponents like Amanda Nunes, Holly Holm, and Jessica Andrade.
Despite her age, Pennington is in great shape, having won all six of her last fights. Interestingly, each of these fights went the distance, which speaks to her tactical approach and excellent endurance.
Her strong point is her striking. She lands an average of 4.14 significant strikes per minute, although she rarely manages to knock out her opponents - only one of her 16 victories was won by technical knockout. This happened back in 2012, in her first professional fight.
In addition, Pennington demonstrates good wrestling skills, performing 0.9 takedowns per 15 minutes. Her submission defense is also at its best. In a recent fight with Mayra Bueno Silva, she successfully repelled three submission attempts.
Julianna Peña returns after a two-year hiatus
Julianna Peña has a record of 11-5, but she has not fought since the summer of 2022, when she lost the UFC bantamweight title to the same Amanda Nunes, whom she had previously defeated in a title fight.
Peña defeated Nunes via submission, which was her fifth such victory. Her strength is wrestling in the clinch and on the ground, where she averages two takedowns per fight.
Despite this, Peña is also capable of working well on her feet, although her strikes are not distinguished by their power - she has never won by knockout, although she has won three times by technical knockout.
Pennington vs. Peña Prediction
Raquel Pennington will retain the title. Her skills and endurance will give her an advantage over Julianna Peña, who may have difficulties due to a long absence from fighting.
