Carla Esparza vs. Tecia Pennington at UFC 307: Predictions, Time, and Odds
Date: 2024-09-30 Author: Alex Crawford Categories: SPORTS BETTING
Taking place at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, UFC 307 will feature several interesting matchups, including two title fights. However, the main focus of this betting review is on the fight between Carla Esparza and Tecia Pennington.
This fight is especially interesting because it will be the last of Carla Esparza’s professional career. After more than 14 years in mixed martial arts, the former UFC strawweight champion will be retiring.
The fight will take place against Tecia Pennington, the wife of Raquel Pennington, who will also be fighting that same night. If you are interested in Raquel Pennington vs. Juliana Peña.
Carla Esparza's farewell fight
Carla Esparza, known as "Cookie Monster," began her mixed martial arts career in 2010. At 36 years old (she turns 37 just five days after UFC 307), she is looking to close out this important chapter of her life.
Overall, she has had a successful career, with a record of 13 wins and 7 losses. One of those losses came in her most recent title fight, where she lost to Zhang Weili, losing her belt via second-round submission. It has been nearly two years since that fight, and that may be affecting her readiness.
While "Cookie Monster" may not be in the best shape, no one should doubt her skills. She is a very well-rounded fighter with a variety of moves in her arsenal.
Since she’s been wrestling, she’s a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, making her a dangerous grappler. She also has a powerful kick and punch. Unfortunately, her opponent Tecia Pennington also has the same skills.
Tecia Pennington Ready for UFC 307
Tecia Pennington has fought Carla Esparza once before, almost a decade ago when she was known as Tecia Torres. Esparza won that exhibition bout on The Ultimate Fighter 20, but only by the skin of her teeth.
All seven of her professional losses have come via decision, which speaks volumes about her resilience. It’s probably a shame that she lost both of her last fights via split decision, meaning she hasn’t won since the summer of 2021.
Of her 13 professional wins, 11 have come by decision, one by submission and one by knockout.
Esparza vs. Pennington Prediction
Even in her prime, Carla Esparza was never one to beat Tecia Pennington easily. She won TUF by a hair's breadth. Ten years later, we think Tecia can get her revenge. Her skills have improved significantly since then, and we think she's ready to beat her old rival.
That said, we think this will be a war in the Octagon, likely lasting the full 15 minutes before the judges give the win to Tecia. We expect this fight to be a spectacle and could very well be named Fight of the Night at UFC 307.
