Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
Raquel Pennington and Mayra Bueno Silva will fight for the vacant UFC Women’s Bantamweight Title in the co-main event of UFC 297.
Former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Julianna Pena wanted to fight for the vacant strap, but injuries have prevented her from doing so.
“I’m sorry you guys are going to be force fed this horrible interim title fight — it’s going to be interim because they’re belt warming until I come back,” Pena said on The MMA Hour. “Apologies that I can’t compete, but my next fight will be for a title. Whoever wins between those two chicks, I’ll be fighting the winner.
“I know that everyone didn’t believe me when I said I had to fall out when I was fighting Amanda [for the trilogy bout], but I legitimately did have an injury and I’m still trying to heal from that. I’m not trying to give out every single injury because you have to keep a couple of cards close to the chest, but I am injured. I won’t be back until summer.”
Amanda Nunes, who defeated Pena in their rematch to reclaim the title, would retire after defending the gold against Irene Aldana at UFC 289.
Pena, who expects to fight for the title once she heals up, would like to fight Silva for the title when the time comes.
“I’m going to give a little shine to Raquel because I feel like over time, she has gotten better and better,” Pena said. “She’s definitely a durable fighter, she’s capable of being a champion and getting that belt. I would say that Raquel has the veteran [experience] on her side.
“But at least Mayra is a good dance partner. Love me, hate me, whatever — I want you guys to be invested in my success, my failures, it doesn’t matter. I need you guys to watch the fights because I want you guys to watch me fight. The point of the banter back-and-forth [with Bueno Silva] is so I can have a dance partner to make it more exciting. With Mayra, I have that in her because she’s got a mouth, I’ve got a mouth, and we can go back-and-forth. With Raquel, it’s kind of like crickets. For me, it would be better if Mayra wins so we can make it more exciting for you guys.”
