Breaking: Before the UFC 307 showdown, Julianna Peña criticizes Raquel Pennington for her lackluster promotional efforts!
The rivalry between UFC women’s bantamweight contender Raquel Pennington and current champion Julianna Peña is at an all-time high. With the UFC 307 co-main event scheduled for Salt Lake City, Utah, just a few days away, the rivalry between these two fighters is heating up, and Peña isn’t holding back.
It has been nine months since Pennington defeated Mayra Bueno Silva to win the unclaimed title in Canada. Julianna Peña isn’t impressed as she gets ready for her first title defense on Saturday. The two have been at odds since they were cast members of The Ultimate Fighter 18 in 2013, and the passing of time has only made their animosity stronger.
However, the recent outburst of criticism directed on Peña is not solely motivated by personal grudges. It is expertly done.
“She said no to embedded!” Peña rips Pennington.
During the media day for UFC 307 on Wednesday, Julianna Peña expressed her dissatisfaction with Pennington’s tenure as champion. Peña didn’t hold back while criticizing Pennington for seemingly not wanting to accept the attention that comes with being the winner.
With sorrow in her voice, Peña stated, “Raquel has not been a good representation of the women’s bantamweight division.” “She has refrained from endorsing herself and has declined an offer from Embedded—that is an appropriate channel for advocates to inform their supporters of their struggles!”
Peña leaned in to offer her criticism, her voice rising. She has made every effort to avoid being the face of mixed martial arts for women! She is not interested in the responsibilities, the attention, or the pressure. But hey, what do you know? That’s the role I desire. I get my energy from it. I’m going to take that gold on Saturday as I know I can do it better. I’m going to rouse this section.
The Vixen from Venezuela didn’t stop there. Peña made the observation that Pennington’s disengagement has an impact on the women’s bantamweight division as a whole in addition to her individual legacy.
“She is not announcing to the world that she is the winner. She seems to be running away from it,” Peña added, clearly agitated. “I’ll make sure everyone is aware of the events in this category if I win the title. I’ll return the focus to its rightful place.
Pennington Remains Calm, But Triumph Is Near?
Pennington has been more subdued in the run-up to UFC 307, despite Peña’s outspoken criticism. Without a doubt, though, she is preparing for battle this coming Saturday inside the Octagon. If “Rocky” wins her title defense on Saturday, she would become the first person to accomplish what Julianna Peña was unable to do: win the bantamweight title. That accomplishment would not only confirm her hegemony but also quiet those who question her dedication to the game.
But the issue still stands: Will Pennington’s acts in the cage be enough to quell Peña’s venomous remarks? Will Peña’s determination to get the title back and possibly entice Amanda Nunes to return for a trilogy match propel her to victory?
Fans of the UFC are anxiously awaiting the bout, which is just days away. This rivalry will reach a fever pitch in Salt Lake City, where everyone will be watching. There is no doubt about it—the fists will fly and the conversation will end when that cage door closes.
