Stepping into the Spotlight: UFC Women's Bantamweight Title Contenders Emerged
Image Credit: Xgrandyx
One of the most extraordinary athletes to ever step into the UFC Octagon retired earlier this month. Amanda Nunes laid her gloves in the centre of the octagon and her two championships after beating Irene Aldana at UFC 289. This, of course, meant that there would be a new UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion and Raquel Pennington stepped up. The division is stacked at the moment, with a lot of great matchups. Now is the perfect time to look at the title's top contenders.
Holly Holm
"The Preachers’ Daughter" is a future hall of famer due to her spectacular career in the UFC. Holm won the belt when she knocked out Ronda Rousey in 2015. She lost the championship to Nunes. Since then, Holm has always been near the top of the division, with her most recent win against Yana Santos. The 41-year-old is currently ranked fifth in the division, which means she is in a prime position for a title opportunity. Holm is known for her incredible ability on the feet, with people usually struggling to keep up with the former champion. Holm has a good boxing pedigree, with a record of 33-2-3, and won champion. This meant that when she transitioned to MMA, if the fight stayed on her feet, Holm was usually victorious. She is coming of loss but the former champion faces Kayla Harrison at UFC 300. If, Holm wins then she will back in title contention. Holm is undoubtedly at the back end of her career, meaning now is the time to push for a title.
Julianna Peña
Peña has made a name for herself due to her no-quit attitude and in-your-face-fighting style. "The Venezuelan Vixen" is a former champion and beat Nunes to win the strap. Even though Nunes beat her in the rematch, Peña established herself as a sensational fighter. A third contest between the two fighters was supposed to happen at UFC 289, but it wasn’t meant to be. Peña's next fight is undoubtedly going to be for the title. Due to her winning the championship and her appearance on the Ultimate Fighter as a coach, Peña is becoming a household name. The 33-year-old is currently ranked number one in the women's bantamweight division. This clarifies that she is next in line for a title shot. Peña is known for her immense Jiu-Jitsu skills, which means her opponent will be in trouble if the fight hits the ground. Her toughness is out of this world, as she has shown a tremendous ability to take a punch.
Kayla Harrison
Kayla Harrison, the Olympic gold medallist, is set to make her long-awaited UFC debut in April. Her journey from the pinnacle of judo to the Octagon is a testament to her grit and determination. As she steps into the women's bantamweight division to face Holm, a big name in the sport, the audience can't help but feel the excitement of a potential title opportunity if she emerges victorious. With a professional record of 16-1 and 12 finishes, Harrison is a force to be reckoned with, and her addition to the UFC promises a rapid climb to the top.
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