Raquel “Rocky”Pennington

Raquel Len Pennington, born on September 5, 1988, is an American mixed martial artist noted for her participation in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) women’s featherweight division. Before joining the UFC, she competed in the Invicta Fighting Championships. As of January 17, 2023, she ranked second in the UFC women’s bantamweight rankings, and by November 7, 2023, she had reached twelfth place in the UFC women’s pound-for-pound rankings.

Born and raised in an athletic environment, Pennington played multiple sports during her childhood, including basketball, softball, volleyball, and cross country running, but her heart was always in boxing. Pennington graduated from Harrison High School in 2007, serving as the secretary of the National Honors Society and receiving several athletic and academic scholarships. Unfortunately, a broken back prevented her from pursuing sports at the collegiate level.

Pennington began her journey in martial arts at the age of 19. Despite facing parental opposition at the beginning, she dedicated herself to the sport and transitioned to amateur MMA in 2009. Over two years, she built an impressive record of seven wins and one loss, with five victories achieved through submission.

In March 2012, Pennington stepped into professional MMA with a TKO victory against Kim Couture. Her journey in the Invicta promotion started with a unanimous win against future Ultimate Fighter (TUF) teammate Sarah Moras, followed by challenging losses to Cat Zingano and Leslie Smith.

Transitioning to the Ultimate Fighter, Team Rousey vs. Team Tate, in August 2013, Pennington achieved a submission win against Tonya Evinger and advanced to the semi-finals facing former boxing champion Jessica Rakoczy. Despite a pre-fight injury, she remained in the competition but ultimately lost the bout.

Pennington’s promotional debut pitted her against TUF 18 teammate Roxanne Modafferi, wherein she secured another unanimous win. A series of fights followed, showing Pennington’s unwavering perseverance and talent even against challenging opponents such as Jéssica Andrade, Holly Holm, and Miesha Tate.

A memorable moment in her career came when Pennington faced UFC newcomer Ashlee Evans-Smith at UFC 181 and won the fight with a unique bulldog choke – becoming the fourth UFC fighter to do so. Subsequent matches saw her clash with former champions and rivals, obtaining victory or defeat technicalities and judges’ decisions alike.

Pennington’s career met a turning point in May 2018, at UFC 224 when she faced Amanda Nunes, marking the first event in the UFC history to be headlined by two openly gay fighters. After a year and a half away from fighting, she continued her career taking on opponents like Germaine de Randamie, Irene Aldana, Marion Reneau, Pannie Kianzad, and Macy Chiasson.

Although she encountered bumps like a six-month suspension due to a self-reported doping incident involving prescribed medication, Pennington’s career resumed with renewed vigor in 2021. Subsequent victories against opponents like Ketlen Vieira and Aspen Ladd shaped her upward trajectory.

As the year 2023 unfolded, Pennington was expected to rematch Irene Aldana. However, unforeseen circumstances led Aldana to replace injured Julianna Peña in a headlining UFC 289 Bantamweight Championship bout against Amanda Nunes. Pennington graciously stepped in, extending her support and readiness to serve as backup for the title bout.

Beyond her professional ventures, Pennington’s personal life is marked by her identity as an open lesbian. She is married to fellow UFC Strawweight Tecia Torres, highlighting their unity not just in marital life but also in their shared passion for MMA. Living proof of perseverance and dedication, Raquel Pennington stands as a formidable presence in UFC women’s championship history.