Raquel Pennington

Raquel Pennington is an American Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) bantamweight division. She is currently ranked number 9 in the division and has been competing since 2010. A Colorado native, Pennington started her combat sports career with wrestling and was a state champion at Grand Junction, Colorado High School before she began participating in amateur MMA fights. After winning four of her first seven amateur bouts, she made her professional debut in 2011 with a unanimous decision victory over Mariah Prussia at Invicta FC 3.

Pennington made a successful transition to the professional circuit and won six out of her next eight fights against opponents such as Jessica Andrade, Cat Zingano and Miesha Tate – all current UFC fighters who have fought for titles within their respective divisions. She moved up to Bantamweight after winning three consecutive matches by submission or technical knockout via strikes en route to signing with the UFC in 2014.

Pennington experienced varied success during her tenure with the promotion but found greatest success when she challenged Amanda Nunes for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight title at UFC 224 on May 12th 2018 – becoming only one of two women from Colorado ever to challenge for a title on that stage – ultimately losing by technical knockout due to strikes late into Round 5 of their 5 round fight. Her courageous performance earned admiration from fans around the world despite not being victorious overall as it showcased how strong-willed Pennington can be inside and outside of competition circles where she often speaks about issues related to mental health awareness – something which inspired generations after growing up witnessing domestic abuse amongst family members throughout childhood; this courage was also endorsed by The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence who applauded Penningtons resilience during interviews following that loss against Nunes where they praised both individuals involved including those supporting them “in recognition of overcoming adversity” through determination rather than resorting to hurtful behaviors towards each other which many unfortunately experience behind closed doors worldwide – despite it not necessarily being preferential behavior even if observed most commonly due recent historical influences yet now slowly beginning its downfall thanks largely in part nowadays due supporters like Raquel raising awareness & inspiring others via positivity instead .

Outside MMA, Raquel works full time as an Accountant & dabbles occasionally into public speaking events but still remains active within training & fighting circles…she currently trains out of Trinity Training Center alongside fighters like fellow bantamweights Holly Holm & Julianna Peña among many others while also working closely with Sports Nutritionist Layne Norton II who helps provide dietary advice; this same coach recently confirmed upcoming plans aimed towards further improving elements related to nutrition aspects prior moving forward amidst planning future matchups alongside brand new sponsorships associated going forward potentially leading onto some major accomplishments soon enough !