Foto: Reprodução / Instagram
The victory of Rachel Pennington about Mayra Sheetara No. UFC 297 began a new chapter in the division of roosters (up to 61,2kg.) among women. With the North American's unprecedented achievement, the fighter became the sixth athlete to assume the throne of the category.
To remind those who miss us, the team at SUPER FIGHTS lists the trajectory of all the fighters who once led the category that opened in 2013. Check it out:
Ronda Rousey (2013-2015)
Ronda Rousey He held the bantamweight belt between 2013 and 2015. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Considered one of the main responsible for the dissemination of women's MMA in the world, Ronda Rousey not only did Dana White's 'shut up' enable the rise of women in sport. Before the appearance of the 'phenomenon', the leader of Ultimate publicly ruled out female inclusion in Ultimate.
Bronze medalist at the Beijing Games (2008), Rousey debuted in professional MMA in 2011. A specialist in grappling, the athlete needed a year to take over the now-defunct Strikeforce belt, when she overcame Miesha Tate.
The following season, Ronda ended up joining the UFC and, on her debut, won the inaugural bantamweight title against Liz Carmouche.
As champion, the North American accumulated six title defenses, holding, to this day, the record for maintaining the throne.
Holly Holm (2015-2016)
Holly holm He held the bantamweight belt between 2015 and 2016. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Former world boxing champion and, today, member of the 'Hall of Fame' in the sport, Holly holm He had a lightning-fast trajectory in the UFC to gain challenger status. Undefeated in nine matches before reaching Ultimate, the North American needed two victories to qualify for the clash against Ronda.
Famous for her excellent striking, the 'Shepherd's Daughter' was the protagonist of one of the biggest reality checks in the history of the sport. At the fateful UFC 193, the athlete put on a show and made the confrontation against Rousey seem easy, who, until now, reigned supreme in the category.
With a historic knockout, Holly would assume the position of champion.
Miesha Tate (2016)
Miesha Tate held the bantamweight belt in 2016. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Even with high morale after beating one of the greatest of all time, until that moment, Holm's reign was short-lived. In her first title defense, the 'Pastor's Daughter' ended up being defeated by the experienced Miesha Tate.
Ronda's biggest opponent in MMA, Tate had a surgical performance and used grappling to nullify the sharp boxing of the 'queen' of the division. The 'Cup Cake' triumph came in the fifth round, via submission.
Amanda Nunes (2016-2021; 2022-2023)
Amanda nunes had two bantamweight reigns (2016-2021; 2022-2023). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Executioner of Holly holm, Miesha Tate she would be the victim of what, years later, would be considered by many as the best in the history of women's MMA. In 2016, the champion was selected to face Amanda nunes, which accumulated three consecutive victories, one of which was against Valentina Shevchenko.
In the confrontation, the American woman was severely massacred. At her physical, technical and psychological peak, the Bahian woman gave the title holder no chance and achieved one of the toughest victories against a champion.
As 'queen' of the division, Nunes built a successful career. In her first reign, the Brazilian had five title defenses, one of them in a 'homeric beating' against Ronda Rousey, who, after a year away from MMA, tried to regain the belt he lost in 2015.
In 2021, Amanda was surprised in the challenge against Julianna Pena, losing the position of 'number one'. However, in an immediate rematch, the Bahian recovered and massacred the Venezuelan for five rounds, resuming the leadership of the category.
In the following season, Nunes faced Irene aldana. Visibly superior to her rival, Nunes had an easy confrontation, passing the veteran and announcing her retirement afterwards.
Julianna Peña (2021-2022)
Julianna Pena held the bantamweight belt between 2021 and 2022. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Speaker in the category, Julianna Pena shocked the world by ending the long trajectory of Amanda nunes as champion. After being harshly dominated in the first round of the confrontation that took place in UFC 269, the Venezuelan promoted a historic turnaround and submitted the Brazilian legend in the second round.
After fulfilling his promise and beating the Bahian, Peña saw his reign crumble in the immediate rematch. Run over in the rematch of the confrontation, the athlete was unsuccessful in defending her title.
Raquel Pennington (2024)
Rachel Pennington won the bantamweight belt in 2024. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
With the title vacant, it was left to Rachel Pennington e Mayra Sheetara the duty to fight for the throne left by Amanda nunes.
The challenge took place at UFC 297. Despite the tepid confrontation, the North American came out on top, nullifying the Brazilian for most of the 25 minutes played.
New champion, Pennington still does not have a confirmed date or opponent for her next match. After overcoming Sheetara, the American revealed an interest in measuring strength with Julianna Pena, with whom he admits he has 'issues to resolve'.
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