Pennington says giving up was not an option. “If I gave up, I would be giving up on myself.” Photo Reproduction / @ufc
In contention for the bantamweight belt, Amanda nunes e Rachel Pennington they faced each other at UFC 224, on Saturday (12). The Brazilian retained her title, finishing the fight via knockout in the fifth round. During the fight, the American told her trainer that she would not return for the last round. Jason Kutz said he wouldn't let her give up.
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In an interview with the 'MMA Hour' program, Pennington came to Kutz's defense and said that only they know what happened during the interval between the fourth and fifth rounds. The American explained that she thought she would not be able to withstand the pain of Amanda's kicks to her injured leg.
“I agreed with my team's decision as soon as the fight ended. I agreed with them at that moment. I could have given up the fight, I could have sat down and hit. But I chose not to do that. I didn't want to give up. Giving up is not an option. If I gave up, I would be giving up on myself. And that's when a coach steps in and pushes his athlete to the limit. I would be mad at myself. I’m happy that my coaches didn’t let me give up,” he said.
Pennington said that a lot of pressure is placed on the coach and team who made the decision to continue the fight. She further justified that they would never put her in a bad situation. “I was the one who had to console him, because he was devastated. I told him: 'You motivated me as an athlete, you didn't let me give up. I am very proud of you'. They are trying to keep their heads up. They are great coaches and I love them”, concluded the fighter.
Post-fight, Raquel received a 60-day medical suspension and will also be evaluated by a surgeon.
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