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Exclusive – Raquel Pennington condemns Sean Strickland’s ‘Hate speech’ pre-UFC 297: ‘Female fighters are here to stay’

Raquel Pennington was not a fan of Sean Strickland’s antics ahead of UFC 297 and took the time to…

Raquel Pennington was not a fan of Sean Strickland’s antics ahead of UFC 297 and took the time to discuss how his ridicule could be construed as hate speech.

Entering UFC 297 as the undisputed middleweight champion, Sean Strickland was on top of the world. As boisterous as ever, he showed up to media day wearing a shirt that proclaimed: “A woman in every kitchen, a gun in every hand.” That was just the beginning though, as he’d later go on and spout a number of comments that some could perceive as homophobic.

A video featuring a breakdown of the comments by Sean Strickland during UFC 297 fight week that were perceived to be “hate speech”

Speaking to Lowkick MMA reporter Mike Owens, Raquel Pennington would touch upon the experience of UFC 297 fight week, and address the comments that were made.

Raquel Pennington draws the line between freedom of speech and hate speech

“Everybody has their opinions, and they’re warranted to how they feel and stuff,” Pennington began, speaking as an openly gay woman. “But you’re not going to tell me how to live my life, and I’m not going to tell you how to live your life. I don’t find the need to judge other people’s lifestyles… He wants to talk about female fighters, but we’re here to stay.”

“I can respect the UFC for giving a platform to where we have freedom of speech, and they allow us athletes to be ourselves and whatnot, but I do feel a significant difference in freedom of speech and hate speech. And there were a lot of interesting things coming on that end (hate speech)… He talks all big and bad all the time on the camera, and he’s constantly running his mouth, but then you see him in person, and he’s looking the other direction.”

Sean Strickland argues for title rematch with Dricus du Plessis that needs to be run back — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Raquel Pennington went on to say that things said on such a big platform can negatively affect the way some people feel. Saying that Strickland voicing such things on a platform like the UFC “breaks her heart”. But, ‘Rocky’ did hold firm in claiming that the ‘hate speech’ would never hold her back from doing her job in the cage.

What’s your opinion on Sean Strickland saying things that borderline on hate speech?

Exclusive – Raquel Pennington claims Kayla Harrison set to find herself ‘Exposed’ in UFC 300 debut fight

Newly-minted undisputed bantamweight champion, Raquel Pennington claims if soon-to-be common-foe, Holly Holm turns it on against incoming debutante, Kayla…

Newly-minted undisputed bantamweight champion, Raquel Pennington claims if soon-to-be common-foe, Holly Holm turns it on against incoming debutante, Kayla Harrison in their massive UFC 300 fight next month – the Albuquerque striker could upset the apple cart and hand the former an Octagon debut loss.

Pennington, an alum of The Ultimate Fighter, finally struck Octagon gold at the second time of trying earlier this year in the co-main event of UFC 297 – landing a one-sided unanimous decision win over surging Brazilian phenom, Mayra Bueno Silva in the pair’s vacant title affair.

And becoming the division’s first champion in absence of the retired, Amanda Nunes – who briefly entertained a return following the Colorado native’s respective ascension, Pennington has firmly found herself in the crosshairs of chasing back, Harrison, and ex-champion, Julianna Peña.

Welcoming the chance to land a first title fight defense against Washington native, Peña in her return to the Octagon later this year, Pennington has been vocal about a potential showdown with former PFL champion, Harrison in the future – although questioned how the two-time Olympic gold medalist could cut the cue at 135 pounds.

Kayla Harrison vows to land vicious win in debut at UFC 300 they'll have choice but to give me a title shot — Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

Making her long-anticipated first outing under the Dana White-led banner next month on a monumental UFC 300 card, Harrison’s ability to make bantamweight numbers for the first time in her career have been called into serious question.

Raquel Pennington previews Kayla Harrison clash in the future

However, as far as Pennington is concerned, Harrison, a staple of American Top Team, should more so be worried about her ability to compete at that weight class, efficiently – claiming Holm could cause her serious threat if on veteran form.

Kayla Harrison odds released on future bantamweight title win ahead of UFC 300 by end of 2024

“I think she (Kayla Harrison) could definitely make the weight,” Raquel Pennington told LowKick MMA in an exclusive interview. “It’s [bantamweight] obviously going to be a new place for her. I think my biggest question is, ‘Okay, you’ve made the weight, but how are you going to perform at that weight?’”

“And then, just that fight [with Holly Holm], in general,” Raquel Pennington explained. “I feel like if Holly brings the fighter out that came into the UFC, she’ll definitely expose Kayla again. Kayla fought Larissa Pacheco, and Larissa threw her hands, and during that fight, Kayla had a really hard time, she couldn’t get off with her gameplan like she’s used to.”

Entering the Octagon off the back of a victory, Harrison, a career lightweight who twice landed tournament gold success under the PFL banner, most recently handed UFC alum, Aspen Ladd a decision loss in their clash toward the end of last year.

Who wins in a future title meeting: Raquel Pennington or Kayla Harrison?

Kayla Harrison denied title fight with debut win at UFC 300: ‘She doesn’t just deserve to skip the line’

Ahead of her long-awaited Octagon bow at UFC 300 in April, former PFL (Professional Fighters League) star, Kayla Harrison…

Ahead of her long-awaited Octagon bow at UFC 300 in April, former PFL (Professional Fighters League) star, Kayla Harrison has been denied a shot at bantamweight gold off the back by current champion, Raquel Pennington, even if she topples common-foe and former champion, Holly Holm in her debut.

Harrison, a two-time PFL lightweight tournament winner and two-time Olympic gold medalist in Judo, is set to make her move debut in the Octagon in April – taking on former undisputed bantamweight champion, Holm in a high-stakes clash at the bantamweight limit.

Sidelined since last November, Ohio native, Harrison most recently turned in a one-sided unanimous decision win over former UFC bantamweight contender, Aspen Ladd in her final PFL outing

Moving to 16-1 as a professiona, Harrison’s sole professional defeat came in the form of a decision loss to three-time foe, Larissa Pacheco in the pair’s trilogy lightweight tournament finale fight.

Kayla Harrison denied title fight with UFC 300 win

And widely tipped to land bantamweight spoils by the end of the year if she can successfully make the 135 pound limit in April, Harrison’s pursuit of a championship won’t begin after UFC 300, according to Colorado gold holder, Pennington.

“There have been plenty of athletes that have been here a long time,” Pennington told MMA Fighting. “They’re busting their ass every single day, they’re trying to grind through each and every fight and build things for themsevles, and work their way to that opportunity, and I feel like she doesn’t deserve to just skip the line because she has a huge name behind her.”

Can Kayla Harrison win the bantamweight title after her debut at UFC 300?

Raquel Pennington eyes summer fight with UFC enemy Julianna Peña: ‘I’m so excited to finally punch her in the mouth’

Landing the vacant bantamweight championship last month at UFC 297, newly minted division best, Raquel Pennington has confirmed plans…

Landing the vacant bantamweight championship last month at UFC 297, newly minted division best, Raquel Pennington has confirmed plans for a summer return in a first title defense, in a grudge fight against former champion and fellow TUF alum, Julianna Peña.

Pennington, the newly-crowned bantamweight champion, co-headlined UFC 297 back in January in Canada, landing a one-sided decision shutout win over surging Brazilian grappling ace, Mayra Bueno Silva to win the vacant title.

As for Peña, The Ultimate Figher victor has been sidelined since 2022, suffering a one-sided decision loss of her own against common-foe, Amanda Nunes, dropping the bantamweight crown in a championship rematch.

And forced from a planned trilogy rubber match with Nunes at a pay-per-view event last June in ‘The Great White North’, Peña has been sidelined through injury, leaving her unable to fight the Brazilian at UFC 289.

Raquel Pennington welcomes summer fight with Julianna Peña

Planning her return to the Octagon in a title fight with Pennington in the aftermath of the Colorado native’s decision win over Bueno Silva, Peña’s wishes are set to be granted by the new gold holder, who plans a summer comeback to defend the title in the pair’s grudge match.

“At the end of the day, it’s exactly what I told Mayra (Bueno Silva) when we were getting ready to fight at the press conference: we were there and she started on, but our fists are going to do the talking,” Raquel Pennington told MMA Fighting. “It’s the same thing. You can keep running you mouth, you can keep saying all these things. I feel like Julianna (Peña) has a very delusional version of our history together, but it makes it fun.”

“It’s building a storyline, and the more she keeps talking and yapping, she’s selling things,” Raquel Pennington explained. “Good for you. But at the end of the day, our fists are going to talk and I’ll you what, this is a fight I’ve been wating for since 2013 and we were on The Ultimate Fighter. Somehow our time has not aligned, but obviously it’s coming, and I’m excited to finally punch her ass in the mouth. I will say that.”

Who wins in a summer title fight: Raquel Pennington or Julianna Peña?

Raquel Pennington unsure of Kayla Harrison’s ability of UFC 300 debut fight: ‘She’s going to be exposed a little bit’

Newly-minted undisputed bantamweight champion, Raquel Pennington remains unsold on the ability of Kayla Harrison to turn her dominance in…

Newly-minted undisputed bantamweight champion, Raquel Pennington remains unsold on the ability of Kayla Harrison to turn her dominance in the PFL (Professional Fighters League) to the Octagon ahead of her landing at UFC 300 – claiming the Ohio native may be in for a rude awakening in the organization.

Pennington, the newly-crowned undisputed bantamweight titleholder, co-headlined UFC 297 earlier this month in Canada, landing a one-sided unanimous decision win over Brazilian challenger, Mayra Bueno Silva in the pair’s vacant title affair.

As for Harrison, the former two-time PFL lightweight tournament victor and two-time Olympic gold medal winner in Judo, became the latest acquisition of the Dana White-led promotion last week, penning a multi-fight deal with the organization.

And booked for her debut, Harrison will attempt to make the bantamweight limit for the first time in her mixed martial arts run, taking on former division champion, Holly Holm in a high-stakes clash at UFC 300.

Raquel Pennington unsure of Kayla Harrison ahead of UFC 300

However, as far as the newly-minted titleholder, Pennington is concerned, Harrison – who has been widely backed to land spoils in the promotion if she can successfully make a bantamweight run, could be in for a rather eye-opening outing in the UFC.

“She (Kayla Harrison) has a huge hype following her and whatnot,” Raquel Pennington old Unlocking The Cage during a recent interview. “But I think that she’s going to be exposed a little bit. I feel like she hasn’t truly been challenged in the PFL.”

"She has a huge hype following her and whatnot, but I think that she's going to be exposed a little bit."

New BW champ, @RockyPMMA shares her thoughts on Kayla Harrison signing with UFC & her debut against Holly Holm at #UFC300

Source: Unlocking the Cage | @RJcliffordMMA pic.twitter.com/VQztP6ohLk

— MMA on SiriusXM (@MMAonSiriusXM) January 30, 2024

Boasting a 16-1 professional record, in her sole professional loss, Harrison dropped a decision loss to three-time foe, Larissa Pacheco – having twice beating the Brazilian in lightweight tournament wins previously.

In her most recent outing last year, Harrison landed a unanimous decision win over former UFC bantamweight contender, Aspen Ladd at PFL 10 in Washington.

Do you expect Kayla Harrison to make good on her landing at UFC 300?

Raquel Pennington opens as betting favorite to beat Julianna Peña after championship win at UFC 297

Newly minted undisputed bantamweight champion, Raquel Pennington has opened as a betting favorite to beat former titleholder, Julianna Peña…

Newly minted undisputed bantamweight champion, Raquel Pennington has opened as a betting favorite to beat former titleholder, Julianna Peña in a future title fight – following her coronation at UFC 297 over the course of the weekend in Toronto.

Pennington, who co-headlined UFC 297 over the course of the weekend in ‘The Great White North’ – turned in a one-sided unanimous decision win over Mayra Bueno Silva in her second pursuit of the bantamweight crown.

Sidelined herself for the prior year, former champion and The Ultimate Fighter winner, Peña has yet to feature since July 2022, most recently suffering a championship fight loss to common-foe, Amanda Nunes in the pair’s title clash rematch.

And forced from a title trilogy rubber match with Nunes at UFC 289 back in June of last year amid an injury, Peña was replaced by Irene Aldana, with the Mexican suffering a unanimous decision loss in what came as Brazilian favorite, Nunes’ final fight.

Welcoming a first title defense against Peña after her one-sided judging win over Bueno Silva at UFC 297 over the course of the weekend, Raquel Pennington has opened as a -150 betting favorite to beat the +130 betting underdog and former gold holder, Peña if they share the Octagon.

Raquel Pennington backed to beat Julianna Peña in UFC title fight

And mentioning her intentions to score a fight with Raquel Pennington as soon as the summer – Julianna Peña has one eye on a potential International Fight Week event in June, which is slated for Las Vegas, where fans and spectators can choose to play the best slots to play online for real money.

Voicing her interest in a quickfire turnaround against Peña in the immediate aftermath of her title fight victory against Bueno Silva in Canada, Pennington notably pointed to the pair’s stint on the above-mentioned Ultimate Fighter – as an interesting storyline for the duo’s expected grudge fight for gold.

“That’s the fight that makes sense,” Raquel Pennington said of a bout with Julianna Peña whilst speaking after UFC 297. “ I honestly thought that for the world title it was going to be me and Julianna, but she’s still injured.”

“That relationship just goes back to 2013 when we were both back in The Ultimate Fighter,” Raquel Pennington explained. “Let’s just say, I learned Julianna’s personality then, and it’s kind of one of those where you stay your way, and I’ll stay mine, but you get under my damn skin, I’ve been waiting for that fight for 13 years – whether the title is on the line or not.”

A potential spanner may be thrown into the works for Peña, however, with the above-noted former duel-weight champion, Nunes appearing not so committal on her June retirement, amid her prior TKO win over Pennington, and failing to close the door completely on a return to the sport.

“We’ll see what happens, you know,” Amanda Nunes told Megan Olivi following UFC 297. “I’m still young, you know – fresh. You know, like, you never know. We have a lot of things to do, I have a lot of things to figure out at home still – what I’m gonna do. And, we’ll see what happens.”

“I don’t know, you know,” Amanda Nunes explained when asked if the door remained open on her return. “I’m a fighter, you know. This is my job. And I love this so much, and I don’t know.”