Tag: ufc 307

Carla Esparza Announces UFC 307 Return Will Be Her Retirement Fight: ‘I Feel It’s Time’

Former UFC strawweight champion Carla Esparza has announced that her next outing inside the Octagon will be her last. News recently broke, via MMA Junkie’s Nolan King, that she is set to return from a near two-year lay off to face Tecia Pennington at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 5. Esparza […]

Continue Reading Carla Esparza Announces UFC 307 Return Will Be Her Retirement Fight: ‘I Feel It’s Time’ at MMA News.

Former UFC strawweight champion Carla Esparza has announced that her next outing inside the Octagon will be her last.

News recently broke, via MMA Junkie’s Nolan King, that she is set to return from a near two-year lay off to face Tecia Pennington at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 5.

Esparza has been inactive since losing her title to Weili Zhang at UFC 281 in November of 2022.

In the following months, the 36-year old announced that she was pregnant with a son and therefore, has been taking some time off before working towards one last dance.

Carla Esparza Says ‘It’s Time’ To End Her Near 15-Year Career

Esparza announced on social media that her recently reported fight will be the final outing of her 27-fight pro career.

Having made her pro back in 2010, “Cookie Monster” would go on to win season 20 of The Ultimate Fighter which saw her be crowned as the inaugural UFC women’s strawweight champion by defeating Rose Namajunas in the final.

Having already become the inaugural Invicta strawweight champion before signing to the UFC, she remained in this weight class her entire career and put together her best-ever streak before the loss to Zhang in November of 2022.

Winning six-straight, including victories over the likes of Alexa Grasso and Yan Xiaonan, Esparza would defeat Namajunas once again at UFC 274 to become a two-time UFC champion at 115-pounds.

Now she feels, as she said herself on social media, it’s the right time for her to ride off into the sunset following a rematch with Pennington who she defeated a decade ago on route to winning The Ultimate Fighter.

“*RETIREMENT FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT*
I will be stepping into The UFC Octagon on Saturday, October 5th for the final time. After almost 15 years as a professional, fighting the best of the best, I feel it’s time to hang up my gloves. This choice is made for my body and my family; 20+ years doing combat sports takes its toll.

I wanted to give my ‘Cookie Monster’ fans, who have never been there to watch me live, one final opportunity. It feels bittersweet to leave this sport that I love so much, but I’m happy to be doing it on my own terms.”
#UFC307

Read also: José Aldo, Kayla Harrison Have Returns In The Works For UFC 307 On October 5

Continue Reading Carla Esparza Announces UFC 307 Return Will Be Her Retirement Fight: ‘I Feel It’s Time’ at MMA News.

More Sources: Kayla Harrison to Fight Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307 – Winner earns title shot

Kayla Harrison vs Ketlen Vieira UFC 307As previously reported by LowKickMMA, more sources have come forward to confirm Kayla Harrison vs. Ketlen Vieira at UFC…

Kayla Harrison vs Ketlen Vieira UFC 307

As previously reported by LowKickMMA, more sources have come forward to confirm Kayla Harrison vs. Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307.

Kayla Harrison vs Ketlen Vieira

Brazil’s Ketlen Vieira is coming off of a victory in 2023 and is in the top three rankings for the women’s bantamweight division. Vieira has a background as a submission fighter. The 32-year-old ‘Fenômeno’ is hoping to get another win to jump into a title shot against current champ Raquel Pennington.

The US-born Kayla Harrison, the PFL and Olympic star made quite a splash in her UFC debut as she submitted former champion Holly Holm in the second round. Harrison has been the target of much trash talk from former titleholder Julianna Pena. But, Harrison is focused on UFC gold.

The bantamweight division has been quite chaotic since all-time great Amanda Nunes vacated her title and retired in 2023. Kayla Harrison vs Ketlen Vieira will likely be a title eliminator. At UFC 307, Kayla Harrison vs Ketlen Vieira is expected to go down, and the winner to face the division champion Raquel Pennington. Pennington captured the vacant title when she defeated Mayra Bueno Silva earlier in 2024.

Ketlen Vieira

The Brazilian Ketlen Vieira is looking to show off her dangerous grappling game. She has a black belt in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. Additionally, she holds the record for the highest takedown defense in her division. Throughout her UFC career, she has defeated notable fighters such as Holly Holm, Miesha Tate, Cat Zingano, and Olympic wrestler Sara McMann.

Kayla Harrison

Kayla Harrison earned multiple gold medals in the Olympics representing the USA in Judo, in 2012 and 2016. Additionally, she earned multiple championship titles for Judo at international and national levels over the years. Since switching to competing in MMA, she has earned multiple titles in the PFL and recently began competing in the UFC’s bantamweight division.

Kayla Harrison vs Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307 is set to take place on October 5 and the location is not yet confirmed. The event is expected to also feature Jose Aldo and Aljamain Sterling, among others.

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

More Sources: Kayla Harrison to Fight Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307 – Winner earns title shot

Kayla Harrison vs Ketlen Vieira UFC 307As previously reported by LowKickMMA, more sources have come forward to confirm Kayla Harrison vs. Ketlen Vieira at UFC…

Kayla Harrison vs Ketlen Vieira UFC 307

As previously reported by LowKickMMA, more sources have come forward to confirm Kayla Harrison vs. Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307.

Kayla Harrison vs Ketlen Vieira

Brazil’s Ketlen Vieira is coming off of a victory in 2023 and is in the top three rankings for the women’s bantamweight division. Vieira has a background as a submission fighter. The 32-year-old ‘Fenômeno’ is hoping to get another win to jump into a title shot against current champ Raquel Pennington.

The US-born Kayla Harrison, the PFL and Olympic star made quite a splash in her UFC debut as she submitted former champion Holly Holm in the second round. Harrison has been the target of much trash talk from former titleholder Julianna Pena. But, Harrison is focused on UFC gold.

The bantamweight division has been quite chaotic since all-time great Amanda Nunes vacated her title and retired in 2023. Kayla Harrison vs Ketlen Vieira will likely be a title eliminator. At UFC 307, Kayla Harrison vs Ketlen Vieira is expected to go down, and the winner to face the division champion Raquel Pennington. Pennington captured the vacant title when she defeated Mayra Bueno Silva earlier in 2024.

Ketlen Vieira

The Brazilian Ketlen Vieira is looking to show off her dangerous grappling game. She has a black belt in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. Additionally, she holds the record for the highest takedown defense in her division. Throughout her UFC career, she has defeated notable fighters such as Holly Holm, Miesha Tate, Cat Zingano, and Olympic wrestler Sara McMann.

Kayla Harrison

Kayla Harrison earned multiple gold medals in the Olympics representing the USA in Judo, in 2012 and 2016. Additionally, she earned multiple championship titles for Judo at international and national levels over the years. Since switching to competing in MMA, she has earned multiple titles in the PFL and recently began competing in the UFC’s bantamweight division.

Kayla Harrison vs Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307 is set to take place on October 5 and the location is not yet confirmed. The event is expected to also feature Jose Aldo and Aljamain Sterling, among others.

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

Carla Esparza’s First Fight Since Zhang Weili Title Loss In 2022 Targeted For UFC 307

The comeback of former two-time UFC women’s strawweight champion Carla Esparza is in the works for this fall. Esparza hasn’t entered the Octagon since losing the 115-pound gold to Zhang Weili by way of submission at UFC 281 in November 2022. The 36-year-old announced that she was pregnant four months later and gave birth to […]

Continue Reading Carla Esparza’s First Fight Since Zhang Weili Title Loss In 2022 Targeted For UFC 307 at MMA News.

The comeback of former two-time UFC women’s strawweight champion Carla Esparza is in the works for this fall.

Esparza hasn’t entered the Octagon since losing the 115-pound gold to Zhang Weili by way of submission at UFC 281 in November 2022. The 36-year-old announced that she was pregnant four months later and gave birth to her son in September 2023.

“Cookie Monster” is now ready to resume her fighting career, and per MMA Junkie’s Nolan King, that’s expected to begin with a rematch of sorts against fellow veteran contender Tecia Pennington.

King’s report revealed that the strawweight scrap is targeted for the UFC 307 pay-per-view on October 5, expected to take place in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Continue Reading Carla Esparza’s First Fight Since Zhang Weili Title Loss In 2022 Targeted For UFC 307 at MMA News.

Report – Jose Aldo set to fight Mario Bautista in return at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City

Jose Aldo set to fight Mario Bautista in return at UFC 307 in Salt Lake CityFormer undisputed featherweight champion, Jose Aldo is set to make his second outing of the year since his Octagon…

Jose Aldo set to fight Mario Bautista in return at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City

Former undisputed featherweight champion, Jose Aldo is set to make his second outing of the year since his Octagon return, taking on bantamweight contender, Mario Bautista at UFC 307 in October at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Aldo, a fan-favorite veteran and inaugural UFC featherweight champion, made his return to mixed martial arts at UFC 301 back in May in his native Brazil, landing a one-sided unanimous decision win over Jonathan Martinez – in the final fight on his deal.

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As for Bautista, the current number twelve ranked bantamweight contender is currently in the midst of an impressive six-fight winning spree in the Octagon, most recently beating Ricky Simon in a unanimous decision effort at UFC Vegas 84 back in January.

Jose Aldo

News of Jose Aldo’s return to action against Mario Bautista at UFC 307 was first reported by Brazilian outlet, AgFight.

Making his return to action on home soil at UFC 301 earlier this year, Manaus striking veteran, Aldo made good on his comeback to mixed martial arts with a decision win over the above-mentioned, Martinez.

Aldo, an inductee into the promotion’s Hall of Fame, made his return to action following a two-year layoff – following a prior decision defeat against incoming Noche UFC headliner and title challenger, Merab Dvalishvili. 

Jose Aldo UFC 301 1

Prior to that defeat, the streaking Aldo had turned in consecutive victories over Marlon Vera, compatriot, Pedro Munhoz, and Rob Font in impressive displays.

Jose Aldo makes return at UFC 307 with Mario Bautista

While an official headliner for UFC 307 has yet to be determined at the time of publication, an undisputed bantamweight title fight between Raquel Pennington, and former champion, Julianna Pena is expected to feature in the organization’s return to the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

José Aldo, Kayla Harrison Have Returns In The Works For UFC 307 On October 5

Two major names are reportedly set to be in action at the UFC 307 pay-per-view, targeted for Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 5. Legendary former featherweight champion José Aldo and two-time PFL title winner Kayla Harrison have their returns in the works for the numbered event, with the former being lined up to face […]

Continue Reading José Aldo, Kayla Harrison Have Returns In The Works For UFC 307 On October 5 at MMA News.

Two major names are reportedly set to be in action at the UFC 307 pay-per-view, targeted for Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 5.

Legendary former featherweight champion José Aldo and two-time PFL title winner Kayla Harrison have their returns in the works for the numbered event, with the former being lined up to face Mario Bautista and the latter expected to share the Octagon with Ketlen Vieira.

Aldo returned from a short-lived retirement on home soil this past May, outpointing Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro. Having fought out his contract, uncertainty surrounded “Junior’s” status and future plans.

But in spite of boxing talk, Ag. Fight reported this week that the Brazilian has committed to another outing inside the Octagon.

The outlet also corroborated a previous report from Super Lutas’ Léo Guimaraes, who was the first to reveal plans for Harrison and Vieira to collide at UFC 307.

Aldo Targets Second Win Since Return, Harrison Looks For Second UFC Win Since PFL Switch

Should these two matchups be confirmed, both Aldo and Harrison will be looking to build on strong outings in the first half of this year.

Aldo (32-8) originally brought his MMA career to an end after his pursuit of a second bantamweight title shot was stalled by Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 278 in August 2022. Prior to that, he’d reeled off three straight wins over Marlon Vera, Pedro Munhoz, and Rob Font.

The ex-featherweight kingpin, who fell short of two-division glory opposite Petr Yan in the summer of 2020, went on to compete in three boxing matches, winning two and fighting to a majority draw against fellow UFC vet Jeremy Stephens.

He subsequently made his successful comeback to the cage in Rio this year, returning to the rankings at #8 as a result. He’s next tasked with defending his position on the ladder against the #12-ranked Bautista (14-2), a teammate of champion Sean O’Malley’s who has had his hand raised in six consecutive bouts. His most recent triumph came at the expense of Ricky Simón this past January.

Jose Aldo
Image: Alexandre Loureiro/Zuffa LLC

Harrison (17-1) transitioned from judo, a sport in which she collected back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 2012 and 2016, to mixed martial arts and joined the PFL. After winning two lightweight seasons, her bid for a third title came to a halt in the final opposite Larissa Pacheco.

After returning with a victory over Aspen Ladd last November, the Ohio native committed to a UFC switch and a venture down at bantamweight. That foray got underway in strong style this past April, where she thrilled the UFC 300 crowd by submitting a former champion in Holly Holm.

Having entered the title picture at #3, Harrison will need to get through the #2-ranked Vieira (14-3) if she’s to book her first championship opportunity in the UFC. The Brazilian is coming off a decision victory over Pannie Kianzad in July 2023, a result that saw her bounce back from a narrow defeat at the hands of now-champ Raquel Pennington.

With these additions, the fights currently expected to take place at UFC 307 on October 5 are as follows:

  • Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling (featherweight)
  • José Aldo vs. Mario Bautista (bantamweight)
  • Chris Curtis vs. Kevin Holland (middleweight)
  • Ketlen Vieira vs. Kayla Harrison (women’s bantamweight)
  • Marina Rodriguez vs. Iasmin Lucindo (women’s strawweight)
  • Ihor Potieria vs. César Almeida (middleweight)
Kayla Harrison & Holly Holm
Image: Cooper Neill/UFC/Zuffa LLC

Continue Reading José Aldo, Kayla Harrison Have Returns In The Works For UFC 307 On October 5 at MMA News.