An interim ladies’s bantamweight title might come into play within the first half of 2025 if Julianna Pena is just not able to defend.
After Peña (11-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC) reclaimed the 135-pound belt with a cut up determination win over Raquel Pennington (16-9 MMA, 13-6 UFC) at UFC 307 in October, all indicators pointed to his first protection coming towards two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time PFL champion Kayla Harrison (18-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC).
The champ’s well being has created a hiccup within the UFC’s desired timeline, nevertheless, and in accordance with Harrison’s supervisor Ali Abdelaziz of Dominance MMA, the potential of an interim title being launched is on the desk.
“That is what I’ve been informed: Julianna Peña, if she’s not able to combat Kayla, she might need some well being issues – it’s going to be an interim title,” Abdelaziz informed MMA Junkie. “100, p.c that is what’s going to occur. The UFC is simply not going to carry the division as a result of somebody doesn’t need to combat or is injured. If you’re out greater than eight, 9 months then UFC ought to make an interim title. And I really like that.
“I don’t assume any division must be held as a result of somebody is injured. In the event you because the champion defend your title loads, I believe you get this courtesy. However if you happen to simply grew to become the champion and need to take a yr off, I don’t assume it’s best to get this courtesy.”
Ought to the scenario proceed as Abdelaziz is hinting, he stated there’s just one logical opponent that may make sense, and that’s former champion Pennington, who many consider was the rightful winner of the UFC 307 combat with Peña.
“I believe one hundred pc (Pennington),” Abdelaziz stated. “That is what she deserves. I’m not the matchmakers. There’s a man from Houston, Texas, named Mick Maynard who does that and it’s his job.”
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