Raquel Pennington says everyone but the judges thought she beat Julianna Pena.
Pennington (16-10 MMA, 13-6 UFC) lost her bantamweight title to Peña (13-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC) by split decision in the co-main event of UFC 307 in Salt Lake City.
All but two media members scored the fight in favor of Pennington (h/t MMA Decisions). Pennington says even the UFC was prepping to have her announced as the winner.
“That night was just a really weird night,” Pennington told MMA Junkie Radio. “I’ve gone to a decision multiple times, and I’ve never felt so confident going to the judges’ decision. I feel like it’s one of those things, for one, when it comes to a championship fights, you have to beat the champ to be the champ – and she did not beat me.
“The three people who had the best seat in the house – the entire world, the entire media, like everybody in the UFC was for me then all of a sudden it’s like, oh – her. I think that says a lot, especially when you’re just shocked that your name got called. They even had my family lined up ready to go in there. I mean everybody, the commentators, Dana (White), were like, ‘Hmm – no.'”
Despite the disappointment in losing her title, Pennington hinted that the UFC has some plans for her.
“It was really interesting. It definitely hurt my heart, but my head is high,” Pennington continued. “It’s just another bump in the journey. I’m actually excited for what the future holds. I’ve had some great conversations with the UFC, and there’s a lot to look forward to. I definitely don’t feel like I lost that fight, so I still feel like the champ.”
