UFC on ESPN 73: Pennington vs. Gomes takes place November 8, 2025, featuring seasoned technician Tecia “Tiny Tornado” Pennington against surging Brazilian knockout artist Denise Gomes in a compelling striker vs. pressure-fighter matchup at strawweight.
Tecia Pennington
Tecia Pennington (15–7) has been a long-standing presence among the strawweight elite, defined by her crisp kickboxing, lateral movement, and experience against nearly every major name in the division. A veteran of the inaugural UFC strawweight class, Pennington holds notable wins over Carla Esparza, Angela Hill (twice), Bec Rawlings (twice), Michelle Waterson, and Luana Pinheiro. Currently riding a two-fight win streak, Pennington continues to rely on precision striking, speed, and defense rather than knockout power. She is a master of winning rounds through volume and angles, with 13 of her 15 career victories coming by decision.
Tecia Pennington – Last 5 Fights:
* Win vs. Luana Pinheiro – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN: Burns vs. Morales, May 17, 2025
* Win vs. Carla Esparza – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 307, Oct 5, 2024
* Loss vs. Tabatha Ricci – Decision (Split) – UFC on ESPN 56, May 11, 2024
* Loss vs. Mackenzie Dern – Decision (Split) – UFC 273, Apr 9, 2022
* Win vs. Angela Hill – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 265, Aug 7, 2021
Pennington’s keys: maintain distance, use constant movement to disrupt rhythm, and mix in high-volume striking combinations to outpoint Gomes. Her composure and octagon experience could be decisive over three rounds.[1]
Denise Gomes
Denise Gomes (11–3) has emerged as one of the division’s most dangerous new contenders. A graduate of Dana White’s Contender Series, Gomes brings an aggressive style centered on knockout power and relentless forward pressure. With seven career KOs and bonus-winning performances over Yazmin Jauregui and Elise Reed, Gomes owns some of the most explosive finishes in the division’s recent history. Her recent wins over Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Eduarda Moura underscore her development as a composed yet dangerous striker capable of sustaining pressure for all three rounds.
Denise Gomes – Last 5 Fights:
* Win vs. Elise Reed – TKO (Punches) – UFC FN: Burns vs. Morales, May 17, 2025
* Win vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN: Magny vs. Prates, Nov 9, 2024
* Win vs. Eduarda Moura – Decision (Split) – UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Imavov, Jun 8, 2024
* Loss vs. Angela Hill – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN: Almeida vs. Lewis, Nov 4, 2023
* Win vs. Yazmin Jauregui – TKO (Punches) – UFC 290, Jul 8, 2023
Gomes’ keys: close distance early, crowd Pennington’s movement with cage pressure, and land heavy hooks in close range. If she can force exchanges and make it a physical fight, her power advantage could be the deciding factor.[2]
Fight Breakdown
This matchup is a clash between Pennington’s technical precision and Gomes’ brute aggression. Pennington thrives when she keeps the fight at kickboxing range, using movement to frustrate opponents. Gomes, meanwhile, will look to crash the pocket, exchange in bursts, and test Pennington’s composure under pressure. The outcome likely depends on whether Pennington can maintain control of range or whether Gomes can break that rhythm and turn the fight chaotic.
Prediction
Expect a fast-paced, competitive contest where Pennington’s experience and output keep her narrowly ahead, but Gomes’ power and forward drive will make every exchange dangerous.
Prediction: Denise Gomes def. Tecia Pennington via Decision (Split)
A victory would catapult Gomes toward the top 10, while Pennington’s resilience keeps her firmly in the conversation among the division’s most technical veterans.