The UFC women's bantamweight division continues to heat up, and few fighters embody its toughness and tenacity like Raquel Pennington. A seasoned competitor, Pennington has battled her way to the top of the division, delivering thrilling performances against some of the sport's elite. Fresh off a controversial split decision loss to Julianna Peña for the bantamweight title at UFC 307, Pennington finds herself at a pivotal crossroads in her career. With the belt narrowly slipping through her fingers, the question now is: who will stand across from her next in the octagon?

1. Norma Dumont (12-2 MMA, #5 UFC Bantamweight)

Dumont is riding an impressive five-fight win streak, building her reputation on technical striking and stifling defense. Her recent return to bantamweight has been nothing short of spectacular.

• Win vs. Irene Aldana (Decision, UFC 306, Sep 2024): Dumont masterfully controlled the range, picking apart Aldana with precision striking.
• Win vs. Germaine de Randamie (Decision, UFC Fight Night, Apr 2024): Dumont dominated the former featherweight champion, showcasing her evolution as a fighter.
• Win vs. Chelsea Chandler (Decision, UFC on ESPN, Jul 2023): A commanding display of striking and defense in a one-sided affair.
• Win vs. Karol Rosa (Decision, UFC Fight Night, Apr 2023): Outpointed Rosa with pinpoint accuracy and superior footwork.
• Win vs. Danyelle Wolf (Decision, UFC 279, Sep 2022): Dumont outclassed Wolf in a striking clinic.

A clash between Dumont and Pennington would likely be a technical battle, both women possessing sharp striking and well-rounded skills, making for a chess match in the octagon.

2. Ketlen Vieira (14-4 MMA, #3 UFC Bantamweight)

Known for her brute strength and grappling dominance, Vieira is no stranger to tough competition. A rematch with Pennington could reignite the flames of their close 2023 encounter.

• Loss vs. Kayla Harrison (Decision, UFC 307, Oct 2024): Vieira found herself outmatched by Harrison’s grappling but remained competitive throughout the bout.
• Win vs. Pannie Kianzad (Decision, UFC Fight Night, Jul 2023): Controlled the fight from start to finish with her superior grappling.
• Loss vs. Raquel Pennington (Split Decision, UFC Fight Night, Jan 2023): In a razor-thin fight, Vieira came up short in a decision many thought could have gone her way.
• Win vs. Holly Holm (Split Decision, UFC Fight Night, May 2022): A defining win, Vieira edged out the former champion with a mix of striking and clinch control.
• Win vs. Miesha Tate (Decision, UFC Fight Night, Nov 2021): Dominated the former champion with physicality and technical prowess.

A rematch between Vieira and Pennington promises fireworks, with Vieira looking to avenge her loss and prove her evolution as a fighter.

3. Macy Chiasson (10-3 MMA, #4 UFC Bantamweight)

Chiasson, with her versatility in finishing fights, has shown immense growth since her 2021 loss to Pennington. A second bout between the two would test just how far she’s come.

• Win vs. Mayra Bueno Silva (TKO, UFC 303, Jun 2024): Chiasson forced a doctor stoppage after an onslaught of ground-and-pound, earning a Performance of the Night bonus.
• Win vs. Pannie Kianzad (Submission, UFC Fight Night, Mar 2024): Chiasson’s improved grappling was on full display with a first-round submission victory.
• Loss vs. Irene Aldana (KO, UFC 279, Sep 2022): A brutal upkick to the body ended Chiasson’s night in a catchweight bout.
• Win vs. Norma Dumont (Split Decision, UFC 274, May 2022): Grit and determination carried Chiasson to a hard-fought victory.
• Loss vs. Raquel Pennington (Submission, UFC Fight Night, Dec 2021): Submitted by Pennington in their first meeting via guillotine choke.

Chiasson’s resurgence makes a rematch with Pennington a tantalizing prospect. Her evolution, particularly in grappling, adds new dimensions to a potential rematch that could go either way.