The female super-fight everyone was hoping for between Amanda Nunes and Cris Cyborg, never actually got finalized by the UFC, despite both fighters agreeing to the bout.
Then, today we learned that Cris Cyborg has been booked in a last-minute bout to save the struggling UFC 222 fight card.
UFC 222 found itself in desperate need of a headliner after Max Holloway pulled out with an injury.
With Cyborg agreeing to save the show, this leaves Amanda Nunes absent a champion vs. champion fight.
Enter Raquel Pennington.
While not official, UFC.com reporter Damon Martin has taken to twitter and revealed that negotiations are underway for Amanda Nunes to return to action against top Bantamweight contender Raqual Pennington.
Check it out:
Sources say Amanda Nunes vs. Raquel Pennington is being discussed currently…haven’t heard a date but I’d assume UFC 224 in Brazil would be a likely landing spot.
Sources say Amanda Nunes vs. Raquel Pennington is being discussed currently…haven't heard a date but I'd assume UFC 224 in Brazil would be a likely landing spot. #UFC
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) February 7, 2018
Of course, working for UFC.com, it’s weird calling this a rumor, as he does indeed represent the company, and they’re fight announcement department, so we won’t do that. However, this is not an official announcement from the UFC.
Pennington is on a four fight winning steak and is the logical next fight for the champion. In her most recent bout she dominated and retired former UFC champion Miesha Tate.
Stay tuned, as we await further word.
