Tecia Pennington, a strawweight contender in the UFC, secured a significant victory over Luana Pinheiro at UFC Vegas 106. This win marked a crucial point in her recent career, especially considering the personal difficulties she had faced. Despite the triumph, Pennington expressed dissatisfaction and made an impassioned plea to UFC matchmakers for a shot at higher-ranked opponents or even a championship opportunity.
With a career spanning back to The Ultimate Fighter 20, the 35-year-old Pennington has experienced many ups and downs in the UFC. After earning her contract, she competed against top strawweights, including former champions like Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Jessica Andrade, and current champion Zhang Weili.
Given the recent personal challenges outside the cage, Pennington`s victory against Pinheiro held particular significance, potentially marking it as one of her most important.
Pennington`s Emotional Plea for Higher Competition
During the post-fight press conference at UFC Vegas 106, a tearful Pennington implored the UFC brass for a chance to climb the ranks towards a title shot. She spoke about wanting to end her career strongly, aiming for the Top 5, and feeling a new “momma strength” and determination.
She emotionally shared that she had recently lost her father and had actively sought a fight to find motivation after his passing. Despite the sacrifices of training and missing time with her daughter, she expressed her deep love for the sport and her physical readiness. She added that she now fights with greater purpose, honoring her late father and grandmothers, acknowledging her emotional nature outside the cage but her focused demeanor inside.
“I want to finish this sport with great wins, I want to be one of the best in the world…in the Top 5 again,” Pennington said. “I’ve got that momma strength and will in me now, and I fight with just more in my heart now. I don’t know if you’re watching this, but I lost my Dad just three months ago. I begged for a fight because I needed something to motivate me… I’m in the gym, I’m training hard, I’m missing time with my daughter… But I also love the sport…my arms, legs, still doing it. A lot stronger than in my whole life. I just have more to fight for, I fight for myself, for my Dad in his honor, both of my grandmas…I’m a very emotional person, very nice person but not in the Octagon.”
This win followed her victory over Carla Esparza at UFC 307, which ended a two-fight losing streak for Pennington and preceded Esparza`s retirement. Prior to these recent bouts, Pennington had a mixed record, securing wins against fighters such as Angela Hill and Michelle Waterson-Gomez.
Last-Minute Fight Cancelation at UFC Vegas 106 Due to `Herpes` Diagnosis
While Pennington`s fight kicked off the night, the rest of UFC Vegas 106 unfolded with notable moments, including a significant last-minute change to the card. The scheduled light heavyweight bout between Rodolfo Bellato and Paul Craig was canceled just minutes before it was set to happen.
Rodolfo Bellato later clarified the unusual reason for his withdrawal, stating a `herpes` diagnosis prevented him from competing. The fight is reportedly planned to be rescheduled, although Paul Craig has not publicly commented on the situation as of the report.
