Raquel Pennington went from TUF underdog to UFC title challenger, and after dropping her opportunity
While Germaine de Randamie has called Pennington out for her own return fight, Pennington has another former title challenger in mind in the form of Cat Zingano.
“I think it would be fun to fight Cat Zingano, just for the fact that we’re both Colorado girls," said Pennington to Fightful and other reporters ahead of Tecia Torres' fight at UFC Calgary.
Pennington admitted that the first kick that she took from Amanda Nunes in their title fight, she felt like she broke her leg all over again.
“I feel like I’ve absolutely experienced everything that you could possibly experience in a fight,” Pennington said after her loss. “There’s nothing left to fear, and it’s all about having fun. I can’t explain it, but I felt an internal shift for me. It helped bring a new mission, and we’ll see what the future holds."
The fight led Pennington to rush to the defense of longtime coach Jason Kutz, who wouldn't allow Pennington out of the fight, despite her pleas to "get out."
“It really took a huge toll, and I think that’s one reason I chose to completely step away, not pay attention to anything that had to do with fighting for a little bit, and really just enjoy life on the outside a little bit. So that way, I could find a passion again," said Pennington.
In the full interview, Raquel Pennington (9-6) talks about her loss to Amanda Nunes and how she wants to fight on the UFC Denver card in November against Cat Zingano.
