Tomorrow night on the main card of UFC Vegas 67, we are going to see a pivotal matchup with potential title implications in the women’s bantamweight division. Top contender Ketlen Vieira (13-2) will take on former title challenger Raquel “Rocky” Pennington (14-8).
Entering 2019, everyone was looking at undefeated Ketlen Vieira as someone who could become a UFC champion. Injuries had delayed her ascent to the top, but she was unbeaten and was set to take on Irene Aldana. Unfortunately, she got knocked out in the first round.
She had a stretch where she went 1-2 in three fights. Then, she got to take on former UFC champion Miesha Tate and won a decision. Then, she took on another former champion and Holly Holm and won another decision. While that might be enough for some to earn a title shot, neither fight was great which is why she’s taking on Pennington.
Starting with her title fight against Amanda Nunes back in 2018, Pennington had a stretch where she went 1-3 in four fights. Things weren’t looking great for her career. However, she’s seen a massive resurgence and she’s won four straight leading up to UFC Vegas 67.
UFC Vegas 67 Prediction
In looking at the skillsets of both fighters, I don’t think we are going to see anything entertaining in this bout. I think this is going to be a grinding and tough matchup which will ultimately lead to another decision. Neither fighter has striking to write home about.
You’re going to see a lot of clinch fighting in this one. Two fighters battling for control and ultimately, I think whoever is stronger has a great shot of winning this fight. In the clinch, you might lean a little towards the bigger fighter in Vieira.
Whenever they do strike, I think Pennington can pull ahead slightly on volume. I also expect her to be a little more active in clinch striking. This is a tough fight and if history tells us anything over her last four fights, Pennington is a master of winning ugly fights. I think she wins another one at UFC Vegas 67.
Prediction: Raquel Pennington by Decision