

Ketlen Vieira “Fenomeno” is a rising prospect in the UFC world, with back-to-back wins over former champions Holly Holm and Miesha Tate. Her 10th appearance in the UFC has solidified her as a future contender. As the 2nd ranked contender with 13 victories and 2 defeats, Vieira is definitely a fighter to keep an eye on. However, it wasn’t enough to stop Raquel Pennington as she claimed her 5th straight win.
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Recently, Vieira faced ‘Rocky’ at UFC Fight Night Strickland Vs Imavov. Pennington, ranked 5th, was on a 4 win streak. In addition, she had made a turn around after her last loss. Furthermore, Pennington has recently married a fellow UFC fighter Tecia Torres and is expecting a baby later this year. However, this exciting time in her life did not slow her down as she put up a strong fight against Vieira. Moreover, she said before the fight that ‘Fenomeno’ was a stepping stone and she lived upto her words.
The fight went to a decision, and it was a closely contested match. The judges ultimately declared Raquel Pennington the winner via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28). However, Viera put up a strong fight and proved herself to be a formidable opponent. With both fighters on the rise in the UFC, it will be exciting to see where their careers take them next. Moreover, during her post fight interview she said that she was concerned as the she had history with the judges, referencing her loss against Holly Holm.
Fans react to Raquel Pennington win at UFC Vegas 67
At the end of the first round, Vieira’s coach said that “the first round was ours”. Whilst Pennington’s corner encouraged her to move forward. However, Pennington unleashed a vicious barrage that cut Vieira. A low strike from Pennington prompted a brief stoppage in the round, and the referee warned Pennington to be careful with her strikes. Vieira, who asked for a takedown, was met with a bold response from Pennington’s coach “This is why we train”. The exchange was intense, the second round was marked by more leg kicks from Vieira and more body strikes from Pennington, both fighters were left bloodied at the end of an intense round.

The fight continued to the third round. Moreover, fans react to the fight with excitement and anticipation as both fighters showed incredible determination and heart. The intense exchanges, the action-packed rounds, and the unexpected twists and turns had fans on the edge of their seats. The fight was a true testament to the skill, athleticism, and toughness of both fighters.
Here’s what the fans had to say:
She shouldn't have held on for dear life at the end there, take the L
— Embearding (@Ozuna926) January 15, 2023
Justice for the Holly Holm fight
— Coach Dawg (@Tdawgkunkle) January 15, 2023
We are living dangerously close to a world where Raquel Pennington is a title challenger in 2023
— Super Fan🇮🇪 (@McGregorRousey) January 15, 2023
Pennington did not win that fight lol
— Chris Longshot (@ChrisLongshot) January 15, 2023
The judges got Ketlen back for Holly Holm
— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) January 15, 2023
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Pennington earns the split decision victory over Vieira.
As I mentioned after R1, Pennington finds ways to win fights and is excellent with her adjustments.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) January 15, 2023
I had that 29-28 Vieira but didn't feel strongly either way. So Amanda Nunes vs. Raquel Pennington next, I suppose? Not many other options. #UFCVegas67
— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) January 15, 2023
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