After receiving a 9-month suspension for engaging in a fight with the audience, the rumors of #1 ranked UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan facing current UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev, in a highly anticipated and fan-demanded fight, on the UFC 307 main card, have been put to rest.

However, the latest news related to UFC 307 is likely to be announced soon. A recently updated MMA-oriented social media page claims the new co-main event, which has not been verified by the UFC yet, is slated for October 5th in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Is Dana White securing a Women’s Bantamweight title fight for UFC 307?

In the culture of the UFC, when a fight is announced, speculation swirls to elevate its profile. In light of this, rumors have surfaced from a UFC page, Home Of Fight, citing sources like Aaron Bronsteter, an MMA reporter at Sportsnet. According to them, it is reported that Raquel Pennington and Juliana Pena have both signed contracts to fight at UFC 307, scheduled for October 5th in Salt Lake City.

Raquel Pennington emerged victorious in her last outing at UFC 297 in January this year, defeating Mayra Bueno Silva to claim the vacant UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship. The title had been unoccupied since Amanda Nunes’ retirement in July 2023.

Meanwhile, her upcoming opponent, Juliana Pena, the #1 ranked contender, hasn’t stepped into the octagon since July 2022, when she faced Nunes in a main event clash at UFC 277.

Pennington’s upcoming fight marks her first title defense. Adding another layer to the story, Kayla Harrison, who debuted in the UFC against Holly Hom in April 2024, has her sights set on the winner of the rumored Pennington vs.Pena clash at UFC 307. Harrison recently expressed her interest in a future title shot during an interview.

Kayla Harrison outlines her title strategy post UFC 307

Since defeating Holly Holms via submission (rear-naked choke) in her UFC debut at UFC 300, Kayla Harrison has shown no signs of slowing down. Her sights are set on the Bantamweight title belt, and she publically called out the current champion. However, an immediate title shot appears unlikely. She reaffirmed this goal during a media appearance at the UFC Hall of Fame ceremony on Thursday.

Kayla Harrison said, “We’ve got to talk to Hunter, Sean, Mick, and Dana. I know that they have a good plan for me. I believe in this company, I believe  in their version.” She further added frankly, “If they need me to smash another skull before I smash one of theirs,” referring to Raquel Pennington and Juliana Pena. She also agreed to be a backup in case Pennington or Pena pulls out of their potential fight.

Harrison’s words reflect her desire to be on the same card as Raquel Pennington and Juliana Pena. Now, we have to wait and see if Dana White and Co. will allow her to be on the same card as the rumored potential fight between Pennington and Pena.

Although Harrison has an opponent in Ailin Perez, who previously called her out, Harrison acknowledged her response. We now await the UFC’s announcement of the co-main event of UFC 307 featuring Raquel Pennington and Juliana Pena. Stay tuned for further updates.