Raquel Pennington, Mayra Bueno Silva to Vie for Vacant Bantamweight Title at UFC 297

The UFC women’s bantamweight division will crown a new champion at the beginning of 2024.

Raquel Pennington will face Mayra Bueno Silva for the 135-pound title at UFC 297 in Toronto on Jan. 20. Multiple outlets confirmed the booking following an initial report from Ag.Fight. The bantamweight belt was vacated when Amanda Nunes announced her retirement following a victory against Irene Aldana at UFC 289 in June.

Pennington, who came up short in her first title bid against Nunes at UFC 224 in May 2018, enters the matchup on five-fight winning streak. Most recently, “Rocky” garnered a split decision triumph over Ketlen Vieira at UFC Fight Night 214 on Jan. 14. Her resume also includes victories against the likes of Aspen Ladd, Macy Chiasson, Pannie Kianzad, Aldana, Miesha Tate and Jessica Andrade.

Bueno Silva appeared to have earned a signature triumph when she submitted Holly Holm in the second round of their clash at UFC on ESPN 49 this past July. The result was later overturned to a no contest when it was revealed that the Brazilian tested positive for a banned substance. Bueno Silva claimed that the failed drug test was a result of her ADHD medication, and it doesn’t appear to have harmed her standing much in the promotion’s eyes. Prior to facing Holm, “Sheetara” had been victorious in three consecutive Octagon appearances at 135 pounds.

UFC 297 doesn’t have an official or confirmed headliner at this time. The card is also expected to include showdown between featherweight contenders Arnold Allen and Movsar Evloev.