Raquel Len Pennington Bio
Raquel Len Pennington is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the women’s Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She is a former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion and is recognized for her resilience and skill in the sport. As of June 2025, she holds a prominent position among the top fighters in her division.
Early Life and Background
Raquel Pennington was born on September 5, 1988, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. Growing up, she participated in various sports including basketball, softball, volleyball, and cross country running. She had a strong desire to box from an early age. Pennington graduated from Harrison High School in 2007, where she was secretary of the National Honors Society and earned multiple athletic and academic scholarships. Unfortunately, a broken back prevented her from competing in collegiate sports.
Path to MMA
Pennington began training in martial arts at the age of 19, although her parents initially did not allow her to compete. She fought as an amateur mixed martial artist from 2009 to 2011, compiling a record of seven wins and one loss, with five victories coming by submission. She made her professional debut in March 2012, winning by technical knockout against Kim Couture. Pennington quickly established herself in the MMA community through her performances in regional promotions and her early fights in Invicta Fighting Championships.
Raquel Len Pennington Career
Early Career (2009–2013)
During her amateur years from 2009 to 2011, Pennington developed a solid foundation with a strong grappling base, earning five submission wins. She transitioned to professional MMA in 2012, debuting with a TKO victory. Pennington made her Invicta Fighting Championships debut in July 2012, securing a unanimous decision win over Sarah Moras. Despite two subsequent losses to Cat Zingano and Leslie Smith, she gained valuable experience competing against high-level opponents.
The Ultimate Fighter Breakthrough (2013–2014)
In August 2013, Pennington was selected as a cast member of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate. She earned Fight of the Season honors after defeating Jessamyn Duke by unanimous decision in the elimination round. Although she lost in the semifinals to Jessica Rakoczy due to a damaged hand, her performance elevated her profile. Pennington made her UFC promotional debut in November 2013, defeating Roxanne Modafferi by unanimous decision.
UFC Career and Championship Pursuit (2014–Present)
Pennington has been a consistent competitor in the UFC’s Bantamweight division since 2014. She has notable victories over fighters such as Ashlee Evans-Smith, Jéssica Andrade, and Miesha Tate. Pennington earned a Performance of the Night bonus for her submission win over Andrade. In 2018, she challenged Amanda Nunes for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship but lost via TKO in the fifth round. Pennington continued to compete at a high level, facing top contenders and maintaining a strong presence in the division.
In January 2024, Pennington won the vacant UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship by unanimous decision against Mayra Bueno Silva. However, she lost the title in October 2024 to Julianna Peña by split decision in a closely contested bout. Pennington remains an active and formidable competitor in the UFC, training with Altitude MMA and competing in both Bantamweight and Featherweight divisions.
Driving Style and Strengths
Raquel Pennington is known for her toughness, well-rounded skill set, and strategic approach inside the octagon. She possesses a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, contributing to her grappling proficiency. Pennington’s resilience and ability to maintain pressure make her effective across various fight scenarios. She is particularly skilled in decision wins, showcasing endurance and tactical fight management.
Notable Events and Milestones
Pennington was part of the first UFC event headlined by two openly gay fighters when she faced Amanda Nunes in 2018. She is one of the few fighters to finish a fight with a bulldog choke submission in UFC history. Her career includes multiple Fight of the Season honors and a Performance of the Night bonus, highlighting her exciting fighting style and competitive spirit.
Raquel Len Pennington Career Wins
Raquel Pennington has accumulated a total of 16 professional wins out of 25 fights, with seven victories by decision, one by knockout, and one by submission. Her career reflects consistent success at the highest levels of women’s mixed martial arts.
UFC Highlights
Pennington’s UFC career is marked by significant wins over top contenders and former champions. Her first UFC win came against Roxanne Modafferi in 2013. She earned a notable submission victory over Jéssica Andrade that secured her a Performance of the Night bonus. Pennington captured the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship in 2024 and has remained a top-ranked fighter in the division.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the UFC, Pennington had success in Invicta Fighting Championships and regional promotions, building a strong foundation with multiple submission victories and decision wins. Her amateur record was impressive, with seven wins and one loss, demonstrating early promise in the sport.
Raquel Len Pennington Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Raquel Pennington is married to fellow UFC fighter Tecia Torres. The couple welcomed their daughter in 2023. Pennington is openly lesbian and proudly represents diversity in the sport. She is of mixed heritage, being half Mexican and half Caucasian. Pennington resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she continues her training and professional career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Pennington remains an active competitor in the UFC Bantamweight division. She was scheduled to face Norma Dumont in September 2025 but withdrew due to an undisclosed injury. Despite setbacks, Pennington continues to be a key figure in the division, training with Altitude MMA and preparing for future bouts. Her experience and skill keep her among the top contenders as she aims to reclaim championship status.