Pennington Fights Pena for Bantamweight Supremacy Saturday

Utah sports fans have a lot to look forward to right now. The NHL has arrived in Salt Lake City, with the former Arizona Coyotes making up the new Utah Hockey Club. The team will have an official name next season.

Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz basketball team has started training camp for the new season, with their preseason opener against the Houston Rockets at the Delta Center. That same arena is hosting the top MMA promotion this weekend.

The UFC is currently in the midst of its busiest period of 2024. Between now and Nov. 23, the promotion is putting on shows every Saturday, with a break for Thanksgiving weekend before two more events in December to close out the year.

Championship Doubleheader Highlights UFC 307 Starting with Co-Main Event

October features two major UFC events, with the first one happening this weekend. UFC 307 takes place at the Delta Center this Saturday night. The action starts at 6:30 pm ET/ 3:30 pm PT with early prelims on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass, followed by late prelims on ESPNNEWS at 8 pm ET/ 5 pm PT.

The main card kicks off at 10 pm ET/ 7 pm PT on ESPN+ pay-per-view. UFC 307 features a full 12-fight card, including two title fights.

The title fights start with the UFC 307 main event, where UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Raquel Pennington faces No. 1 contender Julianna Pena. The co-main event is scheduled for a maximum of five rounds.

The challengers 👊 #UFC307

[ Live on @ESPNPlus PPV | Saturday | 10pmET/7pmPT ] pic.twitter.com/bLBBOC2hC7

— UFC (@ufc) October 2, 2024

UFC 307 Co-Main Event Fighter Comparison and Betting Odds

Champion Raquel Pennington has a height advantage over Julianna Pena, but Pena has a reach advantage. Pennington is the favorite in the betting odds, with Pena as the underdog.

Pennington is on a six-fight winning streak, while Pena is returning after a long layoff following a loss to Amanda Nunes.

Will Pennington back up her words with a win on Saturday night?

Pena Returns After Injury

Julianna Pena has had a mixed record in her last fights and is looking to bounce back after a long break due to injury. Can she perform well on Saturday night?

Analysis, Film Study, and Prediction

Both fighters have Brazilian jiu-jitsu backgrounds, making the UFC 307 main event a stylistic matchup. Pennington’s striking and Pena’s ground game make for an interesting fight.

Final Thoughts

After years of anticipation, the fight between Pennington and Pena is finally happening. Don’t miss it this weekend.

Prediction: Raquel Pennington wins by Unanimous Decision.