If the UFC was to favor a meritocratic route to decide the first challenger to Julianna Peña, former fighter Chael Sonnen believes Raquel Pennington would be getting an immediate rematch.
Having not competed since being unseated by Amanda Nunes back in July 2022, Peña returned to the bantamweight throne at this past weekend's UFC 307 pay-per-view in Salt Lake City.
"The Venezuelan Vixen" fell on the right side of a widely debated split decision verdict in Utah, bringing a short reign for Pennington to an end in the co-main event.
Some were pointing to the recent numbered card as a tournament for the 135-pound division, with top contenders Kayla Harrison and Ketlen Vieira meeting earlier in the night.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time PFL champion emerged victorious from that clash on the scorecards, seemingly booking a first UFC title shot.
Sonnen, however, thinks the conversation isn't quite so clear-cut...
Sonnen Puts Pennington Above Harrison In Meritocratic Title Shot Queue
During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Sonnen reacted to the events that unfolded in regard to the bantamweight championship conversation at UFC 307.
While Sonnen acknowledged that Harrison is likely to compete for the gold in her third walk to the Octagon, he suggested that wouldn't be the case if the decision was based on "merit."
When we're having the discussion of what's next, I think it would be responsible for us all — because if we're just coming from a competitive nature or looking at the rankings, something like that, you lose, you don't get Kayla. You get Raquel," Sonnen said. "If you're gonna just pay attention to merit and who's done what, you don't get Kayla vs. Peña next, you get Raquel in a rematch.
From the world of promotion, there is nothing on Peña vs. Pennington in a rematch. But guys, there was nothing on it three days ago when we saw it," Sonnen continued. "We're not in a vastly different situation. If we're just going to go off of merit, Pennington must be considered. That's what I'm offering for you. Pennington should be the champion of the world right now.
Regardless, Harrison is expecting to receive her opportunity next time out, having started life on MMA's biggest stage with consecutive wins over top-five opposition at 135 pounds.
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