UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion Raquel Pennington believes upcoming challenger Julianna Peña may see the error of her ways soon enough.
Pennington is set to make her first defense of the 135-pound title in the co-main event of Saturday's UFC 307 pay-per-view, which comes nine months on from her capturing of the vacant belt in Canada to kick off 2024.
Having achieved her championship ambitions, "Rocky" has the chance to solidify her status as divisional queen by stalling the two-time goals of ex-champ Peña.
Their contest and many other notable bouts will go down at the high altitude of Salt Lake City, Utah this weekend. But when it comes to the effect that has, the two co-headliners see things very differently...
Pennington Rejects Peña's Altitude Claim Ahead Of Utah-Held UFC 307
During a recent interview with MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn, Pennington reacted to some recent remarks regarding the impact of altitude from her opponent on October 5.
Peña opted against heading to Salt Lake City early to acclimate, branding such a move "unnecessary" when she's in good shape. The champ sees that decision as a "mistake."
Just being born and raised in altitude, yeah, I would say that’s a mistake," Pennington said. "Altitude is not a joke. It really does affect people. You know how many people come here to visit and are like, 'Oh my gosh, we don’t understand why we’re feeling this or we’re feeling that and we’re just standing here.' It’s the altitude, and then when you’re pushing your body to the limit, it plays a part.
I notice a big difference when I go anywhere else. Sometimes I have to really slow down and control my breathing because I feel like I’m actually getting too much air, and I kind of hyperventilate a little bit, so I have to train my breathing a little different," Pennington continued. "It’s something that I think every athlete should take into consideration, especially if you’re going to go push yourself to the limit.
"The Venezuelan Vixen" will look to prove that assessment wrong by making good on her prediction of recapturing the bantamweight championship after a fight-week arrival in the "Beehive State."
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