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Raquel Pennington Dismisses Kayla Harrison As A Deserving Title Challenger If She Beats Holly Holm In UFC Debut

Originally posted on MMA News | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated 2/6/24

According to the division's champion, a debut victory at UFC 300 won't be enough to warrant a bantamweight title shot for newcomer Kayla Harrison.

Having announced herself in the mixed martial arts realm under the PFL banner following her transition to the cage from judo, Harrison is set to test her talents on the sport's biggest stage.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist, who experienced championship success twice in the PFL SmartCage, had her shock signing announced by UFC CEO Dana White last month.

At the same time, he confirmed Harrison's debut matchup, with the Ohio native slated to share the Octagon with former bantamweight queen Holly Holm at UFC 300 on April 13.

Given her name and the intrigue surrounding her first UFC outing and drop to 135 pounds, many expected a win over "The Preacher's Daughter" to net Harrison a quick shot at the title.

But the woman who currently occupies the bantamweight throne doesn't share that sentiment...

Pennington: Harrison Doesn't Deserve To 'Skip The Line'

During an appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Pennington addressed Harrison's impending arrival into the weight class that she recently rose to the top of.

When asked whether a win over Holm could see Harrison leapfrog Julianna Peña as next in line, "Rocky" insisted that a victorious debut shouldn't see the former judoka climb above the division's longtime contenders.

"Anything can change. I'm not opposed to it (defending the title against Harrison), but at the same time, I just don't find that fair," Pennington said. "I'm speaking on behalf of everybody because I've been that athlete for a long time. Nothing was ever handed to me. I've had to work my way to the top the very hard way, time and time again.

"So, it really frustrates me when other athletes come in and all of a sudden they just jump the line. There's plenty of athletes who are here, they've been here for a long time, they're busting their ass every single day, they're trying to grind through each and every fight and build things for themselves to work their way to that same opportunity," Pennington continued. "I feel like she (Harrison) doesn't deserve to just skip the line because she has a huge name."

Given her prediction, Pennington seemingly doesn't expect the topic to move any further anyway. The newly crowned champ revealed that she'll be backing Holm come fight night, believing that the veteran fighter will "expose" Harrison.