Julianna Peña recaptured the ladies’s bantamweight title at UFC 307 in October defeating Raquel Pennington through controversial break up determination. Earlier than she’s in a position to defend the belt, the battle promotion could also be planning an interim title bout.
It was assumed that Peña would face two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time PFL titleholder Kayla Harrison within the first title protection of her second reign. However in response to Harrison’s supervisor, Ali Abdelaziz, Harrison could also be preventing a distinct opponent for an interim championship.
“That is what I’ve been advised: Julianna Peña, if she’s not able to battle Kayla, she may need some well being issues – it’s going to be an interim title,” Abdelaziz advised MMA Junkie. “100, % that is what’s going to occur. The UFC is simply not going to carry the division as a result of somebody doesn’t wish to battle or is injured. In case you are out greater than eight, 9 months then UFC ought to make an interim title. And I really like that.
“I don’t assume any division needs to be held as a result of somebody is injured. When you because the champion defend your title lots, I believe you get this courtesy. However in case you simply turned the champion and wish to take a 12 months off, I don’t assume you must get this courtesy.”
If an interim title is created, Abdelaziz believes there’s just one logical opponent for Harrison, Raquel Pennington.
“I believe 100% (Pennington),” Abdelaziz mentioned. “That is what she deserves. I’m not the matchmakers. There’s a man from Houston, Texas, named Mick Maynard who does that and it’s his job.”
