Rocky Pennington, affectionately known as "Rocky," has had a long and challenging journey in the UFC. Born September 5, 1988, Pennington began her professional mixed martial arts career in 2012, competing in Invicta FC before joining the UFC in 2013. Her career has been marked by highs and lows, including a string of losses early on, a stint on "The Ultimate Fighter," and a long-awaited victory for the UFC women's bantamweight title.
Rocky Pennington: Early Career Struggles
A series of losses marked Pennington's early career. In her first fight for Invicta FC, she lost to Leslie Smith via unanimous decision. She then faced Cat Zingano at Invicta FC 3, losing via unanimous decision. Despite these setbacks, Pennington remained determined to succeed in the UFC.
The Ultimate Fighter
In 2013, she joined "The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate". She defeated veteran Tonya Evinger via submission due to a guillotine choke in the second round and was the third female pick. This experience provided Pennington with valuable exposure and experience, setting the stage for her future success in the UFC.
Climbing the Ladder
Pennington's career began to turn around in 2016 when she faced former UFC Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate at UFC 205. She won the fight unanimously, outstriking and outwrestling Tate for all three rounds. This victory marked a turning point in Pennington's career, demonstrating her potential as a formidable opponent in the UFC.
Title Contender
Rocky Pennington's journey to the top of the UFC women's bantamweight division was challenging. 2018 she faced Amanda Nunes in a UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship bout. Despite losing the fight via TKO in the fifth round, Pennington showed resilience and determination, returning to the octagon in 2018 to face Amanda Nunes again.
Late Career Resurgence
Pennington's late career has seen a resurgence, with a string of victories leading up to her ultimate triumph. In 2019, she faced Irene Aldana and won the split decision. She then faced Holly Holm on January 18, 2020, at UFC 246, losing unanimously. However, Pennington continued to push forward, winning her next fight against Marion Reneau on June 20, 2020, via unanimous decision.
The Title Win
Pennington's journey to the top finally paid off on January 21, 2024, at UFC 297, where she defeated Mayra Bueno Silva for the UFC women's bantamweight title. This victory was the culmination of a 12-year journey that saw Pennington overcome numerous challenges and setbacks to achieve her dream of becoming a UFC champion.
Fighting Style:
Rocky Pennington is known for her versatile fighting style, which incorporates kickboxing, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu elements. She is an orthodox striker on the feet who employs a solid jab, teep kicks, and counter strikes, particularly uppercuts and hooks. Pennington is also known for her durability and ability to stay active in the clinch, where she demonstrates improved defensive fundamentals and a solid sense of herself.
Conclusion
With her title win, Rocky Pennington has established herself as one of the greatest UFC bantamweights ever. As she looks ahead to her future fights, she will likely defend her title against former champion Julianna Pena, a fight she claims is 10 years in the making. Pennington's journey is a testament to her perseverance and determination, demonstrating that even the most challenging paths can lead to success with hard work and resilience.
