Raquel Pennington vs. Mayra Bueno Silva: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

It's number two versus number three in the UFC women's bantamweight rankings as Raquel Pennington clashes with Mayra Bueno Silva for the vacant UFC women's bantamweight championship in the co-main event of UFC 297. The 135 pounds title was vacated by Amanda Nunes when she retired last June, providing an opportunity for a new queen to ascend to the bantamweight throne and usher in a new era. UFC Toronto is held this weekend at Scotiabank Arena and is available on ESPN+ PPV. Mayra Bueno Silva is the favorite ahead of the bout this weekend.

MMA: UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship

Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada

Where to watch: ESPN+ PPV

Date: 21.01.2024. 07.00

The 35-year-old American has been a mainstay of the UFC bantamweight class since debuting just over ten years ago. Now holding the record for the most fights in the division, Raquel Pennington finds herself challenging for the bantamweight gold again. Her first tilt against Amanda Nunes in 2018 resulted in a loss via a fifth-round TKO at UFC 224. "Rocky" comes into the championship on a five-fight winning streak, with her last match exactly one year ago. That split decision over Ketlen Vieira underscored Raquel Pennington's UFC record for the most decision wins in UFC Women's Bantamweight division history, with the Colorado-born fighter totaling ten decisions from fifteen victories.

• Age: 35
• Height: 5' 7"
• Weight: 135 lb
• Reach: 67.5"
• Record: 15-8-0

"Sheetara" has steadily climbed the bantamweight rankings in recent years, rising to the top contender status. Last July, the 32-year-old Brazilian defeated veteran Holly Holm; however, the win was overturned to a No Contest after Mayra Bueno Silva was found to have violated anti-doping rules. Silva was suspended until November 2023. The Brazilian has been immense since a return to 135 pounds, delivering three wins with two consecutive finishes. A member of the American Top Team, Silva is a Dana White Contender graduate. Mayra Bueno Silva is a very strong athlete with top striking and jiu-jitsu skills.

• Age: 32
• Height: 5' 7"
• Reach: 66.5"
• Weight: 135 Ibs
• Record: 10-2-2 (1 Draw,1 NC)

Mayra Bueno Silva is a 1.654 favorite on Betwinner, which prices the underdog at 2.3. 1XBET lists Total Over 4.5 rounds at 1.8 odds, with the under going for 1.95. Bet365 prices Raquel Pennington at 2.40 for the upset, with the favorite at 1.58 odds.