"Should've been Kayla Harrison" - Fans debate if Julianna Pena deserves to challenge Raquel Pennington for the title at UFC 307

Julianna Pena will get a chance to become a two-time UFC bantamweight champion this Fall but some MMA fans online do not exactly seem excited about it. Pena will collide with Raquel Pennington and look to unseat 'Rocky' from her 135-pound throne at UFC 307 on Oct. 5.

Alex Pereira will also defend his light heavyweight belt versus Khalil Rountree as the Salt Lake City-based pay-per-view has been given a boost from the multiple title fight additions.

X personality Ben Davis made a post regarding his thoughts on the Pena vs Pennington title bout announcement that stated:

"Dominated in Nunes rematch in July 2022. Waits for 749 days. Gifted title shot despite 0 top 15 wins."

Many X users tweeted in response to Davis' thoughts with some even shouting out Kayla Harrison as someone who would be a more suitable title challenger for UFC 307.

@jxkemma said:

"Should've been Kayla Harrison"

@nnewcombmedia stated:

"But Ben shes at least a huge draw because of her trash talk right?!"

@xtombstone_ quipped:

"I think she's fun to watch so idc"

[Images Courtesy: @BenTheBaneDavis tweet thread on X]

Check out Davis' post on the Julianna Pena vs Raquel Pennington title fight being booked for UFC 307 below:

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Julianna Pena, Raquel Pennington and their respective championship pedigrees

Julianna Pena has only been in championship bouts for the last three years albeit having only competed twice during that stretch.

In one of the biggest underdog victories in the history of the sport, Pena finished the consensus women's MMA GOAT to claim gold. 'The Venezuelan Vixen' became the bantamweight champion at UFC 269 when she stopped Amanda Nunes in the second round by way of a rear naked choke in December 2021.

However, the rematch between Pena and Nunes in July 2022 saw 'The Lioness' regain the gold at UFC 277 by way of a unanimous decision.

A rubber match was planned for UFC 289 in June of last year but Julianna Pena had to withdraw and the 34-year-old has not fought since the rematch. Nunes has since retired from the sport and Pena will get another crack at gold more than two years later.

Pennington looks to make the first defense of her belt after capturing gold in January. 'Rocky' Pennington became the bantamweight champion by besting Mayra Bueno Silva at UFC 297 via unanimous decision to win the vacant 135-pound strap.