UFC 307: Carla Esparza vs. Tecia Pennington: Live round-by-round updates

Two-time strawweight champion Carla Esparza will make her final appearance inside the octagon against fellow Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season 20 alumni Tecia Pennington at UFC 307.

Esparza is returning for the first time since losing the strawweight title to Zhang Weili at UFC 281. Before that loss, she rattled off six straight wins against notable names like Alexa Grasso and Rose Namajunas. She had also won the inaugural UFC women's strawweight championship in her first fight against Namajunas in December 2014.

Meanwhile, Pennington is also looking to bounce back after her split decision loss against Tabatha Ricci in St. Louis. She wields a 3-2 record in her last five fights.

This matchup not only carries significance for both fighters' careers but also marks an important moment in Esparza’s journey as she seeks to solidify her legacy in women’s MMA. Fans can expect an emotional and competitive battle as these two veterans look to deliver solid performances.

UFC 307 will go down on Oct. 5, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The main card is expected to start at 10 pm ET / 7 pm PT, while prelims will kick off at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT. The Early prelim card is expected to kick off at 6:30 pm ET / 3:30 pm PT.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live coverage and play-by-play updates of the Carla Esparza vs. Tecia Pennington clash:

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Round 1

Esparza opens up with a one-two combination. A good right-hand connection from Pennington and a beautiful right-hand counter from Esparza. Pennington seems to be the aggressor, cornering Esparza against the fence. A solid inside leg kick from Pennington and mixes up the offense with a straight punch to the body. A stifling right hand from Pennington grabs Esparza's attention, but 'Cookie Monster' manages to take her opponent down.

Esparza establishes side control and tries to isolate the right arm potentially for a kimura hold. Esparza hurts her opponent with short punches and elbows from side control. The former two-time women's strawweight queen maintains the dominant crucifix position while Pennington struggles to create space and escape.

Our Score: 10-9 Esparza

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Round 2

Pennington seems hesitant to engage in striking seemingly aware of the grappling threat. She opens up with solid leg kicks and a good right-hand counter lands for Esparza. The inside leg kick has been Pennington's best weapon in this fight. Esparza counters with a short right hand and smothers Pennington's calf kick. Both fighters pick up the tempo late in the round and engage in a fiery exchange. However, Esparza initiates a clinch and attempts to take her opponent down. Pennigton does a solid job of defending the takedown and they clinch against the fence to close the action.

Our Score: 10-9 Esparza

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Round 3

Pennington opens up with leg kicks in the final round while Esparza counters with her hands. Pennington mixes up with body kicks and assumes the role of the aggressor with a high guard stance. Esparza catches her opponent with a solid combination. A beautiful counter left from Pennington to shut down Esparza's attempt to engage in a fierce exchange. Short left hooks land for Esparza as she tries to sneak in a takedown. She takes Pennington down off the kick with vigor and drops down slicing elbows to close out the action.

Our Score: 10-9 Pennington

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Official Result:

Tecia Pennington defeats Carla Esparza via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, and 30-27)