While the UFC’s frustrating record of enabling hate speech from a collection of its fighters remains intact, Saturday’s “UFC 307” event played host to a unique first-time occurrence for queer representation on the company’s pay-per-view cards.
UFC veterans Tecia and Raquel Pennington became the first same-sex married couple to fight on the same UFC event when they each stepped into the Octagon in Salt Lake City for UFC 307.
The novel nature of the night does have some precedent for the couple. UFC 307 was the sixth time the two fought on the same card in their careers, dating back to before they were a couple in 2012. Both entered the night 3-2 on events where they both fought.
First came Tecia, who fought former two-time UFC Strawweight champion Carla Esparza during the early prelims. In what Esparza said would be her retirement fight, Tecia outlasted a furious striking effort from Esparza in the first round to outpace her in total and significant strikes over the final two rounds and secure a victory by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).
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Later that night in the main card’s co-main event, Raquel stood across the mat from Julianna Peña for her first UFC Bantamweight title defense since winning the title in January.
The judging of the bout proved to be the most highly debated on a night permeated by questionable judging. All three judges and most media agreed that the final four rounds were split evenly between the two, but the first round remained a point of contention.
With the debate swirling around whether Pennington’s stronger, more significant strikes or Peña’s higher volume yet less effective strikes during the first stanza were enough to tip the scales, the judges awarded Peña the victory and the championship by split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47).
Speaking to ESPN ahead of the event, the couple seemed split on sharing the stage again. “It’s difficult for me emotionally,” Tecia said before noting that having her fight earlier in the night helped alleviate those feelings somewhat.
“I can worry about myself and fight first. Then I can worry about her,” Tecia said. “If it were the other way around, I don’t think I could focus on myself to get ready.”
Raquel showed excitement about what she called a “two-for-one deal” for their family and coaches and encouraged Tecia to take a fight on the same night.
“We’re on a unique journey together and I think it’s really cool to make these memories,” Raquel said. “It was my idea and she just rolled with it.”
After Saturday’s results, the connection between the two continued on social media. Raquel took to Instagram to thank Tecia and their family for their support while questioning the result of her title fight. Tecia was right by her wife’s side in the replies.
“Results don’t define you. Your strength, courage and spirit do,” Tecia wrote. “Still a World Champion always! In due time you will reign again baby.”
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