Raquel Pennington Returns to the Octagon in Potential Title Eliminator at Noche UFC

Former UFC bantamweight champion Raquel Pennington is officially making her long-awaited return to the Octagon—this time, with gold potentially back in sight.

Pennington is reportedly set to face surging contender Norma Dumont at Noche UFC on September 13th in San Antonio, marking her first fight since losing the title via split decision to Julianna Peña nearly a year ago at UFC 307.

Pennington earned the vacant bantamweight strap after Amanda Nunes’ retirement, defeating Mayra Bueno Silva at UFC 297. But her reign was short-lived—and now, she’s looking to reinsert herself into the title picture.

The matchup with Dumont, first reported by AG Fight and confirmed by MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin, is a high-stakes showdown with possible title implications. Dumont has been on a tear, notching five consecutive wins, including a dominant decision over former title challenger Irene Aldana at UFC 306.

The Brazilian striker has also earned victories over Germaine de Randamie, Chelsea Chandler, and Karol Rosa, rocketing her up the bantamweight ranks and into contender status.

With UFC President Dana White reportedly working to finalize a blockbuster Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes title fight, Pennington vs. Dumont could easily serve as a de facto title eliminator for whoever holds the belt next.

Whether Pennington can reclaim her spot at the top or Dumont continues her breakout campaign, the Noche UFC card just gained serious heat.