jessica penne

Jessica Penne: The Experienced American Fighter in the UFC Strawweight Division

Jessica Penne, born on January 30, 1983 in Newport Beach, California, is a respected and experienced mixed martial artist (MMA) who competes in the UFC strawweight division. Penne is one of the pioneers of women's MMA and has found success in the UFC and other promotions with her strong grappling skills and fighting spirit. With a background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, Penne is a versatile fighter who remains a formidable opponent despite facing setbacks throughout her career.

Early Life and Career

Jessica Penne began her MMA career in 2006, when women's MMA was still in its infancy. She started at atomweight (105 lbs), initially fighting in promotions such as Bellator and Invicta FC. Penne quickly built a reputation as a strong grappler, particularly for her submission skills. She became the first-ever Invicta FC atomweight champion in 2012, cementing her status as one of the sport's top fighters.

Her success in Invicta FC opened the door to bigger opportunities, and in 2014, Penne made the move to the UFC, competing in The Ultimate Fighter 20, a season that introduced the UFC strawweight division.

UFC Career

Jessica Penne made her UFC debut in 2014, fighting her way to a shot at the UFC strawweight title. In June 2015, she earned her title shot against dominant champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk at UFC Fight Night 69. Although she lost that fight via TKO, Penne showed her determination by holding her own against one of the most feared strikers in the sport.

Following her title fight, Penne suffered a series of setbacks, including injuries and suspensions. She lost to top competitors such as Jessica Andrade and Danielle Taylor, but returned to the octagon in 2021 after a long absence of almost four years. In her comeback in April 2021, Penne defeated Lupita Godinez via a controversial split decision, showing her fighting spirit and determination to return to the top of the division.

Penne continued her rise with a submission victory over Karolina Kowalkiewicz at UFC 265 in August 2021, which earned her a Performance of the Night bonus and cemented her status as a dangerous and experienced fighter in the division.

Style and Technique

Jessica Penne is known for her strong grappling skills, particularly in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She is particularly adept at ground fighting and is known for her effective use of submissions, including armbars and rear-naked chokes. Her ability to take fights to the ground and maintain control makes her a difficult opponent for anyone who has trouble countering her grappling.

While her striking has improved over the years, grappling remains the foundation of her style. Penne is also physically strong for her weight class, which helps her force takedowns and achieve dominant positions on the ground.

Future Ambitions

Jessica Penne remains focused on her career in the UFC strawweight division, despite the challenges she has faced along the way. Her goal is to solidify her place in the division and rack up more wins against top competitors. With her experience, fighting spirit and skills, she remains a constant threat in the strawweight division.

Conclusion

Jessica Penne is one of the most experienced and respected fighters in the UFC strawweight division, with a long career that has made her a pioneer in women’s MMA. Her strong grappling, determination, and fighting spirit have made her a formidable competitor over the years. As she continues to compete against the division’s elite, Penne remains a name to respect in the UFC.