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Carla Esparza called an end to her professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career earlier tonight (Sat., Oct. 5, 2024) at UFC 307 live on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, following a close split-decision loss to fellow veteran Tecia Pennington.
Esparza, who turns 37 next week and just recently became a mom, had already made up her mind to retire coming into Saturday’s “Prelims” affair. The long-time UFC veteran may not have been one of the most exciting fighters on the UFC roster, but “Cookie Monster” was a trailblazer for women’s MMA. She’s the first-ever UFC women’s strawweight champion and even won the title back seven years after losing it. Not to mention her winning stint on the Ultimate Fighter, a championship belt under the Invicta FC banner, and four years of collegiate wrestling.
Here is what “Cookie Monster” had to say early Saturday as she prepared for her final walk to the Octagon:
“Tonight I step into the octagon for the final time, and what a journey it has been. As always, I will do my best and give it my all.”
Unfortunately for her, Pennington was just a little more active across three rounds. Esparza had some good moments with solid takedowns and a few power punches on the feet, but Pennington slowed her down with countless leg kicks and pressure with strikes. Esparza poured it on late and left everything in the cage, but it just wasn’t enough. Pennington walked away with the unanimous decision win as the fans booed in protest.
After her loss, Esparza spoke with UFC color commentator Joe Rogan and watched a montage of her accomplished UFC career. Esparza got a bigger pop from the crowd tonight then she may have ever received throughout her entire UFC career.
Check out Esparza’s video tribute above and retirement speech below:
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LIVE! Watch UFC 307 PPV On ESPN+ Here!
Championship Doubleheader! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Sat., Oct. 5, 2024, with a pair of thrilling championship bouts at the helm. In UFC 307’s pay-per-view (PPV) main event, Light Heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, goes for his third successful title defense of 2024 when he collides with No. 8-ranked contender, Khalil Rountree Jr., in a battle of ferocious knockout artists. Meanwhile, in UFC 307’s championship co-headliner, women’s Bantamweight roost-ruler, Raquel Pennington, defends against former titleholder and No. 1-seeded contender, Julianna Pena, in a grudge match dating back to The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 18 more than one decade ago. UFC 307 will also feature the return of former pound-for-pound great, Jose Aldo, as well Kayla Harrison, Kevin Holland and so much more! It’s must-watch action from “SLC!” UFC 307’s start time is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (Prelims card) and 10 p.m. ET (PPV main card).
For complete UFC 307 results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.