DALLAS – Macy Chiasson is ready to take on whoever misses out on the vacant bantamweight title fight.
Since Amanda Nunes retired, an unofficial three-woman race between Julianna Pena, Raquel Pennington, and Mayra Bueno Silva for the next bantamweight title fight has emerged.
Whatever direction the UFC goes, Chiasson (8-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) wants the fighter who doesn’t get the title opportunity. The “Ultimate Fighter 28” winner is currently recovering from a wrist injury, and would love to return on the UFC 295 card Nov. 11 at Madison Square Garden.
“That would be tight. I would like that,” Chiasson told MMA Junkie. “I would really like that. I really want to be on that MSG card in November in New York. Whatever they have planned, I would love to have the opportunity to fight one of those girls that gets kind of knocked out (of the title picture).
“So, other than that, I really want to break into the top five. It’s been a long time coming, and I’ve had ups and downs and injuries, highs of highs, and lows of lows, and I’m ready to be in that position. I’m 32 now and I’ve been in the UFC almost five years, I’ve had 10 fights so, I’m ready to start pushing for that spot.”
Putting herself in the shoes of the matchmakers, Chiasson thinks the UFC should go with former champion Peña vs. Pennington as the vacant bantamweight title fight.
“I think Raquel is up-and-coming for that title shot because she’s been a vet for a long time. She’s been around. She beat me at 145, and I think she’s deserving of that spot,” Chiasson said. “She beat (Irene) Aldana so, I think it’s ‘Rocky’s’ time to go back and fight for that title with Julianna.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 295.
