UFC announces 3 new women’s matchups, including the returns of Michelle Waterson and Jessica Eye

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has booked three notable fights across three divisions, including the return of Michelle Waterson.

While the UFC can look back and be proud of what they’ve produced so far in 2021, it’s always important to look ahead to the future – especially when you have as many events as they do. Across the next few months the groundwork is going to be laid for a string of high-profile bookings and in the last couple of days, the following three bouts have been set in stone for three different women’s divisions.

The first will see Macy Chiasson step in on short notice to battle Raquel Pennington at bantamweight on December 18. Pennington was initially scheduled to duke it out with Julia Avila, but that fell through after Avila was forced to pull out through injury.

For the next two, we fast forward all the way to March. On the 5th of that month, Jessica Eye will attempt to halt the rise of Manon Fiorot when the pair meet in a huge flyweight encounter. Fiorot is considered by many to be a future title contender, whereas Eye wants to prove she can still mix it up with the very best at this level.

Finally, on March 26, Michelle Waterson makes her long-awaited return to the Octagon to tackle Amanda Ribas. The two top strawweights have long since been viewed as fan favorites and something tells us that many are going to be split down the middle on who they want to take home the win.

News confirmed by MMA Fighting (Ribas/Waterson here, Eye/Fiorot here, Chiasson/Pennington here)

Which of the three fights are you most excited for? Can Michelle Waterson overcome Amanda Ribas? Let us know your thoughts on these contests and who you’re backing to win down in the comments, BJPENN Nation!