Jessica Penne returns, faces Jodie Esquebel at UFC’s ESPN debut
Former UFC strawweight title contender Jessica Penne will return to action for the first time in nearly two years when she steps into the octagon on February 17, 2019.
Penne (12-5) will face Jodie Esquebel (6-4) at the UFC’s upcoming ESPN debut, which is scheduled to take place at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona.
It has been four years since Penne last tasted victory. A win over Randa Markos in December 2012 propelled Penne to a title shot against then champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk. She lost that bout by way of third round TKO in one of the bloodiest women’s fights in UFC history. Penne would then drop two more fights to Jessica Andrade and Danielle Taylor.
Now on a three fight losing streak, Penne looks to bounce back and pick up a win over Esquebel who also has her back up against the wall. Esquebel has lost two fights since coming to the UFC, unanimous decision losses to Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Jessica Aguilar.
Penne recently served an 18-month suspension by USADA after being flagged for an anabolic steroid.