Norma Dumont and Ketlen Vieira are set to face off in a crucial bout on November 1 in Las Vegas that could determine the first challenger for <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison. The match comes after Dumont’s original opponent, Raquel Pennington, withdrew from their scheduled September 13 fight in San Antonio due to injury.
Norma Dumont’s Climb in the Bantamweight Rankings
Currently ranked fourth in the UFC women’s bantamweight division, Norma Dumont had been preparing for a high-profile matchup against Raquel Pennington at the Noche UFC event. Although Pennington’s injury canceled that fight, Dumont remains on a five-fight winning streak since 2022. In 2023, she secured decision victories over former UFC champion Germaine de Randamie and top contender Irene Aldana, propelling her deeper into the division’s elite.
Ketlen Vieira’s Experience and Previous Challenges Against Harrison
Ketlen Vieira, ranked third in the division, started her UFC career undefeated in 2016 but suffered a notable knockout loss to Irene Aldana at UFC 245. Vieira has consistently fought some of the bantamweight division’s toughest opponents, including Pennington and reigning champion Kayla Harrison. She holds wins over former champions Miesha Tate and Holly Holm, showcasing her credentials among the UFC’s top tier. After losing to Harrison by unanimous decision, Vieira rebounded with a victory over Macy Chiasson in May, although she missed weight for that fight.
Implications for Kayla Harrison’s Championship Reign
This upcoming fight between Dumont and Vieira is expected to decide who will earn the next shot at Kayla Harrison’s UFC women’s bantamweight title. Harrison, a two-time PFL Women’s Lightweight Tournament Champion, made a stunning UFC debut in 2024 by submitting former champion Holly Holm in the second round at UFC 300. Following this, she defended the bantamweight title with a kimura submission over Julianna Peña at UFC 316.
While fans anticipate a clear number one challenger emerging from this matchup, there remains speculation about whether UFC Hall of Famer Amanda Nunes will make a return to challenge the Olympic gold medalist Harrison.
Background on Kayla Harrison’s UFC Journey and Next Steps
Harrison’s transition from PFL to UFC was met with significant attention, and her swift ascension within the bantamweight division has made her a dominant force. The bout between Dumont and Vieira not only represents a pivotal moment for both contenders but also sets the stage for the future of the UFC women’s bantamweight division as fans eagerly await Harrison’s next title defense.
Additional Developments in the MMA World
Recent news includes updates surrounding UFC’s new broadcasting deal with Paramount, highlights of Michael Page’s recent bout, Dana White’s announcements on event lineups, and statements from fighters like Charles Oliveira about their futures.