Jessica Penne made it clear that she wanted her belt back. Before that could happen she had to take care of Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc, and she did just that, submitting her opponent with a tight rear naked choke at 4:57 of the opening round.
Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc came out pressing the action, scoring with her jab on former champion Jessica Penne. Penne stayed patient as she looked for opportunities to counter. Rivera-Calanoc stayed aggressive, uncorking her overhand right off her jab on several occasions. Penne finally ducked under a right hand of Rivera-Calanoc and took the fight to the mat.
Penne went to work from the top with a mounted guillotine as Rivera-Calanoc struggled to survive. Penne then postured and peppered Rivera-Calanoc with ground and pound forcing her opponent to roll and give up her back. Penne quickly cinched up a rear naked choke and got the tap right before the bell.
With the victory, Jessica Penne (11-2 MMA, 3-1 IFC) takes one step closer to getting back into title contention.