Jessica Penne will have a new opponent for her return to action.
Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that Penne will now face newcomer Lupita Godinez at UFC Vegas 24. The event takes place April 17 at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas and will stream on ESPN+. MMA Junkie was first to report the booking.
Godinez replaces Hannah Goldy, who was removed from the rescheduled bout for undisclosed reasons.
Penne will make her first appearance in just under four years and is looking to snap a three-fight losing streak. The 38-year-old faced a potential four-year suspension from the United States Anti-Doping Agency for a second violation of the UFC’s anti-doping policy. USADA eventually handed Penne a 20-month suspension after she tested positive for trace amounts of Stanozolol, which is an anabolic steroid banned at all times for athletes competing in the UFC.
The undefeated Godinez captured the LFA strawweight title in her most recent appearance in October at LFA 94, defeating Vanessa Demopoulos via majority decision. “Loopy” is regarded as one of Canada’s top MMA prospects as she makes her octagon debut in just her sixth pro bout.
UFC Vegas 24 is headlined by a pivotal middleweight matchup between former champion Robert Whittaker and Kelvin Gastelum.