Tecia Pennington

Tecia Pennington — formerly known professionally as Tecia Torres — is an American mixed martial artist who competed in the UFC Women's Strawweight division under the nickname "The Tiny Tornado."

Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, and raised in Coral Springs, Florida, Pennington began training in traditional martial arts as a small child, eventually earning a black belt in karate and taekwondo. She compiled an undefeated amateur record before turning professional in 2012, developing her game at American Top Team. An early decision win over future two-time UFC champion Rose Namajunas helped establish her as a rising prospect and earned her a place in the inaugural cast of The Ultimate Fighter season 20, the tournament that crowned the promotion's first-ever women's strawweight champion.

Pennington reached the tournament's later rounds before falling to eventual champion Carla Esparza, a defeat she would go on to avenge years later inside the Octagon. Her run on the show helped cement her as one of the foundational fighters of the 115-pound weight class.

Built on constant motion, Pennington's style blends her taekwondo and karate roots with Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, producing a relentless, high-volume attack. Known for lateral footwork and an ability to out-work opponents over the course of a fight, she built a reputation as one of the division's busiest strikers, a style that carried her to one of the highest win totals in UFC strawweight history and a Performance of the Night bonus for her finish of Juliana Lima.

Across more than a decade competing at the highest level, Pennington notched notable victories over Namajunas, Esparza, and

Stats last updated: September 16, 2026