Former Invicta champ Jessica Penne discusses ‘TUF 20’ tryout plans

Former Invicta FC atomweight champion Jessica Penne will be in Las Vegas later this year to try out for the 20th season of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series.

Penne (11-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC), whose Invicta contract concluded with a first-round submission of Nicdall Rivera-Calanoc this past July, is planning to move up a weight class in order to take one of the open slots on the “TUF 20” cast, which will feature 115-pound fighters.

Even though she was tempted to stick with her former employers and attempt to regain the 105-pound title she recently lost to Michelle Waterson, Penne feels the opportunity to be on the groundbreaking all-female “TUF” season is too much to pass up.

“I think the timing’s pretty good,” she told MMAjunkie Radio. “My contract is up with Invicta, and this opportunity came up. It was really good timing, and I just want to explore it. I’ve fought at 115 (pounds) before.”

While you have to go back to 2010 to find that fight, Penne is fortunate to have time to add some bulk to her frame. But size isn’t the only concern on Penne’s mind as she prepares to try out for “TUF.” While UFC officials have stated they are seeking the best talent available for the upcoming season, there’s no doubt the producers would like to see a mix of entertaining personalities, as well.

In the past, competitors have been known to intentionally push an outlandish personality to boost their chances of being casted. Penne said she won’t go that route, though, because she already feels she possesses the complete package.

“I think that I’m comfortable enough with myself and my personality to where I can show who I really am,” Penne said. “It’ll appeal to them.”

With several weeks remaining until tryouts begin, Penne is working diligently to reach her physical and mental peak for what could be a grueling, yet very rewarding, journey.

It’s no guarantee at this point that Penne will be one of the 16 women to get a chance to enter the show and vie for the inaugural UFC women’s strawweight title. But if she does get the chance, she plans to be entirely prepared for it.

“[I’m] just training and focusing on visualizing,” Penne said. “I’ll continue focusing on my goals and what I need to do for tryouts.”

For more on the UFC’s upcoming scheduled, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

MMAjunkie Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia, MMAjunkie lead staff reporter John Morgan and producer Brian “Goze” Garcia. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.