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#1 Women's Bantamweight Division

#5 PFP

Active

"The Venezuelan Vixen"

Julianna Peña

Women's Bantamweight Division

12-5-0 (W-L-D)

3

Wins by Knockout

6

Wins by Submission

4

First Round Finishes

Julianna Peña

athlete record

Info

Learn more about Julianna Peña's UFC history, fighter facts, and Q&A below.

Status
Active
Place of Birth
Spokane, United States
Trains at
Sik-Jitsu Spokane, WA
Fighting style
Jiu-Jitsu
Age
34
Height
66.00
Weight
134.50
Octagon Debut
Dec. 1, 2013
Reach
69.00
Leg reach
39.00

Fighter Facts

  • Team Tate on TUF 18
     
  • Pro since 2009
     
  • Six wins by submission (2 guillotine, armbar, 3 RNC), three by KO – has finished all but three of her wins
     
  • Has won eight of her last 11
     
  • Had 2-0 amateur record
     
  • Four first round finishes
     
  • Lost 2012 bout to TUF 18 teammate Sarah Moras, which was avenged on the show
     
  • Defeated Amanda Nunes to claim the women's bantamweight title

UFC History
UFC 277
(7/30/22) Peña lost a five round unanimous decision to Amanda Nunes, losing the UFC women’s bantamweight title
UFC 269 (12/11/21) Pena submitted Amanda Nunes via rear naked choke at 3:26 of the second round to win the UFC women’s bantamweight title
UFC 257 (1/24/21) Peña submitted Sara McMann via rear naked choke at 3:39 of the third round
UFC on ESPN (10/4/20) Peña was submitted by Germaine de Randamie via guillotine choke at 3:25 of the third round
UFC Fight Night (7/13/19) Peña won a three round unanimous decision over Nicco Montano
UFC on FOX (1/28/17) Peña was submitted by Valentina Shevchenko at 4:29 of the second round
UFC 200 (7/9/16) Peña won a three round unanimous decision over Cat Zingano
UFC 192 (10/3/15) Peña won a three round unanimous decision over Jessica Eye
UFC Fight Night (4/4/15) Peña stopped Milana Dudieva via strikes at 3:59 of the first round
TUF 18 Finale (11/30/13) Peña stopped Jessica Rakoczy via strikes at 4:59 of the first round to win season 18 of The Ultimate Fighter

The Ultimate Fighter, Season 18
On episode 11 (semifinals), Peña submitted Sarah Moras via guillotine choke at 3:31 of the second round
On episode two (quarterfinals), Peña submitted Shayna Baszler via rear naked choke at 3:08 of the second round
On episode one, Peña won a decision over Gina Mazany

Q&A
When and why did you start training for fighting?
I started a cardio kickboxing class at the end of October of 08 and took my first ammy fight in April of 09. When I found MMA I realized it was the outlet I needed and was looking for.
What ranks and titles have you held? The Ultimate Fighter 18 winner, Excite Fight Champion
Do you have any heroes? In MMA, Fedor, Nick Diaz, Hendo, and Hughes
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means the world to me to be fighting in the UFC. This is as high as it gets, it doesn't get any higher, and I’ve made it. It’s a great accomplishment for myself.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I did go to community college. I was earning my pre reqs and have not finished yet.
What was your job before you started fighting? Waitress
Specific accomplishments in pro competition?  I'm proud that I fought shortly after a car accident that broke my nose and still took the fight.  I also had my arm broke in that fight and didn't quit.                 
Ranks in any martial arts styles: 
Former assistant instructor at SikJitsu
Favorite grappling technique: Omoplata
Favorite Striking technique: Jab