Julianna Pena Returns to Action - But not in MMA
Julianna Pena is back. The former bantamweight champion will compete at RAF Abu Dhabi on November 14th.
The former UFC women's bantamweight champion is back in action. Julianna Pena will make the walk once again; however, this time it won't be in an MMA octagon.
The Venezuelan Vixen will compete at RAF Abu Dhabi on November 14th in her first competition since June 2025, when she lost her belt.
THE CARD KEEPS GETTING BETTER 😮💨 Julianna Peña vs Diana Avsaragova goes down at #RAFABUDHABI on NOV 14 at Etihad Arena. Tickets on sale now at the link in bio. https://t.co/ZGHuzkms1E
She will take on former Bellator and PFL star Diana Avsaragova. The Russian has competed for RAF before at RAF 13 on the Belal Muhammad vs Colby Covington undercard, where she lost to Kennedy Blades.
The November 14th event will feature megastars Khamzat Chimaev and Arman Tsarukyan; however, no headliner has been announced yet. It's set to take place at the Etihad Stadium.
Julianna Pena Returns
At 37 years old, the former champion still believes that she could have a run at the belt in the bantamweight division; however, the manner in which she's lost to the two women competing for the belt next suggests that she has a long way to go in which to bridge the gap.
Pulling off a huge upset, she submitted Amanda Nunes at UFC 269 in 2021; however, in the rematch was embarrassed by 'The Lioness' and lost one of the most one-sided title fights in history. A score of 50-43 was recorded, and Pena lost her belt.
She would win it back against Raquel Pennington but then be matched with Kayla Harrison, a woman who, like Nunes, didn't give Pena any path to victory. She dominated her from minute one, scoring a second-round submission victory and barely breaking a sweat.
If Pena can get back to winning ways on the mats, perhaps we'll see her in the UFC again, but she has to get past Avsaragova first.
