Julianna Pena

THE FIGHTER

Julianna Pena submitted Amanda Nunes at UFC 269 in one of the greatest upsets in combat sports history. That statement needs to be on her permanent record: she beat the most dominant women's champion in UFC history in a fight where she was a 13-to-1 underdog, and she did it by outworking Nunes in the second round and finishing with a rear naked choke. Whatever your other opinions about Pena, that night she was absolutely the best woman in the world at her weight.

Pena came up through TUF 18, where she was a standout personality and a legitimate fighter. She is a strong grappler with wrestling credentials and a willingness to engage in exchanges that bigger fighters might avoid. Her aggression is her calling card — she goes forward, creates chaos, and finds ways to make fights uncomfortable for technically superior opponents.

The narrative of her career is shaped by the Nunes fights. She won one and lost one, which is different from most bantamweights who fought Nunes in that era. She remains one of the most significant figures in the division's recent history and a top contender for any belt at 135 pounds.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

SIGNATURE MOVES

BIGGEST WINS