What Happened to Julianna Pena? Julianna Pena Injury Update
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jun 11, 2023
Who is Julianna Pena?
Julianna Nicole Peña, born on August 19, 1989, is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She holds the distinction of being the first woman to win The Ultimate Fighter, a reality television series produced by the UFC. Peña has also held the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship in her career.
As of August 1, 2022, Peña holds the top position in the UFC women's bantamweight rankings. Additionally, as of March 7, 2023, she is ranked sixth in the UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings, which includes fighters across different weight divisions.
Peña grew up in Spokane, Washington, as the youngest of four siblings. She completed her high school education at Mt. Spokane High School in 2007 before attending Spokane Community College. In her early adulthood, Peña took up cardio kickboxing to lose weight and manage her aggression. Eventually, she transitioned to mixed martial arts and pursued a career in the sport.
What Happened to Julianna Pena?
Julianna Peña was sidelined for her fight against Amanda Nunes due to a fractured rib. This injury prevented her from being able to compete in the scheduled bout. Dana White, the UFC President, confirmed Peña's inability to participate in the fight through an Instagram post. As a result, Irene Aldana was chosen as a replacement and will now face Nunes at UFC 289.
It is unfortunate for Peña that she sustained a fractured rib, as this type of injury can be quite painful and can significantly affect a fighter's ability to train and compete. Rib injuries are relatively common in combat sports and can occur due to direct strikes, grappling, or other forms of impact during training or fights. Recovery from a fractured rib usually requires rest and adequate time for the bone to heal.
While the exact details of how Peña sustained the fractured rib are not provided in the given information, it can be assumed that it occurred during training or preparation for her fight against Nunes. Training in mixed martial arts involves intense physical conditioning, sparring, and various drills that can put strain on the body, making athletes susceptible to injuries.
It is unfortunate that Peña's injury prevented her from competing against Nunes, as it would have been an exciting matchup. However, injuries are an inherent risk in combat sports, and fighters must prioritize their health and well-being. Hopefully, Peña will have a full recovery and be able to return to the octagon in the future.
Amanda Nunes X Julianna Pena
"The Ultimate Fighter: Team Peña vs. Team Nunes," also known as TUF 30, is a reality television series produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and aired on ESPN+. The season features former UFC women's bantamweight champion and current UFC women's featherweight champion, Amanda Nunes, and UFC women's bantamweight champion, Julianna Peña, as coaches. The show showcases contestants competing in the heavyweight and women's flyweight divisions.
Initially, Nunes and Peña were expected to face each other in a title bout at UFC 265 on August 7, 2021. However, the fight was canceled when Nunes tested positive for COVID-19 on July 29. The bout was rescheduled and took place at UFC 269 on December 11, 2021, where Peña won the championship by submitting Nunes. The two coaches met again for the bantamweight title at UFC 277, where Nunes regained her title in a unanimous decision.
The UFC officially announced the premiere of TUF 30, which would be broadcast on ESPN+ starting on May 3, 2022. Once again, in 2023, the fight between Amanda Nunes and Julianna Peña will not happen as planned. This time, Peña suffered an injury and had to be replaced by Irene Aldana. Aldana will step in to face Nunes at UFC 289. Peña's injury has become an obstacle to compete due to her injury. It is unfortunate for Peña and her fans that she is unable to participate in the bout, but injuries are a common occurrence in combat sports, and fighters must prioritize their health and well-being.
Julianna Pena UFC
TUF 18 and Becoming Champion
Julianna Peña competed in the bantamweight division on The Ultimate Fighter 18. She faced Jessica Rakoczy in the finals on November 30, 2013, at The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale. Peña emerged victorious with a TKO victory in the final seconds of the first round, earning her the title of TUF 18 women's bantamweight champion.
Injury and Recovery
After her TUF victory, Peña was slated to fight Jessica Andrade at UFC 171 on March 15, 2014. Unfortunately, she had to withdraw from the bout due to a severe knee injury. During training, Peña injured her right knee, damaging her ACL, MCL, LCL, and meniscus. Following surgery and rehabilitation, doctors assured her that her knee would regain full strength. The injury kept Peña out of action for the remainder of 2014.
UFC Return and Impressive Wins
Peña made her UFC comeback on April 4, 2015, facing Milana Dudieva at UFC Fight Night 63. She secured a first-round TKO victory, earning her the Performance of the Night bonus. Peña continued her winning streak, defeating Jessica Eye by unanimous decision at UFC 192 on October 3, 2015.
Victories and Losses
At UFC 200 on July 9, 2016, Peña faced Cat Zingano and emerged victorious with a unanimous decision. However, she encountered a setback in her next fight against Valentina Shevchenko at UFC on Fox 23 on January 28, 2017, where she lost via armbar submission in the second round.
Temporary Hiatus and Return
On October 14, 2017, Peña announced her pregnancy and took an indefinite hiatus from MMA. She made her long-awaited return to the octagon on July 13, 2019, facing Nicco Montaño at UFC Fight Night 155. Peña won the fight by unanimous decision, marking her return after nearly two and a half years.
Injuries and Challenges
Peña was scheduled to face Aspen Ladd on March 28, 2020, at UFC on ESPN 8. However, she withdrew from the fight due to an injury. She then faced Germaine de Randamie on October 4, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Holm vs. Aldana, where she lost via a guillotine choke in the third round.
Impressive Comeback and Victory
Peña faced Sara McMann on January 24, 2021, at UFC 257. She secured a submission victory in the third round, showcasing her resilience and skill in the octagon.
Upcoming Bout and Withdrawal
Peña was set to fight Holly Holm on May 8, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 24. However, the bout was canceled when Holm withdrew due to hydronephrosis.
Julianna Pena Husband
Julianna Peña is currently married to Luis Alejandre, who is also a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). The couple has a child together, a daughter named Isabella. Despite being involved in the world of UFC, Peña prefers to keep her daughter away from the spotlight. However, she has shared several pictures of her adorable daughter on her official Instagram account.
Peña's husband, Luis Alejandre, holds a black belt in BJJ and began his training at the age of 19. He has been instrumental in training and coaching young athletes in the sport of BJJ. Additionally, he has provided tactical instruction to police agencies and the US army.
In one of Peña's Instagram posts, she expressed that Alejandre has a deep love for their daughter and has even established his own Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy. The academy, named Stronghold Jiu-Jitsu Academy, is located in Nashville Ave, Chicago. The academy offers training in self-defense, judo, and other martial arts disciplines. The couple aims to provide their daughter, Isabella, with the opportunity to learn BJJ as she grows up.
What Happened to Julianna Pena - FAQs
Julianna Peña was sidelined for her fight against Amanda Nunes due to a fractured rib. This injury prevented her from being able to compete in the scheduled bout. Dana White, the UFC President, confirmed Peña's inability to participate in the fight through an Instagram post.
Yes, Peña became the TUF 18 women's bantamweight champion by defeating Jessica Rakoczy via TKO in the finals of The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale on November 30, 2013.
Yes, Peña had to withdraw from a scheduled bout against Jessica Andrade at UFC 171 on March 15, 2014, due to a severe knee injury. She injured her right knee while grappling in training, resulting in damage to her ACL, MCL, LCL, and meniscus. After undergoing surgery and rehabilitation, Peña made a successful comeback.
Peña has notable wins against fighters such as Milana Dudieva (TKO, UFC Fight Night 63), Jessica Eye (unanimous decision, UFC 192), Cat Zingano (unanimous decision, UFC 200), and Sara McMann (submission, UFC 257).
Yes, Peña has faced defeats in her career. Notable losses include fights against Valentina Shevchenko (submission, UFC on Fox 23) and Germaine de Randamie (submission, UFC on ESPN: Holm vs. Aldana).