Juliana Peña is no stranger to adversity. From winning The Ultimate Fighter Season 18 to becoming a UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, Peña’s journey has been anything but conventional. Now, Juliana Peña known as "The Venezuelan Vixen" is set to make her long-awaited return at UFC 307, taking on Raquel Pennington in the co-main event for a chance to reclaim the title she once held. After more than two years out of the Octagon, the question on everyone’s mind is: Will Peña remind the world why she was once the queen of the Bantamweight division?
A Fighter’s Journey: Juliana Peña
Juliana Peña’s career has been defined by grit and determination. Her impressive resume includes victories over some of the top names in women’s MMA, including Amanda Nunes, Cat Zingano, Jessica Eye, and Sara McMann. But Peña's fighting spirit goes beyond the Octagon. As a mother to six-year-old Isabella, she balances life as a parent with the relentless demands of being a top-tier athlete.
“I feel like I have to climb back up and claw my way back up just to remind everybody, hello, I'm still here,” Peña said in a recent interview, acknowledging her two-year hiatus. “But sometimes I just wish I wouldn't have to remind them.”
Despite her time away from competition, Peña remains as determined as ever to prove her worth. She knows that the fans haven’t forgotten about her, and neither has the UFC, which has slotted her into the co-main event slot of one of the biggest cards of the year. However, stepping back into the Octagon after such a long layoff raises the inevitable question of ring rust.
The Ring Rust Debate: Will Time Away Impact Peña?
Peña has been sidelined since losing her bantamweight crown to Amanda Nunes in July 2022. Many fans and analysts are speculating whether the long break will affect her performance against Raquel Pennington. However, Peña is confident that her time away from the sport won’t be a factor.
“I don't ever look at it like, ‘Oh my gosh, I haven't competed in two years. What am I going to do?’” Peña said. “When I get there, I'll do what I know how to do instinctually, and everything will be fine. I’m not going to think too much about it or broadcast it. At the end of the day, I know I can fight, and when that cage door closes, I’m going to give them hell or die trying.”
This isn’t the first time Peña has had to come back after an extended absence. Whether it was due to injuries or pregnancy, she’s always returned to top form, and her mindset ahead of UFC 307 reflects her readiness to do it again.
A Tale of Two Warriors: Peña vs. Pennington
Peña’s opponent, Raquel Pennington, is riding a wave of momentum, entering this fight as the favorite. "Rocky" Pennington has worked tirelessly to reach the top of the division, and her victory over Mayra Bueno Silva earlier this year secured her spot in this championship bout. But despite Pennington’s impressive run, Peña is no stranger to being the underdog, a role she has thrived in throughout her career.
“I’ve always been the underdog,” Peña said. “When that cage door closes, I am willing to die to get my hand raised. And I don't think that Raquel has as much of that desire that I have, as much of that hunger and that want, and that competitiveness.”
Peña’s mindset is focused on reclaiming what she believes is rightfully hers—the UFC Bantamweight Championship. Her victory over Amanda Nunes in December 2021, where she shocked the world by defeating the greatest female fighter in MMA history, solidified her place as one of the sport’s most dangerous competitors. While Pennington’s ascent has been nothing short of impressive, Peña’s ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest could be the X-factor in this fight.
The Weight of the Belt: What’s at Stake?
For both fighters, this bout represents more than just a title shot—it’s a chance to solidify their legacy in the sport. Peña is hungry to prove that her first win over Nunes wasn’t a fluke, while Pennington is determined to show that she’s finally reached the top of the mountain after years of hard work. However, Peña questions whether Pennington has the fire to carry the belt and represent the UFC at the highest level.
“If she had that desire to represent the UFC and be the UFC champion, you would hear from her more,” Peña remarked. “And I think that’s because it’s my role, and it’s time for me to go back into my rightful spot.”
Despite not officially holding the belt, Peña believes she’s still the true champion in her mind.
“I might not have that official title, but for me, I am the champion, and I feel that way,” Peña declared.
Will Peña Reclaim Her Throne?
As UFC 307 draws near, the anticipation for the co-main event continues to build. Peña has faced setbacks before, and she’s always returned stronger. But this fight represents something more personal for her—a chance to reclaim her legacy and prove that she’s still one of the best fighters in the world.
Raquel Pennington, meanwhile, will be looking to shut down Peña’s comeback story and cement her own legacy. It’s a classic showdown of skill, will, and heart, with the UFC Bantamweight title on the line. Fans around the world will be watching closely to see if Juliana Peña can remind them why she was, and perhaps still is, a champion.