Julianna Pena
13-6-0
About
A former bantamweight champion called 'The Venezuelan Vixen' who pulled off one of the biggest upsets in MMA history.
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Julianna 'The Venezuelan Vixen' Pena authored one of the single greatest upsets in MMA history. After winning The Ultimate Fighter and grinding into contention, she submitted Amanda Nunes - the consensus women's GOAT and a seemingly unbeatable champion - in 2021 to capture the bantamweight title and shock the world.
She lost the immediate rematch but reclaimed the vacant belt by beating Raquel Pennington in 2024, making her a two-time champion, before dropping it to Kayla Harrison in 2025. A pressure grappler with relentless cardio and a never-quit attitude, she makes up for limited polish with toughness and grit.
For new fans, Pena is one of the most compelling figures in women's MMA - a brash, outspoken personality who backs up her talk just often enough to keep everyone guessing. The Nunes upset alone secures her place in the sport's history, and her loud confidence guarantees she's never far from the spotlight.
Why fans love Pena
Her toughness, her never-quit grappling, and the unforgettable Nunes upset make her a genuine star.
Why some fans hate Pena
Her constant trash talk and big claims rub many the wrong way, and critics argue her title runs leaned on circumstances as much as dominance.
