Julianna Peña Bio
Julianna Peña is an American professional mixed martial artist born on August 19, 1989, in Spokane, Washington. She competes in the women’s Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is recognized as the first woman to win The Ultimate Fighter. Peña has held the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship twice and is a prominent figure in women’s MMA as of 2025.
Early Life and Background
Born and raised in Spokane, Washington, Julianna Peña is the youngest of four siblings. She graduated from Mt. Spokane High School in 2007 and attended Spokane Community College. Peña began cardio kickboxing to lose weight and manage aggression, which led her to transition into mixed martial arts.
Path to MMA
Peña started her amateur MMA career with a 2–0 record before making her professional debut in May 2009. Early in her career, she faced setbacks including a serious accident and a tough loss but continued to develop her skills. Her dedication and resilience helped her move up the ranks, eventually leading to her participation in The Ultimate Fighter series.
Julianna Peña Career
Early Career (2009–2013)
Peña began her professional MMA career in 2009, quickly winning four consecutive fights. In 2012, she experienced her first professional loss in a catchweight bout. Despite this, she continued to compete and refine her skills, moving between bantamweight and flyweight divisions.
The Ultimate Fighter Breakthrough (2013)
In 2013, Peña was selected for The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate. She won the elimination fight to enter the house and went on to defeat top-ranked opponents, including Shayna Baszler and Sarah Moras. Peña won the tournament by defeating Jessica Rakoczy via TKO, becoming the first woman to win The Ultimate Fighter.
UFC Career Highlights (2013–Present)
Following her TUF victory, Peña faced various opponents in the UFC, earning notable wins and overcoming injuries. She won Performance of the Night honors after a first-round TKO of Milana Dudieva in 2015. Peña faced setbacks including a loss to Valentina Shevchenko and a hiatus due to pregnancy. She returned in 2019 with a unanimous decision win over Nicco Montaño. In 2021, Peña achieved one of the biggest upsets in UFC history by defeating Amanda Nunes to win the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship. She later lost the title in a rematch but reclaimed it in 2024 by defeating Raquel Pennington. In 2025, Peña faced Kayla Harrison, losing the championship via submission.
SikJitsu Era (Present)
Julianna Peña currently trains with SikJitsu in Chicago, Illinois. Her partnership with the team has been integral to her success, providing strategic and technical support throughout her career.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Peña fights in an orthodox stance and holds a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. She is known for her grappling skills, submission ability, and resilience in the cage. Her reach and striking complement her ground game, making her a versatile and formidable competitor.
Notable Events and Milestones
Peña’s career is marked by historic moments, including being the first woman to win The Ultimate Fighter and her upset victory over Amanda Nunes for the bantamweight title. She has demonstrated remarkable comebacks and championship resilience.
Julianna Peña Career Wins
Julianna Peña has amassed a total of 12 professional wins in MMA, including victories by knockout, submission, and decision across multiple weight divisions.
UFC Highlights
Peña’s UFC career includes significant wins such as her TUF 18 Finale victory and her championship bouts against Amanda Nunes and Raquel Pennington. Her wins showcase her ability to perform at the highest level in women’s bantamweight competition.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the UFC, Peña built a strong professional record with multiple wins that established her as a rising talent in MMA.
Julianna Peña Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Julianna Peña is of Mexican and Venezuelan descent. She is the younger sister of Grace Peña, a former reporter and meteorologist.
Personal Life
Peña is a mother to a daughter born in 2018. She resides in Chicago, Illinois, balancing her family life with her professional fighting career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Julianna Peña continued to compete at the highest level in the UFC women’s bantamweight division. She faced Kayla Harrison at UFC 316, where she lost the championship via submission. Peña remains a top contender and influential figure in women’s MMA, with ongoing opportunities to reclaim her title and maintain her status in the sport.