Julianna Peña: The ‘Lioness’ Who Defies the Odds and Seeks to Silence the Skeptics
Julianna Peña, in her second reign as UFC bantamweight champion, faces a reality that has accompanied her throughout her career: being underestimated. Despite having won three of her last four fights, including victories over two other champions, the MMA world continues to doubt her ability.
This Saturday, Peña will defend her belt at UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey. Despite the fact that her opponent, Kayla Harrison, is relatively new and hasn’t been fully tested at the highest level, Peña is the underdog in the betting odds.
For Peña, being overlooked is a constant. From her childhood in Spokane, Washington, where she was the target of her older brother’s pranks, to her path in the UFC, she has demonstrated time and again her ability to overcome obstacles.
“My mother used to tell me: ‘You will defend yourself’. She instilled that spirit in me, to never give up,” Peña recalled.
Julianna Peña
This is not the first time Peña has faced adversity. In fact, this will be her fourth consecutive fight as an “underdog.” One of the most memorable moments of her career was when, despite the high odds against her, she submitted Amanda Nunes, marking one of the biggest upsets in UFC history.
Peña has shown that self-belief and hard work are keys to success. Her upcoming fight with Harrison is a new opportunity to prove it and silence those who doubt her.Currently, Peña is considered an “underdog” with +500 in the betting odds. Will she be able to repeat the feat and exceed expectations once again?
Here’s a look back at the biggest “upsets” in UFC history, according to the experts:
- 10. Alexa Grasso (+600) defeats Valentina Shevchenko by submission in the fourth round (UFC 285, March 4, 2023).
- 9. Amanda Nunes (+220) defeats Cris Cyborg by KO in the first round (UFC 232, December 29, 2018).
- 8. Michael Bisping (+400) defeats Luke Rockhold by KO in the first round (UFC 199, June 4, 2016).
- 7. Frankie Edgar (+620) defeats BJ Penn by unanimous decision (UFC 112, April 10, 2010).
- 6. Henry Cejudo (+400) defeats Demetrious Johnson by split decision (UFC 227, August 4, 2018).
- 5. Julianna Peña (+650) defeats Amanda Nunes by submission in the second round (UFC 269, December 11, 2021).
- 4. Chris Weidman (+200) defeats Anderson Silva by KO in the second round (UFC 162, July 6, 2013).
- 3. Matt Serra (+850) defeats Georges St-Pierre by TKO in the first round (UFC 69, April 7, 2007).
- 2. Conor McGregor (+100) defeats José Aldo by KO in the first round (UFC 194, December 12, 2015).
- 1. Holly Holm (+870) defeats Ronda Rousey by KO in the second round (UFC 193, November 14, 2015).
