Who is Julianna Pena?

Julianna Pena is a trailblazer in the world of mixed martial arts. Known for her fearless attitude and relentless work ethic, the American fighter has made her mark in the UFC’s women’s bantamweight division. But she’s not just any competitor””Pena is the first woman to ever win The Ultimate Fighter! She is currently ranked no.5 on the women’s P4P (pound for pound) list and also holds the no. 1 spot in the women’s bantamweight division.

Julianna Pena’s Early Life

Born on August 19, 1989, Julianna Pena was raised in Spokane, Washington. The youngest of four siblings, she grew up in a tight-knit family, graduating from Mt. Spokane High School in 2007 before attending Spokane Community College.

Of Mexican and Venezuelan descent, Julianna’s story is one of perseverance, grit, and chasing a dream she didn’t know she had. Why? Pena didn’t initially set out to become a fighter. In fact, her first step into the combat world came from a desire to lose weight and channel her energy toward a positive goal.

She started with a cardio kickboxing class””a decision that would ignite a spark she never expected. From there, her passion grew, and she transitioned to mixed martial arts, where she would eventually rise to the top of the UFC's women’s bantamweight division.

Julianna Pena's Husband

Behind every champion, there’s often a quiet, unwavering presence. For UFC women’s bantamweight Julianna Pena, that force is her husband, Luis Alejandre. Alejandre is not just a supportive husband; he’s a skilled Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu trainer and practitioner. His passion for martial arts began at 19, setting the stage for a lifelong commitment. Over the years, Alejandre earned his black belt and has since shared his expertise as a defensive tactics instructor for the U.S. Army, police agencies, and more. He’s a man dedicated to both his craft and his country.

The couple’s journey together has seen them build not just a family but also a legacy. In 2018, they welcomed their daughter, Isabella Cruz, into the world. The young girl has already begun learning jiu-jitsu, following in her father’s footsteps. Alejandre even credits Isabella as the inspiration behind the opening of his Stronghold Jiu-Jitsu Academy, located in Chicago.

Julianna Pena’s Net Worth 2024

According to information available online, Julianna Pena has a reported net worth of around $2 million. The largest pay-day of her career? It came in her last fight inside the Octagon when she took on Amanda Nunes at UFC 277 in 2022. While she did lose the bout and the bantamweight title, Pena took home a reported base salary of $250,000 and adding the PPV payouts and sponsorship income, her total earnings for that fight were around $492,000.

It’s important to note that the figures above aren’t an accurate representation but estimations based on publicly available sources.

Julianna Pena’s Career Timeline

In February 2009, Pena made her amateur debut against Kate Dell at ExciteFight: Spokane Fight Night 3. Two months later in May, 2009, she went professional with a debut against Raylene Harvey at ExciteFight: Spokane Fight Night 5.

Fast forward to September 2013, her UFC stint began. It was on 'The Ultimate Fighter 18' aka 'The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate' with a fight against Gina Mazany. Pena became the first female to win 'TUF' in 2013 when she defeated Jessica Rakoczy in the season finale. But a huge setback followed this career milestone.

In 2014, Julianna Pena suffered a leg injury during a gym workout, resulting in her being out of action for the entire year.

However, 'The Venezuelan Vixen' made a great comeback, claiming three consecutive victories before suffering her first UFC loss at UFC on Fox 23: Valentina Shevchenko vs. Julianna Pena. Shevchenko defeated Pena in the second round via submission (armbar).

Then, she immediately bounced back and defeated Nicco Montano via unanimous decision before suffering another UFC loss against Germaine de Randamie via technical submission (guillotine choke).

Once again, 'The Venezuelan Vixen' managed to put herself back on the map by defeating Sara McMann via submission (rear-naked choke) at UFC 257 in January 2021. In December 2021, she won the UFC women’s bantamweight championship from Amanda Nunes at UFC 269.

In 2023, she returned to TUF as a coach against Nunes, with Team Pena securing wins in both men's heavyweight and women's flyweight categories. However, she would later drop the title to Amanda Nunes at UFC 277.

Julianna Pena’s UFC Career Stats and Record

Julianna Pena’s professional MMA record stands at 10 wins and 5 losses. In her UFC career, she’s secured 7 wins and has lost 3 times. According to Tapology, she boasts a 29% KO/TKO rate, a 29% submission rate, and a 43% decision rate.

Julianna Pena’s Major Achievements and Awards

The Ultimate Fighter 18 tournament winner

Performance of the Night (2 times) against Milana Dudieva and Amanda Nunes

UFC Honors 2021 Performance of the Year against Amanda Nunes

2021 Upset of the Year vs Amanda Nunes

Julianna Pena’s Titles

UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion

The Ultimate Fighter 18 Tournament Winner

 Julianna Pena’s Social Media Accounts

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venezuelanvixen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JuliannaPenaMMA

Twitter: https://x.com/VenezuelanVixen