Stopping the ‘GOAT’ of women’s MMA in her tracks is not everyone’s cup of tea. But this is exactly what Julianna Pena has achieved in her stellar career when she beat Amanda Nunes for division gold. The former Bantamweight queen is nicknamed ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’. But that moniker is kinda misleading as it makes people think that she is from Venezuela. While her nickname has some truth to it, she isn’t entirely of Venezuelan descent as we will see later.

Additionally, the Brazilian was the very first woman to win a season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ back in 2013. Since then, she has established herself as one of the most influential female juggernauts in the MMA world. And this has spurred fight fans around the world to know more about her background and eventual journey to the UFC. With that said, let’s dive into the life of Julianna Pena!

Where was Julianna Pena born? Nationality and early life

Julianna Pena, a native of Spokane, Washington, was born to immigrant parents from South America. Despite growing up far from her parent’s homeland, the scintillating hill community she called home was no less impressive and enchanting. Like the majority of the kids, she attended Mt. Spokane local high school, where she realized and acknowledged the depth of her connection to her roots. This bond was so strong that she chose to stay local for college, enrolling at Spokane Community College rather than hopping to another state for higher education.

The future UFC champion was brought up in the promising lands of the United States, and her parents’s diverse backgrounds played a crucial part in influencing her identity. During her college days, the ‘Venezuelan Vixen’ transitioned into the world of mixed martial arts. Initially a bit overweight, Pena started training in kickboxing primarily to shed the extra pounds and attain good shape.

Fate had other plans for Julianna Pena! As you must have guessed, what started as a weight loss hobby quickly turned into a lifelong passion. Her natural aggression and quick learning ability made the discipline of MMA a perfect fit.  So rapid was her progress and so dedicated was she to the sport that it took just one year for ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ to take the leap and make her professional debut at just 20 years of age.

Only two fights in the amateur circuit (both of which) convinced her that she had what it took to become a pro fighter and needed to go all in. And what a start she had to her career! The Spokane native went undefeated in her first four pro fights but faced setbacks, losing her next two in a row.

However, her four wins had come via quick stoppages, which displayed just the kind of fighter she was. Perhaps this is why she was chosen to participate in Season 18 of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’. Pena, of course, won that season and emerged as a UFC star straight away. Pena’s parents have been unwavering supporters throughout her career. Their diverse backgrounds have undoubtedly shaped her journey.

Exploring Julianna Pena’s ethnicity and ancestry

Pena’s parents are both Hispanic, but they hail from different countries and even from different continents. Her mother, Pamela Pena hails from Mexico, just south of the border, while her father, Ernie Pena is from the lush, green, picturesque, albeit beleaguered country of Venezuela in South America. This means that ‘Vixen’ herself is of Venezuelan-Mexican ancestry and an American citizen. While she identifies closely with her father’s Venezuelan roots, she also appreciates her Mexican heritage. Pena proudly represents the South American country in the octagon, honoring her roots in her moniker, ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’.

Pena happens to be the youngest of her four siblings. As is universally true, her parents doted on her for being the youngest and were thus understandably hesitant to let her become a martial artist, disconcerted at the prospect of seeing their baby girl hurt. Her father eventually gave in when he realized her daughter’s passion for the fight game.

“At first they were very hesitant because I’m the baby of four and my dad didn’t like seeing his baby girl get punched in the face. Once they saw how dedicated I was and how passionate I became about MMA, they jumped on board and supported me wholeheartedly. I’m glad to have changed their minds,” Pena revealed in an interview.

Their faith in her paid off handsomely, as she proved herself not only by winning ‘TUF’ but by stopping perhaps the greatest ever female MMA fighter Amanda Nunes in their fight and going the distance with her in the rematch. As ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ looks to reclaim the throne at UFC 307, she will once again have the chance to climb to the top of the sport. What are your thoughts on Julianna Pena’s MMA journey?