Counting Julianna Pena is never a good idea.
After reclaiming the Bantamweight Championship through a closely contested and somewhat controversial division bias victory over Raquel Pennington last year, “The Venezuelan Vixen” will face another tough test at UFC 316 this Saturday night.
Stepping into the main event spotlight, Pena defends the 135-pound crown against two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time PFL champion Kayla Harrison.
Faced with one of the biggest challenges of a martial arts career, Pena deals with her 12th walk to the Octagon, which was different from the 11 that came before.
“Every time I signed on that dotted line to get into that dotted line with any of these enemies, they’re the toughest challenge I’ve ever had,” Pena said in an interview with Submitted Radio. Every time I prepare for a fight, I always say the same thing: “This is the biggest battle of my life.” And I don’t underestimate it. I’m not underestimating her abilities. I consider her an extreme threat.
Juliana Pena is no one’s cupcake
As it stands, Harrison is a massive favorite at the top of New Jersey, with the Sportsbook being as publicly listed as the -590. It’s a familiar place for Pena, who has been suspected many times in her career.
“Everyone always thinks I’m just this layup and the second cupcake they can fight against me. Their eyes get as big as the plate.
Of course, Pena won one of the biggest disruptions in promotional history, beating Amanda Nunes at UFC 269, becoming the first world champion in her career.
Will “Venezuela Vixen” ignore the odds again?