Julianna Pena

Fighter Information

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. As of June 2025, she has made significant impacts in her career, once holding the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship twice.
Full Name :
Julianna Peña
Birthdate :
19 August 1989
Birthplace :
Spokane, Washington, USA
Gender :
Female
Height (cm) :
170
Weight (kg) :
61
Residence :
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Nationality :
United States
Education :
Mt. Spokane High School (High School), Spokane Community College (College)
Career Started :
2009
Current Team :
SikJitsu
Rank Belt :
Purple belt (Brazilian jiu-jitsu)
Reach :
175
Active Status :
From - 2009, To - Present
Ring Name :
The Venezuelan Vixen
Stance :
Orthodox

Biography

Julianna Peña, known as “The Venezuelan Vixen,” is a notable figure in women’s bantamweight MMA. She has a professional record of 13 wins and 5 losses, including remarkable achievements as a two-time UFC champion. Her most impressive victory was a submission win over Amanda Nunes, demonstrating her grappling expertise—particularly her rear-naked choke technique. Peña balances her competitive career with family life, emphasizing the role of support in her path. Investigate further to uncover more about her inspiring story.

Early Life

Julianna Peña began her martial arts expedition in October 2008, shifting to professional MMA in 2009 after starting her career in the amateur circuit.

During her early life, she developed a strong interest in martial arts and honed her grappling skills by working as an assistant instructor at SikJitsu.

This experience laid the foundation for her successful career in mixed martial arts, highlighting her dedication and passion for the sport.

Family Life

Julianna Peña values her family life, crediting their steadfast support as essential to her success in the UFC. Her father’s motivation greatly influenced her path in martial arts, nurturing her dedication to the sport from a young age.

Since becoming a mother in 2017, she has placed great emphasis on balancing her responsibilities as both a fighter and a parent. This balance has shaped her commitment to her family, including her close relationship with her parents and their involvement in sports.

Julianna often expresses gratitude for her family’s support, which she considers a considerable factor in her achievements in the UFC.

Career

Julianna Peña, known as “The Venezuelan Vixen,” has made a notable mark in the world of mixed martial arts with a professional record of 13 wins and 5 losses.

She is a two-time women’s bantamweight champion, renowned for her remarkable submission victory over Amanda Nunes at UFC 269.

With a strong foundation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Peña has secured six of her wins via submission, mainly utilizing the rear-naked choke technique.

Throughout her career, she has engaged in crucial matchups, including two title fights against Nunes, culminating in a rematch at UFC 277, where she lost by unanimous decision.

Peña’s impressive skills and tenacity have established her as a prominent figure in the UFC.

Net Worth

Julianna Peña’s net worth is estimated at approximately $290,000 USD.

Throughout her career in the UFC, her earnings have been greatly impacted by her performances in high-stakes title fights.

Her top five fight earnings include:

  • $64,000 for her bout against Raquel Pennington,
  • $80,000 for a standout performance against Amanda Nunes,
  • $50,000 for her fight with Valentina Shevchenko,
  • $48,000 from her bout with Cat Zingano, and
  • $40,000 for her match against Nicco Montano.

These figures highlight the financial rewards associated with her success in the octagon, reflecting both her skill and popularity as a two-time UFC women’s bantamweight champion.