History of Julianna Peña in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 1, 2025

Julianna Nicole Peña is a prominent American mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC's Bantamweight division. She is the two-time and current UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion. Peña is also notable for being the first woman to win The Ultimate Fighter reality show. As of October 2024, she holds a high ranking in the UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings, solidifying her position as a top female fighter.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 19, 1989: Julianna Peña's Birth

On August 19, 1989, Julianna Nicole Peña was born. She is an American professional mixed martial artist.

Others born on this day/year

2007: High School Graduation

In 2007, Julianna Peña graduated from Mt. Spokane High School.

May 2009: Professional MMA Debut

In May 2009, Julianna Peña made her professional MMA debut.

April 2012: First MMA Defeat and Accident

In April 2012, Julianna Peña suffered her first defeat in MMA against Sarah Moras. Additionally, around this time, Peña was involved in an accident with a drunk driver, resulting in injuries such as a broken nose.

2012: Loss Against Sarah Moras

In 2012, Julianna Peña fought Sarah Moras professionally and lost after suffering an injury due to an armbar.

2012: Featured in Fight Life Documentary

In 2012, Julianna Peña was featured in the award-winning mixed martial arts documentary Fight Life.

August 2013: Selection for The Ultimate Fighter

In August 2013, Julianna Peña was selected to be on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate.

November 30, 2013: Wins The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale

On November 30, 2013, Julianna Peña faced Jessica Rakoczy in the finals of The Ultimate Fighter 18. She won the bout via TKO in the first round, becoming the TUF 18 women's bantamweight champion.

March 15, 2014: Pulled from UFC 171 Due to Injury

On March 15, 2014, Julianna Peña was expected to face Jessica Andrade at UFC 171, but she pulled out of the bout after suffering a severe knee injury during training.

April 4, 2015: Defeats Milana Dudieva at UFC Fight Night 63

On April 4, 2015, Julianna Peña returned to face Milana Dudieva at UFC Fight Night 63. She won the fight via TKO in the first round and earned a Performance of the Night bonus.

October 3, 2015: Defeats Jessica Eye at UFC 192

On October 3, 2015, Julianna Peña faced Jessica Eye at UFC 192 and won the fight by unanimous decision.

December 20, 2015: Arrested for Assault

On December 20, 2015, Julianna Peña was arrested in Spokane, Washington and charged with two counts of assault due to an altercation with bar staff.

July 9, 2016: Defeats Cat Zingano at UFC 200

On July 9, 2016, Julianna Peña faced former title challenger Cat Zingano at UFC 200. She won the fight by unanimous decision.

January 28, 2017: Loss to Valentina Shevchenko at UFC on Fox 23

On January 28, 2017, Julianna Peña faced Valentina Shevchenko at UFC on Fox 23. She lost the fight via armbar submission in the second round.

October 14, 2017: Pregnancy Announcement and Hiatus

On October 14, 2017, Julianna Peña announced that she was pregnant and would be taking an indefinite hiatus from the sport.

January 2018: Birth of First Child

In January 2018, Julianna Peña gave birth to her first child, a daughter.

July 13, 2019: Return to UFC and Victory over Nicco Montaño

On July 13, 2019, after a hiatus, Julianna Peña returned to UFC Fight Night 155 and faced Nicco Montaño, winning via unanimous decision.

March 28, 2020: Pulls out of Fight Against Aspen Ladd

Julianna Peña was expected to face Aspen Ladd on March 28, 2020, at UFC on ESPN 8. However, Peña pulled out of the fight in early March citing an injury.

October 4, 2020: Loss to Germaine de Randamie

On October 4, 2020, Julianna Peña faced Germaine de Randamie at UFC on ESPN: Holm vs. Aldana. She lost the fight via a guillotine choke in round three.

January 24, 2021: Defeats Sara McMann at UFC 257

On January 24, 2021, Julianna Peña faced Sara McMann at UFC 257. Peña won the fight via submission in round three.

May 8, 2021: Holly Holm Withdraws from Fight

On May 8, 2021, Holly Holm was forced to withdraw from her scheduled bout against Julianna Peña at UFC on ESPN 24 due to hydronephrosis.

July 29, 2021: Nunes Tests Positive for COVID-19

On July 29, 2021, Amanda Nunes tested positive for COVID-19, leading to the rescheduling of her bout with Julianna Peña.

December 11, 2021: Wins UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship

On December 11, 2021, Julianna Peña faced Amanda Nunes at UFC 269 and won the bout and championship by rear-naked choke submission, in what is regarded as one of the biggest upsets in UFC history.

February 5, 2022: Coaching The Ultimate Fighter 30

On February 5, 2022, it was announced that Julianna Peña and Amanda Nunes would be the coaches for The Ultimate Fighter 30 on ESPN+.

July 30, 2022: Loses Title to Amanda Nunes

On July 30, 2022, Julianna Peña lost her rematch against Amanda Nunes for the UFC Women's Bantamweight title at UFC 277 by unanimous decision.

May 2, 2023: Pulled out of UFC 289 due to injury

On May 2, 2023, it was announced that Julianna Peña pulled out of the bout against Amanda Nunes due to broken ribs she sustained during training camp.

October 5, 2024: Reclaims the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship

On October 5, 2024, Julianna Peña faced Raquel Pennington for the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship at UFC 307. She reclaimed the championship by winning the bout by split decision.