Julianna Peña poses for a picture with her father, L-242’s Ernie Peña.
Ernie Peña from Local 242 (Spokane, Washington) is the proud father of world champion UFC fighter, Julianna Peña, aka, “The Venezuelan Vixen.” Julianna Peña is an American mixed martial artist and the first woman to win The Ultimate Fighter, the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s reality TV series and mixed martial arts competition. The UFC Octagon is a trademark of the UFC brand. Its perfect shape allows fighters enough space to showcase their skills while ensuring the maximum safety for UFC fighters. UFC President Dana White was adamant back in 2011 that women would never fight in the Octagon. But in 2013, the Ultimate Fighter introduced women to the series, and Peña won the Season 18 title. This began her contract as a UFC fighter. Since then, Peña has become the world title champion in the Women’s Bantamweight Division. Her record is 12 wins, 4 losses and zero draws.
Peña shocked the world during the UFC 269 co-main event when she became the world title champion. According to ESPN Peña was the “6½-to-1 betting underdog against Amanda Nunes.” However, that didn’t stop Peña from proving to herself and the world that anything is possible. During the second round, Nunes tapped out after “The Venezuelan Vixen” locked her in a rear-naked choke. During her interview she made it clear “I’m not surprised,” Peña said. “I know that I have a big, huge will and determination. You can do anything you want in this life.”
