Former UFC champion Julianna Peña prepares for her combat sports return at Real American Freestyle in Abu Dhabi.
Former UFC women's bantamweight champion Julianna Peña is preparing for her highly anticipated combat sports return. The American fighter has been sidelined from the Octagon for a year and a half following her championship bout at UFC 316 last year.
Peña will step onto the Real American Freestyle wrestling mats in Abu Dhabi to face former Bellator standout Diana Avsaragova. The special rules match is officially scheduled to take place on November 14th, marking Peña's first competitive appearance since her title loss.
As she works toward re-entering the UFC bantamweight title mix, this wrestling debut serves as an important step in her active return, according to information published by bjpenn.
Julianna Peña wrestling debut details
The upcoming clash features two notable names in women's MMA transitioning to a freestyle wrestling environment. Real American Freestyle officially announced the matchup on Tuesday, generating substantial interest across the mixed martial arts community.
Her opponent, Diana Avsaragova, enters this contest following a notable stint in Bellator where she secured victories against opponents such as Alejandra Lara, Tara Graff, and Gabriella Gulfin.
UFC bantamweight division context
Peña's absence from the UFC stems from multiple injuries sustained during her bout against Kayla Harrison at UFC 316. That loss kept her out of action throughout 2026 as she healed from the rigorous encounter.
Before facing Harrison, Peña captured the vacant UFC women's bantamweight championship by defeating Raquel Pennington at UFC 307, cementing her status as a top-tier contender in the weight class.
Historical title fights and career highlights
The wrestling competitor is widely recognized for pulling off one of the greatest upsets in mixed martial arts history by defeating Amanda Nunes at UFC 269 to claim the title.
Although she subsequently dropped the belt in their UFC 277 rematch, her legacy in the bantamweight division remains secure as she looks toward future Octagon matchups.
Potential next opponents in the UFC
While preparing for her freestyle wrestling debut, Julianna Peña continues to monitor the landscape of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Speculation surrounds a potential future bout against Ailin Perez.
Perez recently earned a victory over Norma Dumont, positioning herself as a logical adversary for Peña upon her eventual return to the premier mixed martial arts promotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Julianna Peña returning to combat sports?
Julianna Peña is scheduled to return to competition on November 14th in Abu Dhabi, where she will face Diana Avsaragova at Real American Freestyle.
Who is Julianna Peña fighting in her next match?
Peña will face former Bellator standout Diana Avsaragova in a freestyle wrestling match for the Real American Freestyle promotion.
Has Julianna Peña fought in the UFC recently?
Peña has been sidelined from the UFC for a year and a half, with her last Octagon appearance taking place against Kayla Harrison at UFC 316.
Who did Julianna Peña defeat to win her UFC championship?
Peña famously defeated Amanda Nunes at UFC 269 to win the title, and later captured the vacant bantamweight championship by defeating Raquel Pennington at UFC 307.
