Julianna Peña to Return to Competition in Wrestling After 17-Month Hiatus

Julianna Peña, a former two-time UFC champion, is preparing to return to competition in wrestling after a 17-month break. She will make her debut at RAF Abu Dhabi on November 14, where she is scheduled to face Diana Avsaragova in a middleweight match.

Peña's absence from the sport followed her title loss to Kayla Harrison on June 7, 2025, and was compounded by injuries, including a broken thumb and a torn elbow ligament. After undergoing multiple surgeries, her recovery took longer than anticipated, leaving her MMA future uncertain.

Despite stepping away from fighting, Peña remained active in the sport as a commentator. Her return to competition in wrestling aligns with a trend of UFC fighters exploring opportunities outside the Octagon, although participation terms can vary based on individual contracts.