We’ve heard UFC President Dana White bluntly say he wants aging veterans who have taken too much damage to retire from combat sports. Unfortunately, many great UFC fighters stay in the sport of mixed martial arts longer than they should.
It doesn’t appear that is something UFC women’s bantamweight champion Julianna Peña is going to do.
Peña was a guest on Boys in the Back on Thursday, and she made her exit plan from the sport clear.
“I got two fights before I ride off into the sunset, and it looks like it’s gonna be Kayla [Harrison] first and then Amanda Nunes,” Peña said. “But, would I like Amanda first? Absolutely.”
Here is a clip of the segment from Jed I. Goodman:
You can watch the full interview here:
If Peña has her way, she will return to the Octagon in June during International Fight Week.
Peña has been a breath of fresh air for the women’s bantamweight division, which has been sorely lacking in personality. The champion gives excellent interviews, fights her heart out, and understands how to promote a fight.
Peña’s career trajectory has been marked by what I’d describe as good drama and her ability to shine on the biggest stages, including her upset win over Nunes in December 2021 to capture the UFC title the first time.
If she holds true to her word, it’s a shame we won’t get to see a rivalry with Harrison last longer. Both women “get it.” They match their elite-level MMA skill with personalities that move the needle, and that’s precisely what is needed.
White could have a problem on his hands if Peña sticks to her word. If Nunes comes out of retirement as expected, she probably won’t be back for the long haul. Nunes is 36, and while some believe she retired too soon, chances are she won’t fight until she’s 40.
Nunes walked away from the sport in June 2023 following her dominant performance against Irene Aldana at UFC 289, which made it clear the Lioness still had gas left in the tank.
Even Harrison is 34 years old, and it has been very difficult for her to make 135 pounds. Even if she fights past Peña’s planned exit from the sport, it’s unclear how long she’ll remain at 135 pounds.
The UFC doesn’t have a women’s featherweight division at the moment, but Harrison might be the kind of fighter the promotion would consider building a division around.
In any case, there aren’t any current women’s bantamweight prospects the promotion is likely to see as stars. Peña says she has two fights left, Nunes is still technically retired, and she’s 36, and Harrison is 34.
If they leave, who is on the horizon in the UFC that could become a star in the division?
The women’s bantamweight division has struggled to produce new stars. The division was built around Ronda Rousey at the outset, and she proved to be one of the greatest attractions in UFC history.
Holly Holm and Miesha Tate had brief stints as champion before Nunes went on a historic run that solidified her spot as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
White and the UFC may have to find someone else or another group of compelling fighters in the next year or two to become the faces of the division.
