Julianna Peña addresses fan hatred after turning "heel" during Amanda Nunes rivalry: "It's always better to ruin everybody's night"
Julianna Peña recently spoke to Sportskeeda's own James Lynch, detailing her thoughts and feelings regarding the predominantly negative reaction she received from fans following her heel turn when she and Amanda Nunes were in the thick of their heated rivalry.
'The Venezuelan Vixen' does not regret any part she played during the feud, although she did express confusion over why she draws so much fan backlash. When asked if she enjoys playing the villain, Peña claimed that if the fans saw fit to boo her, even though it isn't her intention to be a villain, then so be it.
"No, I want to be America's sweetheart. I don't understand what the big deal is and why all these people hate me. But with that being said, if the shoe fits, wear it. Let's go."
Lynch subsequently asked her for her thoughts on other fighters' heel turns, specifically Ian Machado Garry, who is set to face Michael 'Venom' Page at UFC 303 and is reviled by the fans. She was asked whether a fighter needs to fully commit to playing a heel.
"I definitely do, and I definitely think it's easier to be the villain than it is to be the good guy, which is where I've struggled. I've kind of had a hard time with wanting to lean into that heel because I want everyone to, you know, be on my side and like me, but at the same time, it's much easier to go heel. It's a much easier role to play, and it's always better to ruin everybody's night when you're the heel. It's much funner."
Check out Julianna Peña talking about playing the heel in MMA (1:00 and 1:22):
Peña, while polarizing, was successful, drawing tremendous attention to her bouts with Nunes, during which she briefly held the UFC women's bantamweight title.
Julianna Peña has tried to coax Amanda Nunes back from retirement
Fresh after Amanda Nunes' retirement, Julianna Peña scorched the WMMA GOAT every chance she got, refusing to let their rivalry die. The pair had their second and final meeting at UFC 277, where Nunes dominated Peña, knocking her down several times en route to a unanimous decision win.
Unfortunately for 'The Venezuelan Vixen', any hopes she had of exacting her vengeance on Nunes were dashed when the latter retired. Now, she seems focused on getting back into action and potentially facing new star Kayla Harrison.