Julianna Pena believes title win at UFC 307 will entice Amanda Nunes "to come out of retirement" for "the biggest women's fight in UFC history"
Julianna Pena is convinced that reclaiming the women's bantamweight title at UFC 307 will force Amanda Nunes out of retirement. 'The Venezuelan Vixen', who hasn't fought since losing the belt to the Brazilian in 2022, believes a win will set up their trilogy bout and ultimately create the biggest women's fight in the promotion's history.
Pena first stunned the world back in 2021 when she faced 'The Lioness' at UFC 269. What was expected to be a routine title defense for Nunes proved anything but, as Pena pulled off one of the biggest upsets to capture the bantamweight belt.
The pair then ran it back a year later and Nunes looked back to her best, dominating the fight across the five rounds to reclaim her belt. They were then expected to face-off in a trilogy clash last year. However, Julianna Pena was forced out of the fight through injury. Nunes ultimately ended up facing Irene Aldana, and called time on her career following her victory.
Pena has since been demanding the Brazilian to return to the octagon so they can settle their rivalry. While her calls have fallen on deaf ears over recent months, the 35-year-old remains convinced that a victory over Raquel Pennington for the title next month will all but assure Nunes' return.
Speaking to Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie, Pena said:
"I'm hoping Amanda [Nunes] will want to come out of retirement. I'm willing to bet she will be there and that she'll be watching very intently. I don't believe that she truly is as done as she claims she is...My goal is to get Amanda back inside the octagon. That will be the biggest women's fight in UFC history."
Check out Julianna Pena's comments here (9:45):
Julianna Pena pens a touching message to WWE legend
Julianna Pena recently announced she has teamed up with WWE legend Hulk Hogan and his beer company, Real American Beer.
Pena took to Instagram to confirm the news, where she penned an emotional message to 'The Hulkster', explaining how much working with him means to her. According to the UFC star, the 71-year-old is a "hero" to her. She wrote:
"Proud to partner with [Hulk Hogan] with the launch of [Real American Beer] now in [Illinois] everywhere! Meeting one of my childhood heroes was everything I thought it'd be and more!... Loved getting to know him!... I cannot wait to crack a few of these after my [UFC] fight Oct. 5 in [Salt Lake City]."
Check out the post here: