- Julianna Pena issues a call-out for a trilogy bout with Amana Nunes
- “The Venezuelan Vixen” is confident she would get the job done in the third fight
Julianna Pena’s reign as the UFC women’s bantamweight champion was cut short following a unanimous decision loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 277 in July. Contrary to what the build-up suggested, the pair’s five-round battle was a lopsided one with Pena on the wrong end.
After the bout, Pena incurred serious damage and many believe it would take a while before she could finally return. But while still recovering, “The Venezuelan Vixen” made it clear to everyone that she’s coming back to reclaim her throne.
The trilogy needs to happen
In a powerful Instagram post, Pena made her case to make the trilogy fight with Nunes happen.
“Everyone keeps asking me what’s next,” Pena wrote. “I’m getting my belt back that’s what’s next! A trilogy with [Amanda Nunes] is the fight to make.”
Ensuring a victory
Pena further pointed out that the rematch might have been a bit too early but past is past. One thing the former champ assures now is that she “will not miss” in their third meeting.
“I did everything I said I was going to do going into that first fight,” she continued. “I gave Amanda the immediate rematch within six months and man maybe I should have sat out for two years like she does? She told all y’all she could have finished me in RD2 but I guess she wanted to get her face rearranged for three more rounds and leave on (crutches) instead she even said we head butted and you guys believed it! Never happened!
“She had to go home and change and revamp her ENTIRE STYLE to beat me,” she added. “I take it as a compliment. She out smarted me the second time I give her that. We are 1-1 and this time I will not miss! @ufc the #trilogy needs to happen LFG ! #facts”
As things stand, Pena is still the No. 1 bantamweight contender and it makes sense that she will eye for a trilogy fight with Nunes. The reigning champion, meanwhile, is still the women’s pound-for-pound queen and barring the loss to Pena, Nunes was unbeaten since 2014.
What would be the UFC’s take on Pena’s statement? Let’s wait and see.
