Julianna Pena still plans on challenging for the title in her next fight.
Peña (11-5 MMA, 7-3 UFC) was scheduled to challenge dual-champion Amanda Nunes for the women’s bantamweight title in a trilogy bout in the UFC 289 headliner June 10. However, the former champion was forced to withdraw from her bout due to broken ribs and was replaced by Irene Aldana. The card takes place at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Speaking for the first time since the news broke, a disappointed Peña released a statement on her withdrawal, and how she’s eyeing the winner of Nunes (22-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) vs. Aldana (14-6 MMA, 7-4 UFC).
“Hi. Wanted to give it a few days before I addressed the situation. I am out of my fight in #vancouver for #ufc289. I am absolutely gutted. you guys only see us preform on one night but I wish you guys could see the other side of what #fighters have to go through on a daily basis. A fighters life is not an easy road but it’s one that lights my soul on fire. It’s my passion and I do it everyday with my whole heart. I give my everything every time I step into that octagon and I wanted nothing more then to make this fight possible. Going into a fight, you’re never 100% but in this case, the doctors intervened and I was forced to withdrawal. I train so hard and As you can see from my pictures I’ve been pouring my heart and soul into this camp to show you guys how obsessed I am at improving myself. Unfortunately it’s going to have to wait. I trust in #Godsplan and have faith everything will work out for the best. I give my sincerest apologies to @ufc and @amanda_leoa. Wishing both @irene.aldana and @amanda_leoa a great fight- looking forward to fighting the winner to regain my belt! Oss.”
Peña dethroned Nunes in a stunning upset submission at UFC 269. However, Nunes got revenge in their rematch at UFC 277 when she battered Peña en route to a lopsided unanimous decision.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 289.
‘Gutted’ she had to withdraw, Julianna Peña eyes Amanda Nunes vs. Irene Aldana winner
