Julianna Pena Suffers Pin Loss In RAF Wrestling Debut

Former UFC bantamweight champion Julianna Pena lost by pin in her RAF wrestling debut Saturday night in Abu Dhabi.

Pena, normally part of the commentary team for RAF events, stepped onto the mat against second-time competitor Diana Avsaragova and was finished after Avsaragova executed a throw that put the UFC veteran on her back. According to MMA Fighting, Avsaragova jumped to a 4-0 lead immediately after the takedown, then adjusted position and pinned Pena's shoulders to the mat. The referee stopped the match moments later.

Pena's Future In Wrestling And UFC Unclear

Before the bout, Pena told reporters that RAF co-founder Chad Bronstein had been pushing her to compete on the mats, though she remained uncertain about whether she would wrestle again. The loss may change that calculus.

Pena has not announced when she will return to the octagon. She remains a top contender at women's bantamweight, where Kayla Harrison defends against Amanda Nunes at UFC 334 on Saturday. Pena split two fights with Nunes and lost her title to Harrison in her most recent UFC appearance.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — RAF Abu Dhabi video: Julianna Pena falls by pin in RAF debut to Diana Avsaragova