Julianna Peña is gearing up to spoil the UFC’s plans once again.
As UFC 316 approaches, the former two-time bantamweight champion is focused on her upcoming title fight against Kayla Harrison. However, Peña also found time to interact with her old rival Amanda Nunes, who hinted at a potential comeback after the event’s press conference in April.
During an interview on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Peña shared details of her backstage conversation with Nunes, where Nunes implied that a trilogy fight between them could happen if Peña is successful in her upcoming bout.
Peña jokingly thanked Nunes for the exchange in her typical fashion.
The two fighters are tied 1-1 in their previous matchups, with Peña scoring a surprising victory in their first fight before Nunes reclaimed the title in the rematch. Nunes retired after her next fight, leaving the trilogy with Peña on hold.
Peña has always believed that Nunes would come out of retirement, and now that possibility seems closer than ever.
Despite the potential for a high-profile rematch with Nunes, Peña remains focused on her upcoming fight with Harrison, viewing it as her current priority.
Peña also addressed Harrison’s comments about her skills, finding humor in the mixed messages Harrison has given about her preparation for their fight.
As the anticipation builds for UFC 316, Peña is ready to face Harrison and once again prove herself as a formidable opponent in the women’s bantamweight division.
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In her previous UFC matches, Harrison has shown exceptional skill by defeating former champion Holly Holm and division mainstay Ketlen Vieira.
Weight has been a recurring issue in Harrison’s bantamweight fights, with Peña accusing her of being a weight bully. Despite not hitting the exact 135-pound mark yet, Peña is confident that Harrison will make weight for their upcoming title bout.
“She’s a professional, and I trust that she will make weight,” Peña stated. “Cutting 50 pounds to make weight may be tough, but that’s the price you pay for trying to dominate a weight class.”
“I anticipate a challenging fight, especially considering Harrison’s first 135-pound match lasted 25 minutes. It will be a test of endurance, and I am prepared for it. The longer the fight goes on, the better it is for me. I have the stamina and cardio to outlast her,” Peña added.