Julianna Peña suffered a tough setback at UFC 316 on June 7, 2025, losing her women’s bantamweight title to Kayla Harrison via second-round kimura submission in Newark, New Jersey. Despite landing early strikes and trying to keep Harrison at bay with her jab and movement, Peña was overwhelmed by the Olympic judoka’s top control and grappling pressure. A point deduction in Round 1 due to illegal upkicks further complicated the fight for Peña. Harrison ultimately capitalized in Round 2, transitioning from an arm-triangle attempt to a kimura that forced Peña to tap with five seconds left in the round. Now 12–6 professionally, Peña remains the #1 contender in the division and #5 on the UFC women’s pound-for-pound list.
Despite the loss, Peña is still a major name in the division with two title reigns and a win over Amanda Nunes. Her grappling pedigree, toughness, and high-profile victories make her a perennial threat at 135 pounds.
Next up for Julianna Peña should be a bantamweight clash against Irene Aldana. The #6-ranked Mexican striker is looking to bounce back after a decision loss to Norma Dumont at UFC 306. A matchup between Peña’s relentless grappling and Aldana’s crisp boxing creates a classic striker vs. grappler showdown with top-five stakes. Aldana has eight knockout wins and has shared the cage with the likes of Amanda Nunes, Holly Holm, and Ketlen Vieira, bringing proven experience to the table.
This bout could easily serve as a co-main event on a fall UFC Fight Night or PPV, and the winner would be well-positioned for another shot at the bantamweight title, especially if Kayla Harrison waits for a superfight with Amanda Nunes.
Last Five Fights (Julianna Peña):
1. Loss to Kayla Harrison – Submission (kimura), UFC 316 (June 7, 2025)
2. Win over Raquel Pennington – Decision (split), UFC 307 (October 5, 2024)
3. Loss to Amanda Nunes – Decision (unanimous), UFC 277 (July 30, 2022)
4. Win over Amanda Nunes – Submission (rear-naked choke), UFC 269 (December 11, 2021)
5. Win over Sara McMann – Submission (rear-naked choke), UFC 257 (January 24, 2021)
Last Five Fights (Irene Aldana):
1. Loss to Norma Dumont – Decision (unanimous), UFC 306 (September 14, 2024)
2. Win over Karol Rosa – Decision (unanimous), UFC 296 (December 16, 2023)
3. Loss to Amanda Nunes – Decision (unanimous), UFC 289 (June 10, 2023)
4. Win over Macy Chiasson – KO (upkick to the body), UFC 279 (September 10, 2022)
5. Win over Yana Kunitskaya – TKO (punches), UFC 264 (July 10, 2021)
