Julianna Peña may have lost her belt, but she hasn’t lost her fire.
After falling to Kayla Harrison via second-round submission in the co-main event of UFC 316, Pena released a statement addressing the setbackand made it clear she’s already looking ahead. She revealed her next target is whoever comes out on top between Harrison and returning legend Amanda Nunes.
“I’m calling dibs on the winner!” Peña wrote in an Instagram post the day after the fight. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get the job done. I’m super disappointed, but hats off to Kayla on her win!”
It was a rough night for “The Venezuelan Vixen,” who was making her first defense in her second reign as UFC women’s bantamweight champion. This marks her second failed title defense, with both reigns ending before she could notch a successful defense.
Still, Peña’s not wallowing in the loss. She recently made a post on her instagram, thanking fans for their love and support during fight camp and promised to come back stronger after taking time to heal up.
“Thank you to the fans who lifted me with your love and encouragement during this fight camp,” she wrote. “It truly means the world!”
The energy inside the Octagon didn’t slow down after the fight, either. Harrison used her moment to call out Amanda Nunes—who was cageside—to set the stage for what could become one of the biggest fights in women’s MMA history.
The staredown between the Olympic gold medalist and the two-division UFC GOAT had the entire arena buzzing.
While that matchup isn’t officially on the books just yet, the expectation is that it will headline a major card either later this year or in early 2026. And no matter how it shakes out, Peña wants next.
Let’s not forget: Peña shocked the world when she submitted Nunes at UFC 269, ending “The Lioness’s” historic run. Nunes came back with a vengeance in their rematch and dominated over five rounds to reclaim the title. Now, with Harrison in the mix and Nunes returning, Peña’s rivalry with both women suddenly feels more relevant than ever.
Whether the UFC gives Peña the winner right away or pairs her with another top contender remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure—she’s not backing down from the conversation. Loss or no loss, Julianna Peña’s message is loud and clear: she’s not done yet.
