“The Ultimate Fighter” has given a boost to the careers of many fighters over the years and UFC women’s bantamweight champion Julianna Pena is a shining example.
The world was introduced to Peña (11-4 MMA, 7-2 UFC) on season 18 of the long-running reality series, which was coached by two women who were a part of one of the most heated rivalries in women’s MMA history, former UFC bantamweight champions Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate.
That season was the first time women fighters competed on the show for a UFC contract, and when it was all said and done, Peña emerged as the champion. Fast-forward eight years later, Peña is now the women’s bantamweight champion – the eighth “TUF” champion to go on to claim UFC gold. Naturally, when the opportunity presented itself to be a part of “TUF,” but this time in a coaching role, the choice was a no-brainer for Peña.
