Julianna Nicole Peña, better known by her stage name as “The Venezuelan Vixen.” is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the women’s Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
She is a two-time and reigning UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion. Peña gained recognition as the first female winner of The Ultimate Fighter in 2013, defeating Gina Mazany and Jessica Rakoczy in the finals.
She made her professional MMA debut on May 9, 2009, securing a victory by submission. As of October 8, 2024, Peña is ranked #4 in the UFC women’s pound-for-pound rankings.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Julianna Nicole Peña
- Stage Name: Julianna Peña
- Born: August 19 1989
- Age: 37 years old
- Birthplace: Spokane, Washington, United States
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: American professional mixed martial artist
- Height: 1.7 m
- Parent: Pamela and Ernie Peña
- Siblings: Grace Peña and Jocelynn Sleida
- Spouse: Luis Alejandre
- Children: Isabella Alejandre
- Relationship: Married
- Net Worth: $3 million
Early Life And Education
Julianna Nicole Peña was born on August 19, 1989, in Spokane, Washington, United States, to Pamela and Ernie Peña. She has three siblings: Grace Peña, a former reporter and meteorologist; Jocelynn Sleida; and a brother whose name has not been publicly disclosed.
Peña graduated from Mt. Spokane High School in 2007 and subsequently attended Spokane Community College. She is of mixed heritage, with both Mexican and Venezuelan roots.
Career
Julianna Peña’s journey into martial arts began as a personal pursuit to lose weight and manage her aggression. Initially starting with cardio kickboxing classes, she soon transitioned into mixed martial arts (MMA), where her raw talent quickly became apparent.
Peña made her professional MMA debut in May 2009, following a successful amateur career in which she remained undefeated in two bouts. Early in her professional career, she captured attention with four consecutive victories. However, her rise faced a significant hurdle in April 2012 when she suffered her first loss to Sarah Moras.
This defeat came shortly after a serious accident in which Peña was struck by a drunk driver, resulting in a broken nose and temporary setbacks. In 2013, Peña’s career was pivotal when she was selected for The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate.
She showcased her skills by defeating Gina Mazany in the elimination round and achieved a stunning upset by submitting the highly-ranked Shayna Baszler with a rear-naked choke. Peña advanced to the finals, where she triumphed over Jessica Rakoczy, cementing her status as a top contender in women’s MMA.
Her victory on The Ultimate Fighter provided her with a platform to debut in the UFC, which she did in November 2013, defeating Sarah Moras again by guillotine choke in the semifinals. Peña would prove her Worth in the UFC with key victories over Cat Zingano and Jessica Eye, demonstrating her versatility with impressive grappling and striking.
Peña’s most significant career achievement came on December 11, 2021, when she faced Amanda Nunes for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship at UFC 269. In a shocking turn of events, Peña submitted Nunes in the second round, capturing the title in one of the biggest upsets in UFC history.
Although Peña lost her title in a rematch with Nunes at UFC 277 on July 30, 2022, she remained undeterred in her pursuit of greatness. On October 5, 2024, Peña regained her championship belt with a split decision win over Raquel Pennington at UFC 307.
Beyond her fighting accomplishments, Peña is an advocate for women in sports and continues to inspire through her unwavering determination. She was featured in the documentary Fight Life (2012) and serves as an announcer for Combate Americas’ English language broadcasts on DAZN, further solidifying her influence in the world of MMA.
Awards and Nominations
- UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship: First won on December 11, 2021, by defeating Amanda Nunes at UFC 269.
- The Ultimate Fighter 18 Tournament Winner: Recognized as the first woman to win this competition in 2013
- Upset of the Year (2021): Her victory over Amanda Nunes was considered one of the biggest upsets in UFC history.
- Female Fighter of the Year (2021): Acknowledged for her significant impact on women’s MMA during that year.
- Submission of the Year (January 2021): Her submission victory over Sara McMann at UFC 257.
Social Media
- Instagram handle: @venezuelanvixen
- Facebook handle: Julianna Pena
- Twitter handle: @VenezuelanVixen –
Personal Life
Julianna Peña is married to Luis Alejandre, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and instructor. The couple has been together for several years and leads a relatively private life compared to other public figures. Luis plays a vital role in supporting Julianna’s MMA career.
Together, they have one daughter, Isabella Alejandre, who was born in January 2018. Isabella, affectionately known as “Boss Baby,” is a cherished member of their family.
Net Worth
Julianna Peña’s estimated net Worth is approximately $3 million as of 2025. This value reflects her successful career in mixed martial arts, particularly within the UFC, where she has reached significant milestones, including becoming the first woman to win The Ultimate Fighter and securing the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship.