First outing since title loss: Julianna Peña to wrestle Avsaragova at RAF Abu Dhabi
The former UFC champion returns to competition after 17 months – in freestyle wrestling. Her opponent on 14 November is ex-PFL fighter Diana Avsaragova.
Graphic: TERRA WORLD NEWS (own graphic based on the sources listed)
Julianna Peña will compete for the first time in 17 months. The former two-time UFC women's bantamweight champion faces Diana Avsaragova at RAF Abu Dhabi at the Etihad Arena on 14 November. Real American Freestyle (RAF), a professional freestyle-wrestling league, announced the match on Monday.
Peña last fought at UFC 316 in June 2025, losing her title to Kayla Harrison, who submitted her with a kimura in the second round. Since RAF's launch she has worked as a colour commentator for the league. Avsaragova has fought in MMA for Bellator and the PFL; at RAF 13 in September she lost to champion Kennedy Blades by technical fall.
The first RAF show in the Middle East is headlined by Khamzat Chimaev against Colby Covington. Also already booked are UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan against Neiman Gracie and Zabit Magomedsharipov against Giga Chikadze.