UFC: Julianna Peña Shocks the World

It was the co-main event of UFC 269, that stole the show as bantamweight contender Julianna Peña submitted arguably the most dominant female champion ever, Amanda Nunes, to win the bantamweight championship.

Since winning the title back in 2016 after submitting Miesha Tate at UFC 200, “The Lioness” was defending her 135lb title for a 6th time, while also becoming the women’s featherweight champion along the way of her 13 straight wins record, holding both belts simultaneously. However, the underdog had different plans last Saturday night in Vegas, as she seemed to hold her own in striking battles, as well as grappling with the defending champion, on her way to a second-round rear-naked choke win as she shook up the world. Having been so dominant for years, UFC President, Dana White said that Nunes “absolutely deserved a rematch” following Saturday night’s massive upset.

Julianna Pena punches champion Amanda Nunes, pictured in champion gold

In the main event of the evening, defending men’s lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira, also won by submission, as he made worthy challenger, Dustin Poirier, tap out in the third round of their fight. This was Oliveira’s first defence of his title, since beating American, Michael Chandler, for the vacant belt. Meanwhile, Poirier, coming off two impressive wins against former champion Conor McGregor, was having his second crack at the 155lb title after previously challenging Khabib Nurmagomedov back in 2019.

Win for Brazil. American challenger Poirier fell short for UFC gold again in his second world title fight

After his injury against Poirier, in their main event at UFC 264, McGregor claimed that his comeback fight would be against whoever had the lightweight title after last Saturday’s fight. He even tweeted today saying: “So what date am I fighting Oliveira?” However, UFC boss Dana White, claims that Justin Gaethje is next in line for a title shot.