Julianna Pena pinned on RAF wrestling debut as Diana Avsaragova dominates in Abu Dhabi

Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Julianna Pena’s first competitive wrestling appearance ended in defeat at RAF Abu Dhabi on Saturday, as Diana Avsaragova pinned her to the mat in a one-sided contest that was over almost as quickly as it began.

Avsaragova, competing in only her second RAF match, wasted little time establishing control. A clean throw put Pena down and immediately opened a 4-0 lead, before Avsaragova adjusted her position to pin both of Pena’s shoulders to the mat. The referee ended the match moments later, leaving Pena without a response.

Pena had spoken before the bout about how RAF co-founder Chad Bronstein had been pushing her to step onto the wrestling mat, though she admitted she was undecided about committing to the format. The result is unlikely to make that decision any easier, though Pena suggested the defeat could sharpen her motivation rather than discourage her from returning.

The loss arrives at a notable moment for Pena’s MMA career. She has yet to announce a return date to the UFC octagon, despite remaining highly ranked in the women’s bantamweight division. UFC 334 features a title fight in her weight class, with Kayla Harrison defending against Amanda Nunes — two fighters with whom Pena has unfinished business. She split a pair of bouts with Nunes and lost her championship to Harrison in her most recent octagon appearance.

Whether Saturday’s result on the wrestling mat accelerates or delays Pena’s return to MMA competition remains to be seen, but her standing in the bantamweight division ensures that any announcement will carry significant weight.