Julianna Pena throws strikes from a dominant position against Valentina Shevchenko at UFC on FOX 23 last Jan. 28 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo : Getty Images/Matthew Stockman)
When Julianna Pena won season 18 of "The Ultimate Fighter" she established herself as a serious contender in a women's MMA landscape previously dominate by the likes of Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate. This was just one of the many reasons why she was offered a spot on UFC's first ever card held in New York, an opportunity which she shockingly declined.
For starters, Pena did not want to be outshone by Eddie Alvarez and Conor McGregor, or any of the participants in the event's three title fights for that matter. She stated that these bouts would get a lot more attention than hers although she wanted to make the most impact on the night. She added that she did not mean to disrespect the UFC in this regard, but rather was just trying to be realistic.
Another factor that led to Pena's decision was that she was not getting a title shot at the event. Due to her recent performances, she was highly expectant to get the nod against current UFC women's bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes. However, she was disappointed to find out that former titleholder Rousey was getting the opportunity instead.
"I was ready for a title shot. But then Ronda [Rousey] came back from her long-a** vacation and they give it to her and I wasn't happy about that," Pena told MMA FIghting about her missed title shot. Rousey was notably absent from competition for over a year when she lost her title via knockout against Holly Holm. She then lost once more in her previously mentioned attempt to reclaim the title against Nunes in stunning fashion when she was knocked out in 48 seconds.
Turning down an opportunity to appear at a pay-per-view could prove to be the right decision for Pena. She faced Valentina Shevchenko at the main event of UFC on FOX 23 in Denver, Colorado. The fight was scheduled for five rounds and was a presumed title eliminator for the women's bantamweight title.
Pena's game plan consisted of high pressing attacks and trying to get Shevchenko on the ground. However, this strategy may have proved to be her undoing when she had already injured her shoulder by the end of the first round, Bloody Elbow reported. Shevchenko was then able to lock up the armbar from the bottom position, giving her the win and putting her next in line to face Nunes.
Watch Pena take on Shevchenko in the video below:
