After over two years outside of the octagon, Julianna Pena's life has changed quite a bit.
An Ultimate Fighter winner, Pena (8-3) has won four of her five octagon showings, most recently being submitted by Valentina Shevchenko in January 2017. Later that year, Pena announced that she was pregnant, eventually giving birth in January 2018. Since then, Pena has remained understandably inactive, not booking a fight but working as a commentator for Combate Americas in the meantime.
With some uncertainty surrounding her fighting future, Pena updated fans in an IG post:
Not gonna lie. Finding the balance between being a new #mommy and a full time #mma#fighter and commentator--, while trying to hold the #house down has not been the easiest of tasks----
----Women who have kids ----, take care of the house--, and work full time jobs are #superwomen ----and we do not get enough credit if you ask me! Some of y’all expectations are just wayyy too high!
There are many other #mommy#mma #fighters that I see #makeitwork and they give me #inspiration and #motivation everyday to believe in myself because I know I can do it too!
So... no excuses!! I know I am far overdue for a #fistfight!
I shall find my way back to the #octagon soon but in the meantime, I can’t wait to break in these new @gracieuniversityhq #puffies I just bought !
You can’t tell by the look on my face because that’s my, “I’m ready for war” face, but It’s the little things in life these days that get me #pumped ! Let’s get it ! #ceasargraciejiujitsuwhat
With things cleared up, it seems that fans can expect Pena's return after all. However, they may have to be a little patient along the way.
