In the co-main event of UFC 269, the greatest female fighter of all time made her bantamweight return. Amanda Nunes (21-4) will defended her bantamweight crown for the first time in two years as she took on Julianna Pena (10-4).
For years now, Amanda Nunes has dominated everyone she’s faced in the UFC. From featherweight to bantamweight, she’s simply been the best. Nobody has seemingly wanted to fight her.
That is, everyone outside of Julianna Pena. To Pena’s credit, she’s been calling for a fight with Nunes ever since UFC 200. Pena has always said that she had the style to defeat The Lioness.
Tonight, on the heels of a win over Sara McMann, Pena got that shot. However, she might’ve been the only person who thought she was going to win at UFC 269
UFC 269 Recap
Round 1
The UFC 269 bantamweight title fight kicked off with a touch of the gloves. Nunes immediately takes the center and she’s light on her toes. Pena feinting but not coming forward. Big leg kick from Nunes sits Pena down briefly.
Pena eats another leg kick as soon as she gets up. Nunes steps in and Pena fires a combination. Pena gets set down by a jab fro Nunes. The power discrepancy is huge here. Nunes throws some ground and pound, but Pena gets up and goes for a takedown.
Hip toss from Nunes and Nunes ends up on top. The champion settles into top position and she takes the back of Julianna Pena quickly. Pena is trying to defend and is able to get back to half guard. Nunes remaining patient just controlling the challenger.
Big smile from Nunes as she’s in full control here. Pena continues to try and defend and she starts attacking a kimura. However, there’s not a ton of time left here in the opening round. The round comes to a close and it’s 1-0 Nunes at UFC 269.
Round 2
Entering the second at UFC 269 and Nunes is smiling from ear to ear. Body kick from Nunes starts the striking. Both women exchange jabs. Big jab from Nunes. However, Pena rocks Nunes and the crowd is going crazy.
Nunes lands a big shot and Pena backs up. Nunes is getting reckless here in teh second round and Pena lands some big counters. Oh my goodness Pena hurts Nunes again. These two are just swinging.
Pena hurts Nunes badly and Nunes looks exhausted. Pena gets the back of Nunes and locks up a choke. Nunes is exhausted and taps. Julianna Pena pulls off the biggest upset arguably in UFC history.
Julianna Pena def. Amanda Nunes by Submission – Round 2