2. Julianna Pena
There are but a few recognizable names in the UFC women’s bantamweight division. To build future stars, the promotion invested in “The Ultimate Fighter 18,” which showcased its new weight class. Julianna Pena defied veterans and favorites in November 2013 to become the first women to win the reality television series, and she did so with the grit to find exciting finishes. “The Venezuelan Vixen” was competitive and young enough for fans to pay attention to her future. Unfortunately, a knee injury ravaged Pena’s post-“Ultimate Fighter” plans. The Spokane, Washington-based fighter disappeared from the spotlight and into rehabbing torn ACL, MCL and LCL knee ligaments. It took 17 months for Pena to return to the Octagon after her successful UFC debut.
Pena re-entered the Octagon in April and stopped Milana Dudieva’s three-fight winning streak one tick shy of four minutes into their main-card contest. She then opened the UFC 192 pay-per-view on Oct. 3, notching a decision over Jessica Eye, a fellow young prospect with some notoriety and a budding highlight reel. Pena’s victory amounted to the first significant stepping stone of her career after “The Ultimate Fighter.”
Back-to-back wins at 135 pounds are noteworthy in a division still searching for depth among contenders. What separates Pena’s year is it came following one of the highest-profile training injuries to affect any competitor, let alone a female combatant. She picked up where she left off without missing a beat. Pena improved to 7-2 overall and 3-0 inside the Octagon. Once you factor in her two wins on “The Ultimate Fighter,” Pena stands with Miesha Tate as the winningest fighters in the women’s bantamweight division behind Ronda Rousey. At 26, Pena has time to develop as she comes into her physical and promotional prime.
There is a short contender list at 135 pounds and Pena’s 2015 campaign sets her up for title eliminators and even a potential shot at the gold in 2016, provided she continues her winning ways. However, a recent arrest stemming from an incident at a bar might cost her some momentum. If Pena can clear her name and keep the fight inside the Octagon, the UFC seems willing to guide her star.
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