Juliana Pena Says There’s A New Era In Female MMA

Juliana Pena is preparing to headline her first UFC event this Saturday Night when she faces Valentina Shevchenko at UFC On Fox 23. Pena now believes the new era of women’s MMA is upon us, now that Ronda Rousey is out of the fold.

“It’s a new era now, and I’m ready to take over that spot – the new era of girls who are tough as (expletive) and ready to put it on the line and fight whoever and wherever at any time,” Pena said to MMA Junkie.

Pena also says there was a time when former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey said Pena’s name shouldn’t be mentioned with some pioneers of women's MMA.

“When you’re doing good, it’s always a check for yourself to be a good person and do right by people and not screw people over and to think that you’re holier than thou,” Pena said. “At one point, Ronda claimed I didn’t deserve to breath the same air as Shayna Baszler, and I’ve just always made a point never to think I’m better than any other person.”

UFC On Fox 23 takes place on Saturday, January 28 from the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado with Juliana Pena and Valentina Shevchenko headlining.