UFC commentator Jon Anik isn`t certain Julianna Pena will reclaim the women`s bantamweight title at UFC 316 this Saturday in Newark. However, he strongly believes the matchup is much more competitive on paper than suggested by the betting odds and the general sentiment among many MMA fans.
Anik, who will be calling the event alongside Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier, has observed enough of Pena to know that she can never be dismissed. A prime example is “The Venezuelan Vixen`s” victory nearly four years ago, which stands as one of the most significant upsets in UFC history, where she first captured the title.
Recalling Pena`s first fight against Amanda Nunes at UFC 269, Anik stated, “That`s all the film I need to watch right now.” He added, echoing Pena`s head coach Rick Little, that Pena is incredibly tough and relentless, describing her as “exceptionally tough.” Anik believes Pena`s combination of grit, endurance, self-assurance, and a willingness to endure difficult moments—her refusal to quit when faced with adversity—are essential attributes against an exceptionally accomplished opponent like two-time Olympic champion Kayla Harrison.
Anik points out that Harrison faces challenges beyond the fight itself, unlike most fighters. He openly wonders how many times Harrison can successfully make weight to defend the bantamweight belt if she wins it, noting the current absence of a women`s featherweight division in the UFC. Despite these question marks surrounding Harrison, Anik feels encouraged by Julianna Pena`s experience, persistence, and, as cliché as it sounds, her never-give-up mindset.
Pena became a two-time champion by defeating Raquel Pennington via decision at UFC 307 last October. Harrison made her second UFC appearance after a successful career in the PFL on the same card, securing a unanimous decision win over Ketlen Vieira.
The build-up to their fight has been contentious, with Pena consistently engaging in trash talk aimed at Harrison, including accusing her of steroid use throughout her career—a claim Harrison has recently responded to publicly.
While some observers find Pena`s method of promoting fights somewhat awkward, Anik sees it as part of a deliberate strategy for Pena.
Discussing Pena`s in-fight abilities, Anik commented on her athleticism and accuracy, particularly highlighted in crucial moments during her fight with Amanda Nunes. He suggested that the fight game can hinge on a single instant, and if Pena can create such a moment early, it could completely alter the fight`s dynamic.
He acknowledged Harrison`s status as a heavy favorite, perhaps overwhelmingly so at 6-to-1 odds. However, Anik reiterated his belief that Julianna Pena has historically been counted out and is being underestimated once again. While acknowledging that some may find her fight promotion abrasive, he personally appreciates her approach and confidence, though he concedes the challenge might simply be that her opponent is exceptionally skilled.
A significant underlying storyline is the potential return of Amanda Nunes. The former two-division champion retired as the bantamweight titleholder after her dominant win against Irene Aldana in June 2023. “The Lioness” hinted at a comeback at a pre-fight press conference in April. Nunes holds a 1-1 record against Pena, and a fantasy matchup between Nunes and Harrison has been speculated about for years.
Will Nunes return? In Anik`s view, the decision likely depends on the outcome of Saturday night`s fight.
Anik stated he sees no significant benefit for Amanda Nunes` legacy in fighting Julianna Pena a third time, beyond potential financial gain. He believes a fight against Kayla Harrison is the matchup that would truly motivate her to return from retirement.
However, he also discussed the potential downsides for Nunes` legacy. As fighters like Zhang Weili and Valentina Shevchenko continue to build impressive win streaks, strengthening their own arguments for being the greatest women`s mixed martial artist of all time, Anik questions whether legacy alone is enough to bring Nunes back, or if money is the primary driver. He concluded that Amanda Nunes` claim as the greatest women`s MMA athlete of all time has faced considerable challenges over the past year due to the performances of Shevchenko and Weili.
