Former UFC Champion Julianna Peña Set for Grappling Debut at RAF Abu Dhabi

Former two-time UFC champion Julianna Peña is scheduled to return to active competition following a 17-month layoff, though her next appearance will take place on the wrestling mats rather than inside the Octagon. Real American Freestyle (RAF) officially announced on Monday that Peña is slated to make her promotional debut at the upcoming RAF Abu Dhabi event.

The event is scheduled for November 14 at the Etihad Arena. Peña is set to headline a middleweight grappling matchup against Diana Avsaragova. This contest marks the first time Peña has competed since her last professional MMA outing, as she transitions into the grappling circuit for this specific engagement.

While Peña remains a notable name in the UFC women's bantamweight division, this foray into professional grappling offers the veteran a chance to test her skills in a different format under the RAF banner. Further details regarding the remainder of the card are expected to be released by the promotion leading up to the November event in the United Arab Emirates.

Source: MMA Fighting.