Former UFC Champion Julianna Peña Set for Middleweight Bout at RAF Abu Dhabi

Former UFC women's bantamweight champion Julianna Peña has officially joined the Real American Freestyle (RAF) roster. The organization announced that Peña is scheduled to make her promotional debut on November 14 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, marking the promotion's first-ever event in the United Arab Emirates.

In her first outing under the RAF banner, Peña will compete in a middleweight match-up against Diana Avsaragova. This transition to the RAF organization follows a trend of former UFC titleholders moving to the promotion, which continues to bolster its athlete lineup with experienced championship-level talent.

Peña, known for her high-pressure style and grappling pedigree, enters this new chapter following a storied tenure in the UFC. While she has previously competed at 135 pounds, this upcoming bout against Avsaragova will take place at middleweight. Specific details regarding the bout's contractual weight class stipulations or potential implications for future tournament brackets have not been released by RAF officials at this time. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how the veteran adjusts to both a new promotional environment and a higher weight class.

Source: MMA Mania.