Julianna Peña, often referred to by her nickname “The Venezuelan Vixen,” has made a significant mark in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). As a former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, she is widely recognized for her tenacity, fighting style, and incredible achievements inside the octagon. But while Peña’s fight record and performances under the bright lights of the UFC have gained her global attention, the foundation of her success is rooted in her training. The gyms and coaches that have shaped her as a fighter played a crucial role in her rise to the top.
Early Training and Path to the UFC
Peña was born on August 19, 1989, in Spokane, Washington. From a young age, she displayed an interest in martial arts, beginning her journey with cardio kickboxing classes to stay fit. Eventually, this interest developed into a passion for competitive fighting. Peña’s rise in the MMA world wasn’t immediate; it was a process marked by determination, consistent training, and overcoming various obstacles, including injuries and setbacks.
Her MMA career began with regional promotions, where she quickly made a name for herself due to her aggressive style and ability to finish fights. After an impressive start, Peña got her big break when she was cast in The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 18 in 2013. Coached by UFC legend Miesha Tate, Peña excelled on the show and eventually won the competition, becoming the first woman to win TUF. Her victory set the stage for a fruitful career in the UFC, but it also underscored the importance of her training, discipline, and mentorship, which would continue to play a pivotal role in her later success.
Training Under Coaches: An Overview
Throughout her career, Julianna Peña has been fortunate to work with several renowned coaches who helped refine her skills, both in stand-up striking and grappling. Over the years, she has trained under multiple coaches, but her primary gym affiliations have been with Sik-Jitsu Fighting Systems, The Alliance MMA, and Lobo Gym in Mexico.
Sik-Jitsu Fighting Systems
One of Peña’s most notable and long-standing affiliations is with Sik-Jitsu Fighting Systems, a Spokane, Washington-based gym run by Rick Little. This gym, although lesser-known compared to larger MMA training centers like American Top Team or Jackson-Wink MMA, has earned a reputation for producing tough and durable fighters, particularly in the Pacific Northwest region.
Rick Little, Peña’s long-time head coach, has been instrumental in developing her MMA game from the early days. Little’s coaching style emphasizes aggression, endurance, and a well-rounded skill set, and he has been a critical figure in Peña’s evolution as a fighter. Under Little’s guidance, Peña has honed her striking, particularly her ability to pressure opponents, as well as her grappling and submissions. Sik-Jitsu’s no-nonsense, gritty approach to training matches Peña’s personality and fighting style perfectly.
Sik-Jitsu is known for its tough sparring sessions, conditioning, and a focus on blending various martial arts styles into a cohesive fighting system. Peña’s ground game, in particular, has thrived under Little’s instruction, as seen by her numerous submission victories in the UFC. She credits much of her success in grappling to the rigorous training she underwent at Sik-Jitsu.
Alliance MMA
In addition to Sik-Jitsu, Peña has also spent time training at Alliance MMA, a prestigious gym located in Chula Vista, California. Alliance MMA is known for being a home to elite fighters, including former UFC champions like Dominick Cruz and other high-level contenders. The gym’s head coach, Eric Del Fierro, is renowned for his strategic approach to MMA and his ability to fine-tune the skills of experienced fighters.
Peña’s time at Alliance MMA gave her access to a different caliber of training partners and a more strategic approach to fighting. At Alliance, Peña was able to sharpen her skills against some of the best athletes in the sport, particularly in terms of game planning and fight IQ. This experience broadened her horizons and helped her become a more well-rounded and calculated fighter, particularly in her striking and defensive techniques.
Mexico Training and Lobo Gym
A notable shift in Peña’s training occurred as she prepared for her title shot against Amanda Nunes. In the lead-up to the fight, Peña decided to expand her horizons by training in Mexico, specifically at Lobo Gym in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Lobo Gym is known for its high-level boxing and striking training, and the Mexican fighting spirit is something that Peña greatly admires.
Training at Lobo Gym allowed Peña to work on her striking with Francisco Grasso, the brother and coach of Alexa Grasso, another rising star in the UFC. The intensity of training at altitude in Mexico, combined with the technical striking expertise offered by Lobo Gym, helped Peña improve her stand-up game significantly. Peña has often praised the discipline and work ethic of Mexican fighters, and she embraced the challenge of training in a different environment, which forced her to adapt and evolve as a fighter.
Coaching Philosophy and Peña’s Mental Toughness
One of the key aspects of Julianna Peña’s success has been her mental toughness, which has been a central focus of her training. Her coaches, particularly Rick Little, have emphasized resilience and determination, which Peña has demonstrated throughout her career. Whether it’s battling back from a devastating knee injury or coming in as a heavy underdog against Amanda Nunes, Peña has consistently displayed a warrior’s mindset.
Her upset victory over Nunes at UFC 269 in December 2021 is a testament to this mindset. Peña entered the fight as a significant underdog, but her belief in herself, combined with the strategic and physical preparation she received from her coaches, allowed her to shock the MMA world by defeating one of the greatest female fighters of all time.
Conclusion: A Fighter Shaped by Hard Work and Dedication
Julianna Peña’s success as a UFC champion is the result of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedicated coaching. From her foundational training at Sik-Jitsu Fighting Systems under Rick Little to her time at Alliance MMA and her striking work at Lobo Gym in Mexico, Peña’s journey has been defined by a willingness to push herself to new levels.
Her diverse training experiences across multiple gyms have not only refined her technical skills but also instilled a fighting spirit that embodies perseverance and determination. Peña’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges, coupled with the guidance of her dedicated coaches, has cemented her place as one of the most respected fighters in women’s MMA. As she continues her career, the influence of her coaches and gyms will remain a vital part of her success inside the octagon.
Julianna Peña Coach & Gym: Where Does the UFC Champ Train?
