Julianna Pena says she was “heartbroken” by Khabib Nurmagomedov’s comments about her UFC 269 win

Julianna Pena, 32, (12-4 MMA) is heartbroken by recent comments made by Khabib Nurmagomedov following her UFC 269 win.

Pena defeated Amanda Nunes 33, (21-5 MMA) on December 11, 2021 in Las Vegas to win the UFC women’s bantamweight title. It was said to be one of the biggest upsets in UFC history. Odds were stacked in favor of ‘The Lioness’ but it was not to be, as ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ won by submission with a rear naked choke in the second round.

At the ‘Eagle FC’ press conference, Khabib, undefeated former UFC lightweight champion, indicated his indifference concerning the match and inferred that the victory was a testament to the inferiority of the WMMA.

“I am like, we can watch what Julianna Peña did with Amanda Nunes [at UFC 269]. But Julianna Peña, she is not like the greatest or something like that. She just beat Amanda Nunes like [on the day]. We can watch not many good [female] fighters all around the world. There are only like five or six of them,” Khabib said.

Khabib was asked if he was considering adding a womens’ divisions to his Eagle FC promotion in the near future, but while leaving the possibility open, he doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to make it happen.

Joe Rogan and Julianna Pena of the UFC

Pena during a recent appearance on the ‘Joe Rogan Experience‘ podcast commented on Khabib’s remarks:

“I saw in a presser that they asked [Khabib] a question and he was just completely downgrading the whole win and everything like that….it totally broke my heart…”

“I was like, ‘Dude, you’re breaking my heart, man. Like, I freaking love you. Like, seriously.”

Pena went on to say (h/t MMANews):

“He must be friends with Kayla Harrison or something. I don’t know. Because he was like, ‘If this is the top of women’s division, it’s a joke’. I mean, it wasn’t very nice. I didn’t appreciate it, Khabib.”

Although Pena, in speaking with Joe Rogan, credited Khabib for the way he retired from the UFC in 2021 and has since promoted Eagle FC, she was obviously very hurt by the longest reigning UFC lightweight champions comments.

As far as what’s next for Julianna Pena, she is hoping for an encore presentation with Nunes sometime this year. According to Dana White, while speaking with ESPN, he stated:

“The Peña rematch with Nunes will probably be the biggest women’s fight of all time. That rematch will be the biggest women’s rematch of all time. “

What are your thoughts on Khabibs’ comments about the Pena vs Nunes outcome at UFC 269? Are you looking forward to a Pena vs Nunes II in the near future? Share your thoughts in the comment section PENN Nation!