UFC on ESPN+ 13: Three weeks' notice turned out just fine for Julianna Pena

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Julianna Pena beat Nicco Montano with a unanimous decision Saturday night on the preliminary card at UFC on ESPN+ 13 in Sacramento, Calif.

Take a look inside the fight with Pena, who took the fight on just three weeks’ notice for an injured Sara McMann.

Result: Julianna Pena def. Nicco Montano via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)
Updated records: Pena (9-3 MMA, 5-1), Montano (4-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Key stat: Pena made her return after a layoff of two and a half years that included having a baby.

Pena on the fight’s key moment

“It took me a round to warm up, and then I turned it on. I was like, ‘Oh yeah – I’m fighting. Wake up.’ I always say I want to keep it standing more, and then I never do. I knew she was a great opponent to test out some striking. But sticking to what you know is key. Maybe I should have just done that from the beginning.”

Pena on stepping in for McMann on short notice

“Usually I sit there and dwell for three months leading into a fight, then I want to take people’s heads off. Even people breathing will drive me crazy. So taking it on three weeks’ notice was actually great for me. … It feels really great. I’m really happy to be back. I’m very appreciative to step in on short notice. Nicco is a tough fighter. I’m happy with the win.”

Pena on what she wants next

“I want to rewatch this fight because I want to fix some mistakes. I’ll talk it over with my coaches and see what’s next.”

To hear more from Pena, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

For complete coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 13, check out the MMA Results.