UFC issues statement on Julianna Peña case, clears her to return to competition

Former Ultimate Fighter winner Julianna Pena (7-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) had been arrested this past December after an altercation in which a bar manager and an employee called 911 claiming that the Washington native was fighting people after being denied use of the restroom. Video of the arrest also surfaced, and the image of the UFC women’s bantamweight took something of a hit with some fans.

After being released on bail and reaching a court agreement a few weeks ago, a UFC-hired law firm has reviewed the terms and concluded their investigation regarding the matter.

From the UFC’s official press release on Monday:

“UFC announced today that an investigation into allegations of assault by UFC competitor Julianna Pena is now complete. Pena recently came to a resolution with the Prosecutor’s Office in Spokane County, Washington. The resolution was thoroughly reviewed by Campbell & Williams, a Las Vegas-based law firm hired by UFC to oversee its investigation into the matter.

While UFC is supportive of the resolution of Pena’s criminal matter, Pena acknowledges that her actions as a professional athlete should reflect well of her, the sport of mixed martial arts, and the UFC. Consequently, Pena has volunteered to participate in counseling as a condition for her return to the Octagon.”

So while the UFC kept her in a holding pattern during the investigation, they are electing to move forward with her fight career from here on in as long as she abides by the terms and conditions of the stipulation order of continuance she agreed to back in March with the Spokane Municipal Court. Should she continue to avoid any legal difficulties for the next year, she could have the charges reviewed and subsequently dropped.

No fight has been announced as of yet, and no statement has been made by Peña herself regarding the matter. Her last fight was a unanimous decision win against Jessica Eye last October.