Welcome to The Weekly Takedown, Sports Illustrated’s in-depth look at MMA. Every week, this column offers insight and information on the most noteworthy stories in the fight world.
Julianna Peña makes her first defense of the bantamweight championship this Saturday at UFC 277, seeking to defeat Amanda Nunes for a second straight time.
“For many years, I’ve been trying to get this recognition,” Peña says. “I want to let people know I’m here and I belong. People still doubt me, so there is a little bit of a chip on my shoulder.