The high-stakes grappling showdown is set to take place on November 14 at the iconic Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. For Pena, the matchup marks her first time stepping into a competitive sports arena since her setback against reigning division standout Kayla Harrison more than a year ago in June 2025. In that encounter, Harrison secured the championship belt by forcing a submission via a second-round kimura, a loss that temporarily halted Pena’s momentum at the highest level of mixed martial arts.
In the time since that championship bout, Pena has remained closely tied to the combat sports world through broadcasting. Following the launch of Real American Freestyle, she stepped into a role as a color commentator, lending her veteran insights and analytical expertise to the promotion’s broadcasts. However, rather than calling the action from the commentary desk for this upcoming card, Pena will make the dramatic transition from the broadcast team straight down to the mat to test herself against Avsaragova.
Her opponent, Diana Avsaragova, brings a wealth of high-level combat sports experience to the upcoming Abu Dhabi showcase. Avsaragova has previously competed under the promotional banners of major combat sports organizations, including Bellator MMA and the Professional Fighters League. Most recently, Avsaragova featured at RAF 13 in September, where she faced a tough outing against reigning middleweight champion Kennedy Blades, ultimately losing by technical fall. The upcoming bout against a decorated former UFC champion like Pena offers Avsaragova an immediate opportunity to bounce back on a massive international stage.
Julianna Pena to face Diana Avsaragova at RAF Abu Dhabi on Nov. 14 in first competition since Kayla Harrison defeat
The November 14 event at Etihad Arena represents a historic milestone for Real American Freestyle, as it marks the promotion’s inaugural show held in the Middle East. The expansion into Abu Dhabi has been made possible through a landmark five-year partnership established between the organization, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, and the UAE Wrestling Federation. This collaborative effort aims to bring elite-level wrestling and grappling entertainment to a rapidly growing fanbase in the region, culminating in a card that continues to draw international attention.
Adding to the magnitude of the event, RAF Abu Dhabi will be anchored by a blockbuster headlining match. The evening’s marquee attraction features a cruiserweight crossover championship bout between former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev and former interim welterweight titleholder Colby Covington. The pairing of two of the sport’s most recognizable and polarizing figures at the top of the bill underscores the promotional power of the Abu Dhabi card, which organizers have steadily built into one of the most anticipated combat sports events of the calendar year.
As excitement continues to build around the card, Real American Freestyle officials took to social media to highlight the addition of the women’s featured bout. Promoting the event on X, formerly known as Twitter, the organization stated that the lineup continues to improve with the official confirmation of the clash between Pena and Avsaragova. Tickets for the November 14 showcase at Etihad Arena have already been made available to the public, as fans anticipate how Pena will perform in her competitive return following her departure from the UFC championship scene.
