Julianna Peña reveals details of knee surgery and bets on McMann against Rousey

In November 2013, J. Peña (photo) became the first woman to win TUF. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

While preparing to fight at UFC 171, the TUF 18 champion Julianna Pena suffered a serious knee injury that prevented her from participating in the event and should keep her out of combat for up to two years – according to information from her coach. This Wednesday (20), in an interview with the North American channel “FOX Sports”, Peña gave details of the surgery to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament.

“The surgery lasted four hours. It was something very painful. I'm in a lot of pain right now. I just had surgery about a week ago, so it's all still very recent. But everything went as expected. When you are using your own patella for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, it will hurt a lot more than if you had used a cadaver graft. So, I'm in a lot of pain, but I only get better every day. I'm looking forward to the days passing by so I can get better, healthier, get to where I want to be and feel comfortable,” said the American of Venezuelan descent.

The TUF champion also took the opportunity to snipe at her rival coach on the reality show Ronda Rousey, who made him cry on the program after beating his main athlete in the first round. According to Peña, Ronda will lose the women's galeweight category belt this Saturday to Sara McMann. "O wrestling Judo always wins. I think if there is a fighter to do this (beat Ronda), Sara McMann is the only one capable. She is an Olympic silver medalist and she is a great fighter. She is a worthy competitor and is ready for the competition like no one else is. I think she has a really good chance of winning this fight. If someone has a good chance of winning it is Sara McMann because of his past in wrestling", shot.