UFC Fighter Julianna Pena Pregnant, Putting MMA Career on Hold

UFC women's bantamweight Julianna Pena is pregnant and will take a leave of absence from her fight career.

Pena announced the news Saturday evening the same way we all announce pregnancies: a post on her Instagram feed.

If the first thought of fans was "when will she return to action?" then what's wrong with those people. But if that was their second thought, then they should take heart. Speaking to Jesse Holland of MMA Mania shortly after her announcement, Pena said she planned an eventual return to competition.

"My goal right now is to have my baby, love my baby, and get back into the Octagon," Pena said. "The division definitely needs me."

Pena, 28, has enjoyed a pretty solid MMA career, with an 8-3 record that includes a 4-1 mark in the UFC and a winning run through the 18th season of The Ultimate Fighter, the first season to feature women.

Pena's last fight ended in aa submission loss to top contender Valentina Shevchenko. In the MMA Mania interview, she expressed a desire for an eventual rematch.