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#13 Women's Bantamweight Division

"Raging Panda"

Julia Avila

Women's Bantamweight Division

9-3-0 (W-L-D)

4

Wins by Knockout

2

Wins by Submission

4

First Round Finishes

Julia Avila

athlete record

Info

Learn more about Julia Avila's UFC history, fighter facts, and Q&A below.

Place of Birth
Los Angeles, United States
Age
35
Height
67.00
Weight
135.50
Octagon Debut
Jul. 6, 2019
Reach
68.00
Leg reach
38.00
  • Pro since 2012
     
  • Four wins by KO, two by submission (Armbar, RNC)
     
  • Four first round finishes
     
  • Has won five of her last seven
     
  • Owns wins over former UFC flyweight champion Nicco Montano and UFC vet Marion Reneau
     
  • Lone pre-UFC loss to TUF vet Marciea Allen was due to injury
     
  • Origin of nickname: “My manager, Mikhail Valentin, actually was the first to coin this for me. It stems from my love of pandas, yes, the previously listed endangered species of mammals. The panda is truly my spirit animal. It’s a slightly aloof and kind of derpy animal, and we balance the yin of the panda character with the yang of the ‘rage.’ Mikhail also wanted to pay homage to Jake ‘Raging Bull’ LaMotta, who he says I greatly resemble in the ring.”

UFC on ESPN (12/2/23) Avila was submitted by Miesha Tate via rear naked choke at 1:15 of the third round 

UFC Fight Night (6/26/21) Avila submitted Julija Stoliarenko via rear naked choke at 4:19 of the third round

UFC Fight Night (9/12/20) Avila lost a three round unanimous decision to Sijara Eubanks

UFC on ESPN (6/13/20) Avila stopped Gina Mazany via strikes at :22 of the first round

UFC 239 (7/6/19) Avila won a three round unanimous decision over Pannie Kianzad

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training in MMA after graduating college in 2011. I was working on an oil rig and a friend of mine suggested that I try out MMA since I did cardio kickboxing in college. It was more of a test to myself - I could throw a punch, now let’s see if I can take one. And I fell in love.

What ranks and titles have you held? Brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. HD MMA bantam champion.

Do you have any heroes? All my teammates and my coaches. Anyone who’s ever taken the time to be a good person, they’re the true everyday heroes that I look up to. I don’t look up to any one person because we’re all wonderfully flawed in our own ways; however, collectively we share this lump of a rock and we’re kind of stuck here, so it’s the people that open doors, make eye contact, take time to listen and not just wait for their turn to speak. Those are my heroes.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting in the UFC is the culmination of all my hard work and the investment of everyone that has ever believed in me. It feels good to be recognized for the potential that I have in this sport. It feels even better that people will watch me fight and that will motivate them to be a better version of themselves.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Yes! I have my Bachelors in Science in Geology from the University of California at Santa Cruz.

What was your job before you started fighting? I currently work as a Geological Technician for a major oil & gas company.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? 2-0 both by TKO, one in 21 seconds.

Favorite grappling technique: Armbar

Favorite Striking technique: Dirty boxing