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TUF 18 Winner Julianna Pena Set to Return from Injury at UFC Fight Night 63

Julianna Pena Says Legal Issues ‘Resolved,' Expects Summer UFC Return

Julianna Pena is returning to the Octagon to face Milana Dudieva in a 135-pound women’s bout at UFC Fight Night 63. UFC officials on Tuesday confirmed the fight first reported by ESPN.com.

The two will be a part of the Chad Mendes vs. Ricardo Lamas headlined event at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Va.

Pena (5-2) hasn’t stepped foot in the Octagon since she won the eighteenth installment of The Ultimate Fighter on Nov. 30, 2013.

Seemingly ready to rocket up the divisional ranks, Pena was set to fight Jessica Andrade at UFC 171. She was soon grounded by a controversial training injury that damaged several ligaments and the meniscus in her right knee.

SEE ALSO: Julianna Pena’s Coach Refutes Claims that Horseplay or Assault Led to Injury

While Pena was on the sidelines, Russian fighter Dudieva (11-3) made her promotional debut, narrowly winning a split decision over Elizabeth Phillips.

UFC Fight Night 63: Mendes vs. Lamas has a special start time with the main card beginning at 1 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 in the United States.

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