Julia Avila’s Return: A Resilient Fighter Steps Back into the Octagon
Julia Avila, affectionately known as the "Raging Panda," is making her long-awaited return to the octagon after a year-long absence. Avila, who will face Jacqueline Cavalcanti in a preliminary bantamweight bout at UFC Vegas 102, is coming back healthier and more determined than ever. Her last fight, a submission loss to former champion Miesha Tate at UFC Austin in December 2023, was marred by significant injuries, but Avila’s indomitable spirit and tenacity have driven her to this pivotal moment.
A Bumpy Road: Reflecting on the Past
In a candid conversation with MMA Fighting, Avila opened up about the challenges she has faced. "I have incredible pain tolerance and drive, and I’m as stubborn as a mule," she admitted. "I went into that fight injured. I shouldn’t have followed through with that fight. I completely blew out my right knee [in] the first five seconds of the fight. I couldn’t stand up, and she was riding my other leg, so anytime I tried to post to stand up, my knee would pop out of socket, and I tore my ACL." Avila underwent surgery shortly after the fight, adding to the series of setbacks she has endured. Despite these hurdles, her resilience is evident. She has had two ACL surgeries, but this time, she is returning with a renewed sense of health and purpose. "I’m coming into this fight fully healthy. Everything’s 100 percent, so I have no excuses."
A Mother’s Journey: Balancing Career and Family
Avila’s journey back to the octagon has been intertwined with significant personal milestones. After her first ACL surgery, she and her husband welcomed their first child. Balancing the demands of recovery and motherhood was no easy feat, but Avila’s determination never wavered. "I’m a bit stubborn, and I was hoping to return sooner, but I remained patient, waiting for my opportunity to return," she said. Her confidence and overall health are at an all-time high, and she is ready to "punch somebody in the face again." "When I’m healthy, I am unstoppable," Avila declared. "I have to believe in myself, right? I feel like I’m always unstoppable."
A Positive Outlook: Reflecting on the Miesha Tate Fight
Despite the one-sided loss to Tate, Avila takes pride in her performance. "I’m OK with that. I know her game plan because it’s what’s worked for her, right? She doesn’t have to switch it up," she explained. In a single exchange, Avila managed to land some significant strikes on Tate, who later acknowledged the damage Avila inflicted. "She actually gave me props in an interview saying that in the single exchange that she had with me, she got more damage than five rounds with Holly Holm. So, you know what? I’m OK with that."
Facing a Rising Star: The Matchup with Jacqueline Cavalcanti
Avila’s opponent, Jacqueline Cavalcanti, is on a six-fight win streak and has a flawless 3-0 record in the UFC. Cavalcanti’s most recent victory came via a split decision against Nora Cornolle at UFC Paris in September. Avila, however, sees this as the perfect opportunity to reintroduce herself to the division. "I remember watching her on the Paris card in 2023, and she has kind of flown under the radar. She’s very underrated, I think. She has great striking. She has a good length, but she’s not entertaining. So I think that’s why she’s gone under the radar," Avila observed. "She’s an excellent striker. I’ve actually sparred against women that are on par with her. She reminds me of someone that I used to spar with, so I look forward to that."
A Resilient Spirit: Avila’s Message to the MMA Community
As Avila prepares to step back into the octagon, her message to the MMA community is clear. "Don’t sleep on me, motherf*ckers. This is that fight [to remind people who I am, and I fully expect her to run away from me — which is fine — try to draw me in, which would be smart, again, for her to try to draw me in because I barrel in, that’s what I know, what I do, and she’s a very good counter striker. So yeah, we’ll see how it plays out. I am aware of what’s happening, I just need to keep my cool." Avila’s return is a testament to her resilience and determination, and she is ready to prove that she is still a force to be reckoned with in the bantamweight division.
