UFC 269: Julianna Pena ‘not afraid’ of two-weight champion Amanda Nunes

It’s seen as the UFC’s mission impossible – trying to beat two-weight champion Amanda Nunes.

Next to take on that challenge is Julianna Pena who challenges her in Las Vegas on Saturday, more than five years after the American first called out Nunes.

A few months later defeat by Valentina Shevchenko pushed Pena down the pecking order and she became a mother before working her way back into title contention.

Nunes, meanwhile, remains unbeaten since 2014 and is now widely regarded as the greatest female fighter in mixed martial arts history.

But while Pena admits “I’m inspired by Amanda”, the 32-year-old believes she will be the one to end Nunes’ five-year bantamweight reign at UFC 269.

“Amanda is a great champ,” she tells BBC Sport. “I admire that she’s been able to retain her belt for so long.

“But I’m just not afraid of her. I feel like I’m the new champ and that this is my time.

“I’ve never felt better and I’ve never been more focused, mentally or physically. I’m ready to step into the light.”