Julia Avila has decided to call an end to her career as an MMA fighter.
Avila, 36, confirmed her MMA retirement after losing a dominant three-round decision to Jacqueline Cavalcanti as part of Saturday’s UFC card in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
The “Raging Panda” is walking away from a decade-and-a-half pro career that saw her attain nine wins through 13 appearances, including three victories inside the UFC cage.
Avila said her decision to retire was made so she could focus on being a mother to her daughter, who she welcomed into the world in 2022.
“I remember one time after a hard training session it was really difficult for me to pick up my daughter,” Avila said on Saturday night. “We just sat there on the ground and cried because I couldn’t lift her up. I was so injured. I knew it was time then. Taking time away from watching her grow up, the money, the energy, the time, I just don’t have enough of it. I have to choose between being a mother and an athlete. And her needs far outweigh my dreams. So, it was time to put someone else [first] instead of me.”
Avila made her pro debut in 2010, two years after graduating from The University of California, Santa Cruz. She beat notable bantamweight names while on the regional scene, getting past future UFC fighters Marion Reneau and Nicco Montano along the way.
After racking up a record of six wins and one loss—including a pair of appearances in Invicta FC—Avila won her UFC debut in 2019 with a decision win over Pannie Kianzad.
Avila later got past Gina Mazany and Julija Stoliarenko via finish later on in her career as part of a six-fight run in the promotion. Returning for the first time since her daughter was born, Avila also lost a bout to former champ Miesha Tate in late 2023.
While Avila plans to spend more time with her daughter, she mentioned an intention to compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments and continue to coach fighters at the Outsiders Combat Club in her hometown of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Knockdown News 