Julia “Raging Panda” Avila She has officially retired from MMA Loss of unanimous decision to Jacqueline Cavalcanti at UFC Vegas 102. 36-year-old bantamweight veteran She placed her gloves in the center of the octagon, signaling the end of her combat career. With her Young girl by her sideAvila gave an emotional farewell speech Daniel Cormierreflecting on her journey in sports.
“This is that. I would like to thank God for giving me the opportunity to fight at the best stages of the world. And usually I begin a battle with the poem sal 144:1. Today I say, God says well done, my good and faithful servant. ”
The fight didn’t go down her path, but the moments that followed reminded me of the respect and camaraderie that MMA promotes. Behind the scenes, Avila and Kavalkanti hugged and shared words of encouragement with smiles. The image captured the true spirit of martial arts, where the competition ends, but mutual admiration remains.
Avila expanded her decision to quit with a Heartfelt Instagram post, explaining that financial and time constraints are the main reasons for leaving. She reflected on the sacrifices she made throughout her career – ear-like mornings, late at night, sleeping in the car, struggling to find sponsors, dealing with injuries and making comebacks.
“I want to continue this journey, but that’s no longer on the card for me either. Money and time are products I don’t have for this anymore. I will continue my athletic journey to become a coach with a focus on BJJ. ”
Avila’s story is one of those that goes against perseverance, grit and odds. A first-generation American with immigrant parents, she fought towards the UFC, balancing her career as a scientist, athlete, mother and fighter. She spoke about her journey from growing up in Los Angeles food to achieving success in multiple fields.
“I couldn’t be the champion I deserve my team. But I could be something more. I could give hope. I’m an American dream.”
Avila joined the UFC in 2019, competing against some of the best in the division, including former champion Miesha Tate. Known for her aggressive fighting style and ruthless pressure, she made her mark. She now moves to coaching and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, resilience and inspiration for future generations.
UFC Vegas 102 took place on Saturday, February 15th at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The event was broadcast live on ESPN+, featuring Avila vs. Cavalcanti on a spare card.
