Dubai: Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Julianna Pena got a taste of high-speed motorsport as she joined Emirati racing driver Amna Al Qubaisi for a ride around Yas Marina Circuit on Friday, ahead of her Real American Freestyle (RAF) debut in Abu Dhabi.
Pena swapped the intensity of combat sports for the passenger seat of a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, with Al Qubaisi taking the wheel for a high-speed experience around the iconic Formula One circuit.
The ride brought together two prominent female athletes from different sporting backgrounds, with Al Qubaisi showcasing her skills on the track while Pena experienced the G-forces of a high-performance racing car.
For the American fighter, the experience was a memorable one and even provided some extra motivation ahead of her bout at Etihad Arena.
“This was an amazing experience – a dream come true,” Pena said.
“And to see Amna in her glory and the G-forces, it was incredible. It definitely gives me motivation to win on Saturday night!”
Al Qubaisi, one of the UAE’s leading female motorsport talents, enjoyed introducing the former UFC champion to the circuit.
“It was so much fun having Julianna in the car and showing her what it feels like on the track,” she said.
