Sat Feb 15 20:30:00 UTC 2025: **UFC Veteran Julia Avila Returns After Injury-Plagued Layoff**
Las Vegas, NV – Julia “Raging Panda” Avila is set to make her highly anticipated return to the octagon at UFC Vegas 102 on Saturday after a year-long hiatus due to injury. Avila will face Jacqueline Cavalcanti in a bantamweight preliminary bout.
Avila’s last fight, a submission loss to Miesha Tate at UFC Austin in December 2023, resulted in a significant knee injury, compounding a pre-existing injury that had already extended her layoff to over two years. She underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL, her second such surgery in recent years. The previous ACL injury occurred on her other knee and coincided with the birth of her child, making her recovery more challenging.
This time, however, Avila states she is fully recovered and 100% healthy, attributing her previous loss to fighting injured. She admits to a stubborn determination, but acknowledges the wisdom of waiting for complete recovery before her return.
Cavalcanti, who boasts a six-fight winning streak including a perfect 3-0 UFC record, poses a significant challenge. Avila, however, is confident in her abilities and sees Cavalcanti’s strengths as familiar challenges she’s prepared to overcome. She considers Cavalcanti an underrated opponent with excellent striking but believes her own style will be the deciding factor. Avila is determined to remind everyone of her capabilities with a decisive victory. The fight marks Avila’s attempt to secure her first win since June 2021.
First Piper 