The world continues to be divided on US President Donald Trump’s invasion of Venezuela and the capture and extradition of the country’s president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife. However, the shocking move has also found its list of supporters, one of whom includes former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Julianna Pena, who also happens to be of Venezuelan heritage, though born and raised in Washington.

Her father was born in Venezuela, but made his way to America. For the majority of her career, she has represented the country’s culture and heritage. However, she is also a staunch supporter of Donald Trump. So, when the capture and extradition of Maduro happened a few days ago, she was one of those who openly welcomed and celebrated the move. Now, four days later, she has once again defended Trump’s action while explaining her position.

Julianna Pena remembers the time when Venezuela was rich

“Hi, my name is Julianna Peña. I’m proud to carry American, Venezuelan, Mexican, and Native American heritage – but in the MMA world, people know me as ‘The Venezuelan Vixen,’” she wrote in an Instagram post alongside a photo montage of her in a Venezuelan flag and clothing. “That nickname was given to me by the man who taught me how to fight, as a way to honor my father and his bloodline.”

Julianna Pena then recalled a childhood visit to the country, which she recounted as strikingly beautiful. The trip left a lasting impression on her, sparking an appreciation for Venezuela’s rich history and vibrant culture. Pena then added that there was a period when the nation stood among the world’s wealthiest and most promising countries.

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“But over the last 15 years, everything changed,” she continued. ” What was once thriving fell into chaos under the dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro. Visiting became dangerous, and our family was warned not to return. My relatives have suffered in ways I wouldn’t wish on anyone – real hardship, fear, and loss.”

She claimed that this is the reason behind her support for Trump’s invasion of Venezuela. “I’m hopeful that Venezuela is finally on a path toward freedom and a future that looks more like the country I remember from my childhood. I’m proud to be Venezuelan — whether people accept it or not,” Pena wrote in the post. But as it turns out, the former two-time bantamweight champion wasn’t quite done, showing her support for Trump.

Julianna Pena had more to say about her support for Donald Trump

Just before this, Pena also appeared in an interview with internet personality John Cerasani, who pressed her about the backlash Trump has received for invading Venezuela. “I completely disagree. I think that the majority, maybe 90-95% of Venezuelans are super stoked about this,” Penna said confidently. She elaborated that people would rejoice in their freedom.

Standing in front of a BP gas station, Pena claimed that she has been a long-time supporter of Trump and explained why some people in the U.S. are against it. “Some people will just find anything and any reason to be upset,” she said during the conversation. Later in the interview, she accused the captured president of Venezuela of being an illegitimate president.

“Everybody knows that Maduro was the illegitimate president. Nobody recognized him as the real president,” she said. “His election was stolen, and he got in there just by fraud.” When confronted with claims of Trump being supposedly motivated by the country’s vast oil and gold reserves, Pena felt the people of Venezuela would get those.

She concluded the interview with a message. “I’ve had a family that has gone through very serious, horrible, horrific things that you would never want to happen to anybody. So I’m very happy for the people of Venezuela,” Penna concluded.

Julianna Pena clearly sees the U.S.’s invasion as a net positive for the country, which she had expressed earlier as well. However, Venezuela isn’t the first country the U.S. has invaded, nor is it the only country where people are oppressed. So, what makes Venezuela special?