But slowly and surely, Irene Aldana plans to prove that she is a top contender at bantamweight. Aldana believes that a win over fellow ranked opponent Bethe Correia will help start that ascension.
Correia hasn’t fought since her loss to Holly Holm back in 2017. That wasn’t the plan however, as Aldana and Correia were initially scheduled to fight at UFC 227 last August but injury forced Correia out of the match-up.
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That last minute change of opponent taught Aldana a lot and helped her grow as a fighter. She would go on to fight Lucy Pudilova and win via unanimous decision. And even though she beat Pudilova, her mind never strayed from the concept of stepping into the Octagon with Correia.
On Saturday she will finally get her shot.
Here’s our full conversation with Aldana:
UFC: Hi Irene thank you for chatting with us. You’re here in Rio De Janeiro for fight week, how are you feeling heading into Saturday?
Aldana: I’m feeling great. I’m feeling happy, motivated and ready to go. Camp was almost two months long so we’re ready to go. In this camp I added neurological training. I also trained to be more agile, more violent and improved my strength. I tried to come into this fight as more of a complete athlete.
UFC: What makes you a difficult fight for your opponents?
IA: My striking every time is more technical. I don’t care if I get hit and I’m not afraid of taking punches. I like it because I know how to react to a punch. My aggression is something that is mine my favor and my determination.
UFC: This was a fight that was schedule and then didn’t end up happening. Why does this fight excite you so much?
IA: Because it is a great opportunity for me to climb to the top five of the division. If I can make it to the top five then the belt is not that far, maybe two or three more fights and I could think about a fight for the belt. Bethe is a great opponent, she’s has a lot of an experience. She’s fought Holly Holm and Ronda Rousey, she has fought for the belt. That means it is a great curriculum for my career to fight here and she’s an exciting fighter so I think it’s going to be a pumped up fight.
