Not a soul in T-Mobile Arena stayed seated when Aldana finished Kunitskaya. That moment has been on Aldana’s mind during her training camp for UFC 279, where she will face rising contender Macy Chiasson.
Not too long ago, Aldana, who sports the No. 4 ranking next to her name, was in a similar position as the 10th ranked Chiasson. That’s when Aldana had her breakout performance against Ketlen Vieira – which happened to also come in T-Mobile Arena at UFC 245.
“It’s interesting because I was also a No. 11 who fought a No. 2 in the rankings and I won and I knocked out a number 2,” Aldana recalled. “I know that can happen and [Chiasson] can do that. That’s why I’m so alert and aware of that. That helps me to give a better me.”
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Aldana knows that eyes will be on this fight and that she can’t allow Chiasson to dictate where the fight takes place. She wants to showcase why she’s the higher ranked fighter and that she doesn’t underestimate any opponent.
“She’s just tough. She has great length and she’s a complete fighter. She’s a great wrestler and she’s a great challenge for me,” Aldana said. “Even though she’s No. 10 in the ranks I don’t see that as an advantage for me. She’s still just as tough as No. 1.”
