Three fighters from Mexico have claimed UFC gold in 2023 already. Irene Aldana is looking to become number four as she challenges Amanda Nunes for the UFC bantamweight title at UFC 289 on June 10.
UFC 289 takes place at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The first UFC event in Canada since 2019 airs on ESPN+ PPV in the U.S.
Born in Culiacan, Aldana turned pro in 2012 and joined the UFC in 2016. A former Xtreme Kombat and Invicta fighter, Aldana is on a two-fight win streak. She has faced (and lost to) the likes of Raquel Pennington and Holly Holm, two women Nunes has already beaten.
“Robles” relishes the opportunity to fight for gold against someone like Nunes.
“I’m fighting the greatest of all time,” Aldana said via MMA Junkie. “I respect Amanda a lot. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and we’re ready. Having the opportunity is already big for me. To be able to perform and to share the octagon with Amanda is already the biggest accomplishment ever.”
MORE: Sign up to watch the UFC 289 PPV, exclusively on ESPN+
Nunes is the first champion in the UFC to hold gold in two divisions and defend them simultaneously. “The Lioness” took the bantamweight title from Julianna Pena at UFC 277 in July after losing the belt at UFC 269….
