Amanda Nunes praises Irene Aldana ahead of UFC 289 title fight
UFC women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes praised rival Irene Aldana ahead of their upcoming UFC 289 title fight.
We had been hearing for months that Aldana would be the next in line to fight Nunes for her women’s 135lbs title, but the UFC made a surprise announcement when they revealed that former champion Julianna Pena would instead get the title shot against Nunes in Vancouver this June at UFC 289. However, after Pena was forced to pull out of the fight with an injury, the promotion called upon Aldana to fill the headlining spot, and now here we are.
Speaking to the media ahead of UFC 289, Nunes praised Aldana, suggesting she is an incredibly dangerous opponent that Nunes is going to have to train hard for, especially given the short-notice nature of the matchup.
“Honestly, this is the original opponent right there. Now we are here with the real opponent. I’m very happy about it. Less heavy, as well, and I’m excited,” Nunes said (via MMAjunkie.com). “Aldana is very, very tough. She has heavy hands. So, she’s technical, and this is going to be so fun. I have heavy hands, as well. I’m well rounded, so you guys have to be excited for this.
“Aldana is powerful,” added Nunes. “She can knock somebody out, so I’ve got to watch for that. She’s also a very good counter striker. When I set up my shots, I want to make sure I’m in the right range when she attacks.”
Aldana has not fought since last September at UFC 279 when she defeated Macy Chiasson with a rare upkick TKO. As for Nunes, we last saw her step into the cage last July at UFC 277 when she beat Pena to get her belt back.
Who do you think wins at UFC 289, Amanda Nunes or Irene Aldana?
