Holly Holm shuts down Irene Aldana in unanimous decision win

The second stint of “Fight Island” continues with UFC on ESPN 16 tonight, Saturday, October 3rd.

Headlining the event is a women’s bantamweight affair between former UFC champion Holly Holm and Irene Aldana in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The co-main event features heavyweights Yorgan De Castro and Carlos Felipe.

In the main event of the evening, former women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm takes on Irene Aldana. This match was previously scheduled to take place in August. Unfortunately, Aldana tested positive for Covid-19 and the bout was forced to be pushed back to this evening.

Here is how the main event female bantamweight bout between Holly “The Preachers Daughter” Holm and Irene “Robles” Aldana went down at UFC on ESPN 16, including round-by-round scoring. For full results of the event, check them out right here.

Round 1:

Both fighters touch and this bout is underway. Holm’s starts by stalking Aldana early. Aldana is showing beautiful lateral work. Both fighters are throwing single shots to judge the distance for the first minute. Holm lands a clean straight right that catches Aldana but she walks through it. Aldana looks to be hunting for the body and Holm returns fire with multiple punch combinations upstairs. Aldana consistently tries to work within striking range but Holm blasts a blitzing combination that resets Aldana. Towards the end of the round, Holm utilizes her sidekick to keep Aldana at bay. With a minute left, Holm switches levels and gets Aldana to the floor twice to secure the round.

MyMMANews.com scores it 10-9 for Holm.

Round 2:

Aldana starts early and lands an overhand right followed by an inside leg kick but Holm blitzes her again with a punch combination. With each of Holm’s combinations, Aldana looks confused and set back in her rhythm. Holm lands a left that wobbles Aldana. Holm continues to head-hunt, landing combos at will. Holm leads with a superman punch, following her foe to the cage and firing punches as she changes levels against the fence for the takedown successful takedown. With under a minute, Holm stands the action back up. She lands a straight left that rocks Aldana. Aldana is fighting with a sense of urgency, rushing in for a chance to throw but keeps getting side kicked.

MyMMANews scores it 10-9 for Holm.

Round 3:

Aldana starts with a leg kick. Home returns with a sidekick To the midsection. Holm attempts a head kick but is blocked and Aldana continues to pressure the pace. Aldana lands a stinging left uppercut on Holm as the fighters clinch. Aldana attempts a throw with Holm landing on top. Holm works in side control looking for a Kimura at first. She continues peppering some hammerfists to the body. Holm secures mount, postures up, and starts raining heavy ground and pound. In a scramble, Aldana works to safety, stands up, stalking her opponent and Holm lands a left hand. Aldana proceeds to walk Holm down the rest of the round. Holm would go on to land several kicks to keep distance while the stalking Aldana landing nothing significantly.

MyMMANews scores it 10-9 for Holm.

Round 4:

Holm begins around sticking her jab. Although Aldana proceeds to chase her while Holm is looking to set up shots from the outside. Holm keeps her distance, consistently landing kicks from a distance, keeping Aldana from getting within any range to land effectively. Halfway through the round, Holm pushes Aldana against the fence and secures another takedown. She (Holm) stands back up and gets back to striking as Aldana is looking exceptionally frustrated. Holm is making Aldana earn every step while she walks down Holm, only to be met by body kicks and blasting head punch combinations.

MyMMANews scores it 10-9 for Holm.

Round 5:

Holm lands several jabs to start the round. Aldana marches forward to make something happen with desperation. Holm meets her at every step, strike for strike, stopping Aldana in her tracks with a sidekick. Holm lands a beautiful sidekick to the face, but Aldana is relentlessly on the attack and coming forward. While slugging, Holm lands a staggering left hand. She looks to follow with a takedown but Aldana does a great job avoiding it, momentarily. Holm gets the action to the floor. With no interest in staying there, Holm scores her points and stands up to finish the round with a stamp. During Aldana standing, Holm times a head kick beautifully. In the final minute, Holm puts the icing on the cake by unleashing several punch combinations that ultimately bloodied Aldana’s face to cap the bout.

Official Result: Holly Holm defeats Irene Aldana via unanimous decision.
Judge A: 50/44 Judge B: 50/45 Judge C: 50/45

Adam Crist

Currently studying Broadcast Journalism at Wilmington University, Adam’s passion for the sport only grows stronger when a fighter’s voice can be heard. He thrives on asking detailed questions to inspire the thoughts behind the punches in hopes that each fighter can find their proper justice. Specializing in pre and post fight interviews for MyMMANews, Adam strives to keep the fight fans up to speed with the most recent and authentic MMA news possible. He is Co-promoter of Delaware’s premier kick-boxing and Muay Thai organization, IBF Promotions. Recently he has also accompanied MMA organizations Global Proving Ground and XCC as Co-host and ringside commentator.

See Full Bio