Irene Aldana

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Fighter bio

Irene Aldana – General Profile

Irene Aldana is a Mexican professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC’s women’s bantamweight division. Born on March 26, 1988, in Culiacán, Mexico, Aldana is known for her powerful boxing, aggressive striking, and well-rounded MMA game. As of late 2025, she has consistently been ranked among the top bantamweights in the world, challenging elite competition and earning notable wins throughout her career. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

MMA Career

Aldana began her professional MMA career in 2012 and quickly established herself on the regional scene before signing with the UFC in 2016. After a challenging start to her UFC tenure, she recorded a breakout run that included multiple stoppages and decision victories. Her notable wins include a first-round knockout over Ketlen Vieira and a unanimous decision over Karol Rosa. Aldana also secured a high-profile title shot against Amanda Nunes at UFC 289 in 2023. Throughout her UFC career, she has earned Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night honors, reflecting her exciting style and competitive spirit. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Fighting Style

Aldana’s style is primarily striking-based, rooted in powerful boxing and effective Muay Thai techniques. She uses crisp combinations, heavy punches, and aggression to pressure opponents, while also mixing in takedown defense and grappling when necessary. Her well-rounded skill set includes a striking approach designed to finish fights, as well as the ability to extend pace and compete over five rounds.

Recent Developments

In recent UFC action, Aldana has continued to compete at a high level in the women’s bantamweight division. She secured a unanimous decision win over Karol Rosa at UFC 296 (December 2023) and faced Norma Dumont at UFC 306 in September 2024, where she endured a grueling three-round battle. In her title opportunity at UFC 289 in June 2023, she went the distance but came up short against then-champion Amanda Nunes. These performances have underscored her resilience, toughness, and presence among the division’s elite.

Personal Life

Outside the Octagon, Aldana initially pursued a degree in graphic design and photography before dedicating herself fully to MMA. Known for her disciplined training regimen and mental fortitude, she trains with Lobo Gym MMA. Aldana has also earned recognition for her perseverance, having bounced back from early UFC losses to become a consistent contender in one of women’s MMA’s toughest divisions.