MMA
UFC 289 preview: Amanda Nunes v Irene Aldana
Amanda Nunes, the reigning UFC women’s bantamweight champion, will attempt to defend her title once again as she faces off against Irene Aldana at UFC289 on Saturday.
We preview all the action below.
Nunes to continue legacy
Nunes, known as “The Lioness,” is undeniably the most accomplished women’s fighter in UFC history. With a record-breaking 15 wins and 10 title fight victories, the Brazilian has dominated both the bantamweight and featherweight UFC divisions, and now returns to action after an 11-month break aiming to further cement her status as one of the all-time greats. She starts as the strong 2/7 favourite to triumph in this one.
Originally, Nunes was scheduled to complete a trilogy with Julianna Pena. However, a twist of fate saw Pena withdraw from the fight due to injury, opening the door for Irene Aldana to step in. This unexpected turn of events has only heightened the intrigue surrounding this matchup, with Aldana, aware of the opportunity that lies before her, will enter the Octagon with a hunger to make history.
Nunes’ journey back to the bantamweight title has been a testament to her skill and prestige. In her last fight, she reclaimed the championship from Pena, dominating the fight from start to finish. This victory showcased Nunes’ ability to adapt and overcome, as she avenged her only loss in the past eight years. Now, as she prepares to defend her title, Nunes finds herself facing a different challenge in the form of Aldana.
Nunes has proven time and time again that she is the epitome of a champion. Her knockout victories over Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, and Holly Holm are a testament to her power and skill, and whilst Aldana may present a challenge on the feet, Nunes possesses the experience and fight IQ to adapt her game plan accordingly. She has the option to exploit Aldana’s weaknesses on the ground, as demonstrated in Aldana’s loss to Holm. The consensus among experts and fans is that Nunes is likely to emerge victorious, most probably via decision, which is available at 11/4
Don’t underestimate Aldana
Aldana is certainly a potent threat in the UFC’s women’s bantamweight division. Hailing from Mexico, the 35-year-old carries the hopes of her nation as she looks to become the fourth Mexican fighter to capture a UFC title. Riding the momentum of impressive victories over Macy Chiasson and Yana Kunitskaya, Aldana is a dangerous challenger with her own sights set on glory.
What makes Aldana a formidable opponent is not just her impressive record, but also her fighting style. Standing at 5’9″ with a 69″ reach, she possesses a slight range advantage over Nunes. Known for her excellent kickboxing skills, Aldana utilises quick, straight punches to dismantle her opponents. This could prove troublesome for Nunes, who has shown vulnerability to precise striking in the past. Her odds of 13/5 demonstrate that she will have to work hard for victory on Saturday, but some may like her price of 9/2 for a KO/TKO.
However, underestimating Aldana would be a grave mistake. The Mexican fighter’s resilience, durability, and hunger for success make her a live underdog capable of causing a major upset.
