UFC bantamweights Amanda Nunes and Irene Aldana, who will headline UFC 289, engaged in an intense faceoff during weigh-ins on Friday.
Nunes, who is regarded as one of the all-time greats in UFC history, will defend her UFC women’s bantamweight title for the first time since July 2022.
“And still [champion] forever, tomorrow baby,” Nunes said regarding her upcoming title defense.
To further solidify her legacy and continued dominance in the UFC, Nunes must defeat Aldana to send a powerful message to other contenders. Following her impressive redemption win over Julianna Peña in July 2022, Nunes is determined to add another victory to her Hall of Fame-worthy career.
The two-division champion holds the record for the most title fight wins (7) in the history of the women’s bantamweight division.
Nunes (22-5, 13 KO) has won 14 of her last 15 fights.
Aldana, the No. 5-ranked bantamweight, is primarily known for her exceptional boxing ability. She delivers precise combinations and powerful strikes that could pose a challenge to Nunes on the feet.
Aldana’s potential win would place her name among the prestigious group of Mexican-born fighters to become UFC champion, following in the footsteps of Brandon Moreno, Alexa Grasso and Yair Rodríguez, who all achieved titleholder status in the last two years.
“I have nothing but respect for Amanda, but tomorrow I’m bringing the fourth belt to Mexico,” Aldana said.
The Culiacán, Mexico, native has won her last two fights by knockout.
Nunes and Aldana will square off at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday.
