Amanda Nunes vs. Irene Aldana is apparently not happening anytime soon. The UFC was planning on booking the 135-pound title matchup between the pair at the upcoming UFC 285 pay-per-view (PPV) event. However, according to a recent report from Combate, the UFC was unable to make that fight happen.
Nunes has been dominant in her run as both featherweight and bantamweight champion, making it difficult to find a new contender for the Brazilian powerhouse to test herself against. Aldana would’ve been a prime candidate sitting at the No. 5-ranked spot. However, it looks like she’ll have to wait a bit longer before getting the nod.
Amanda Nunes vs. Irene Aldana Not Happening
According to a report from Combate’s Raphael Marinho, Julianna Pena has been insistent on getting her trilogy fight with Nunes next. However, Nunes is not willing to give Pena another shot at the gold just yet. The UFC also reportedly tried to set up a title eliminator fight between Aldana and Pena, however, the latter is unwilling to fight unless it’s for the title.
Pena ended Nunes’ run as champion back in December of 2021 when she submitted the Brazilian. In their rematch this past summer, Nunes reclaimed the title with a unanimous decision win. As for Aldana, she’s currently on a two-fight win streak, both of which have been TKO finishes. It remains to be seen how the UFC will decide to work out the title picture moving forward.
