It took seven fights for female bantamweight Irene Aldana to finanlly show just how much knockout power she carries in her hands. Paired up against undefeated contender Ketlen Vieira, ‘Robles’ only needed one round to catch the Brazilian with a perfect punch and finish the fight with a highlight reel knockout at UFC 245.
In an interview with Combate, Irene says she will not ask for a title shot against current champion Amanda Nunes, who has just defended her bantamweight title on the same night, but feels like she is prepared for the challenge, if given the opportunity.
“I don’t ask for fights, I just wait for the UFC to call me and make me an offer. I think I’m prepared (for a title fight). I just need a bit because I’ve been very active this year. I’ll go back to the gym as soon as possible and train hard, because I know tougher opponents are coming.”
Up until UFC 245, Ketlen was considered the number two female bantamweight, according to the UFC’s rankings, which Aldana believes makes the way she was able to put Vieira away even more impressive.
“She was undefeated, on her way to the title, so she was a great challenge for me. I know I came into the fight with nothing to lose and everything to gain, but it was risky, because she is so tough. We’ve been working hard all year. Every fight I had this year helped me get this win.”
Irene Aldana (12-5) fought four times in 2019, scoring three wins while suffering just one defeat. The 31-year-old started the year with a submission win over former title challenger Bethe Correia, but dropped a split decision to another former challenger in Raquel Pennington.
After the defeat, Robles scored a unanimous decision win over Vanessa Melo and followed it up with the Ketlen Vieira knockout at UFC 245, to close off the year in impressive fashion.
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