Irene Aldana released by UFC after nearly a decade with the promotion
The former bantamweight title challenger leaves the organization after spending almost nine years competing inside the Octagon
Irene Aldana's long run in the UFC has come to an end. After nearly a decade with the promotion, the Mexican has been removed from the organization's roster, according to MMA Fighting. A former bantamweight title challenger and longtime top-10 contender, Aldana last stepped inside the Octagon in September 2024, when she suffered a unanimous decision loss to Norma Dumont.
Irene Aldana Out of Contract in UFC
After signing with the UFC at the end of 2016, Aldana experienced ups and downs during her early years with the promotion but eventually established herself as one of the division's top contenders. Following important victories over names like Ketlen Vieira, Macy Chiasson and Yana Kunitskaya, the Mexican earned a title shot against Amanda Nunes in June 2023, ultimately losing by unanimous decision.
Irene Aldana's Career Comes to Halt Following Title Bout Loss
Since fighting for the title more than three years ago, Aldana made only two more appearances inside the Octagon. The Mexican bounced back with a solid victory over Karol Rosa, earning a Fight of the Night bonus, but failed to build momentum after suffering a unanimous decision loss to Norma Dumont in what ultimately became her final UFC appearance.
Although she was never a UFC champion, Aldana spent years competing against some of the best fighters in the women's bantamweight division and remained a consistent presence near the top of the rankings throughout much of her career.
At 38 years old, Aldana now becomes a free agent for the first time since joining the UFC. It remains to be seen whether the Mexican veteran will continue her MMA career in another promotion or decide to bring her professional career to an end.
