Overview
- On Friday multiple outlets reported that Irene Aldana was removed from the UFC roster and confirmed she has retired after nearly two years away from competition.
- Aldana finished her career 15-8 overall and 8-6 in the UFC after a run that included a 2023 title shot against Amanda Nunes and a final fight in September 2024 against Norma Dumont.
- Reports say the decision grew out of medical issues tied to a deep cut sustained in the 2024 bout that required follow-up surgeries and extended recovery.
- The UFC announced Norma Dumont vs. Ailin Perez for Sept. 26 at the Apex in Las Vegas, a matchup outlets frame as a likely step toward the next bantamweight title challengers.
- Aldana’s exit highlights turnover in the women’s 135-pound ranks and could accelerate opportunities for rising contenders and recent Dana White’s Contender Series signees to move into title contention.