For a moment, Irene
Aldana wasn’t even sure what she had done.
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When Aldana landed the upkick to the liver that ended Macy
Chiasson’s night at UFC 279, the Mexican standout was a little
confused to see her opponent shut down instantly. However, the Lobo
Gym MMA product wasn’t completely surprised to see the maneuver be
successful, because it is something that she practices on a
consistent basis.
“It was bizarre. I knew the kick hit well, and it hit in the liver,
but it was a little confusing for me to see her reaction like
that,” Aldana said at Saturday’s post-fight press conference.
“So I was like, ‘I’m sure I kicked her in the liver, but maybe I
kicked her somewhere else. I’m not sure because of her reaction.’
But we trained the kick a lot, I’m glad it came out this
night.”
While the bout was contested at a 140-pound catchweight due to
Chiasson missing weight, it was still the type of statement victory
that could propel Aldana to a title shot at 135 pounds. If that
happens, the 34-year-old will be ready. Aldana has won four of her
last five promotional appearances.
“I’m open to whoever the UFC wants me, but I’m obviously chasing
the title fight,” Aldana said. “I’m ready for the title fight. If
that’s the next step, I’m ready.”