The women’s bantamweight division is one of the most entertaining divisions in the UFC. Some of the elite fighters in the division compete against each other to capture the belt. One of the most talented fighters in the division at the moment is Irene Aldana. If we go by the current rankings, she sits at the #5 spot in the division and is looking to make her way to a title shot by establishing herself at the top.
Aldana has endured a mixed stint in her last few outings and will look to improve her performance slightly. Nevertheless, the 36-year-old not only has striking ability but is a very good wrestler. As she prepares for her next fight, let’s take a closer look at her ethnicity.
What is Irene Aldana’s ethnicity and nationality?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Just like most MMA fighters, Irene Aldana comes from a very humble background. She was born on March 26, 1988, in Culiacan, Mexico, and learned his craft there only. The 36-year-old has always been a bright student and graduated from college with a degree in graphics design. Growing up in Mexico was never easy for the 36-year-old, as she had to manage her studies along with her training. However, through sheer determination and hard work, Aldana was able to achieve what many couldn’t.
View this post on Instagram
She was 23 years old when she first started her professional training. Interestingly, she didn’t have any amateur background. However, her rise to the top is an inspiration for many young girls out there. Aldana trains with Alexa Grasso and her father, Francisco Grasso, at the famous Lobo Gym. She made her debut in the UFC in 2016 but failed to win her first clash. She lost the fight via decision, but since then has transformed herself into a top-class fighter. While there is a lot of work still to be done, Aldana is working relentlessly under the watchful eyes of Francisco Grasso.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While she is gearing up for her next clash with Norma Dumont at UFC 306, her journey with MMA started a long way back. But why exactly did she take up the sport of MMA? Let us take a look at it below.
How did Irene Aldana get into MMA?
One of the biggest questions for most professional fighters is why they chose a brutal sport like MMA. While some do it to come out of poverty, some do it to vent out their anger and some do it to get into shape. The 36-year-old before her fight at UFC 210 pointed out that she was fairly active during her childhood. She was always involved in dancing, or gym and would even go spinning to keep herself active. However, things took a turn when she moved to Guadalajara to pursue her graphic design career.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
But finally, the 36-year-old decided to take things into her own hands and registered herself at Lobo Gym. What followed was an immense transformation as the #5 ranked bantamweight fighter started enjoying her time in practice. A few years down the line, the Mexican is set to compete at the UFC 306 event and will look to get back to winning ways. A win at the Sphere will help her cement her place in the division and help her reach closer to the title shot. Aldana believes her coach has done a massive job in helping her improve at her sport.
She would be thinking that he does some magic when she enters the Octagon for her next fight. Who do you think will win the fight between the two? Let us know about it in the comments below.
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
What’s your perspective on:
Does Irene Aldana's Mexican heritage give her an edge in the UFC? What do you think?
Have an interesting take?