LAS VEGAS – Irene Aldana beat Karol Rosa with a unanimous decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC 296 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Take a look inside the fight with Aldana, a former title challenger who has won three of her past four, including this most recent Fight of the Night winner.
Irene Aldana vs. Karol Rosa
Result: Irene Aldana def. Karol Rosa via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Updated records: Aldana (15-7 MMA, 8-5 UFC), Rosa (17-6 MMA, 6-3 UFC)
Key stats: Rosa outstruck Aldana 204-145 overall, and an astounding 95-3 in leg kicks.
Aldana on the fight's key moment
“Karol is a tough, tough fighter. It was an honor to face her – she’s one of the toughest challenges I’ve had in my career. … I heard every word (my corners) said. You have no idea how much I trust my team, and I’m so happy to have such great people and coaches with me.”
Aldana on taking leg kicks
“I’ve had an injury to this knee for maybe a year. It hurts, but we train to swallow the pain and keep going. (It hindered me) just a little. The (inside leg kicks from Rosa) didn’t help – it hurts. But nothing serious – this just makes me tougher.”
Aldana on what she wants next
“I’m in debt (to my coaches) and Mexico. I owe them the title. It was a bad night, but I’m sure I’m going to give Mexico and my team the title.”
To hear more from Aldana, check out the video above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 296.
