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Match Preview: UFC on ESPN – Holm vs Aldana – 10/3/2020

Another weekend is upon us, which means another night of fights is in order as the UFC returns to Fight Island with two title bouts.

The UFC is back on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi for UFC on ESPN, as the ladies take center stage and do battle in the women’s bantamweight division.

In the main event, former women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm (13-5 / 8 KO’s) steps back in the octagon to take on Irene Aldana (12-5 / 6 KO’s).

Both women are more apt to stand, trade strikes, and go for the finish. Holm famously scored a head kick knockout of Ronda Rousey back at UFC 193 in 2015 for the title. It looked like she would have a long reign as champion, but Holm would lose the title in her next bout, then drop two more fights afterward. Since her three-fight losing streak, she has alternated wins and losses as she is 3-2 in her last five bouts. Despite her struggles with consistency, Holm remains one of the division’s top contenders and toughest outs.

But is it time to replace her with some fresh blood? Aldana comes in on a two-fight win streak and is 5-1 in her last six bouts. She has been awarded three Performance of the Night bonuses and looks to bring the pressure as she moves in for the kill on her opponents.

This should be a fun outing as Holm has a more counter, move in and out style. Aldana likes to come forward and keep the pressure on as she picks her foes apart. Holm has shown she is more than capable of making it a grappling fest utilizing her strength to control her opponents. Aldana does have three submission wins under her belt, so if the fight were to hit the mat, she is more than comfortable in looking for the finish.

Given the dominance of reigning champion Amanda Nunes, a win here could put either woman in line for the next title shot. Holm has had her crack at the champion and came up short. Aldana would be a new challenger but needs to show she is ready by getting past the former champion first. Tonight, we have two warriors stepping into the cage in the main event to see their hand raised and hear their name announced as the next challenger for the champion.

There are also some interesting and familiar names on the card as well.

Former women’s featherweight champion Germaine de Randamie (9-4 / 4 KO’s) steps back in the cage to battle with former The Ultimate Fighter 18 winner Julianna Peña (9-3 / 3 KO’s) in another women’s bantamweight showdown. GDR is looking to get back in the winners’ circle after losing her last bout while Pena looks to make it two in a row. In a classic showdown of striker (GRD) vs grappler (Pena), who can inflict their will first and often will determine how this fight goes. Carlos Condit (30-13) steps back in the octagon for the first time since 2018 and is looking to show that at 36 years old, he still has some tread left on his tires. He’ll be battling The Ultimate Fighter 11 winner Court McGee (19-9).

UFC on ESPN will surely be a fun event to watch with some entertaining matchups and possible movement onto bigger and better things for the winners.

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-Kalani Lua – Franchise Sports Media

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