New FSM Preview: UFC 289 - Amanda Nunes Vs Irene Aldana

Photo Credit: UFC

New FSM Preview: UFC 289 – Amanda Nunes vs Irene Aldana

The next major event in mixed martial arts takes place this Saturday with UFC 289 in Vancouver, Canada!

UFC 289 is taking place Saturday.

UFC 289 Charles Olivera — *Photo Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images*

Through the first half of 2023, it has felt like the UFC has put out memorable fights on successful cards every Saturday night.

So far in 2023, we’ve seen intense title fights with Teixiera vs Hill, a champ vs champ title fight with Volkanovski vs Makhachev, the return of two legends in Jon Jones and Henry Cejudo, the fall of Valentina Shevchenko, and the thrilling sequel of Adesanya vs Pereira in just the first six months of this year.

After putting out six successful cards through the beginning of 2023, it’s reasonable to see a card or two fall short of expectations. There was the loss of two main card bouts between Chris Daukaus vs Khalil Rountree Jr. and Stephen Thompson vs Michael Pereira. Add in a pullout from Juliana Peña, who was slated to fight in the main event of this weekend’s UFC 289, and the event seems to be viewed by many in the MMA community as a dud compared to the first round of bangers we’ve seen so far this year.

Despite multiple changes to the lineup, many people may be overlooking the Vancouver card this Saturday. Starting with the main event of the evening, the greatest female fighter in the history of the UFC graces the octagon once again to defend one of her two titles, as Amanda “The Lioness” Nunes takes on Irene Aldana for the Women’s Bantamweight title.

UFC 289 – Amanda Nunes vs Irene Aldana preview.

“The Lioness” returns to continue her dominance

Will Amanda Nunes once again show why she is the women’s GOAT?

UFC 289 Amanda Nunes — *Photo Credit: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images*

Throughout her 15-year career, It has always been must-see television when Amanda “The Lioness” Nunes (22-5-0) enters the octagon.

Since entering the UFC back in 2011, Nunes has gone on a tear that has included defeating legendary names like Ronda Rousey, Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino, and Holly Holm, all within one round. Through that time, “The Lioness” also became only the fourth UFC fighter and is currently the only female UFC fighter to hold two division titles simultaneously. Nunes is also the only fighter in UFC history to record multiple title defenses during two simultaneous title reigns.

An iconic fighter like Nunes is a draw, no matter who she fights or the outcome of her bouts. This was evident through her two fights with Juliana Peña.

After reigning over two different divisions for just under three years, it was stunning to see Nunes suffer her first loss as a champion against Juliana Peña in 2021 at UFC 269. The upset loss caused many to question whether Nunes was still the same fighter and if perhaps the GOAT was beginning to lose her fire. “The Lioness” instantly shut these narratives down at UFC 277 during her rematch against Peña. With a dominant performance that ended with a unanimous decision victory, Nunes reclaimed her second belt and confirmed to everyone that her reign over the UFC was still intact.

Nunes showed during those two fights with Peña that she still has the ability to dominate, but also showed that despite popular belief, she was, in fact, mortal.

When a fighter has been as successful as the 35-year-old Nunes has been throughout her career, it can be challenging to hold on to the same passion for fighting as she continues to wipe out every contender that stands in front of her. Nunes’ first loss as a champion against Peña may have just been a fluke, but it also could have been the first early sign that “The Lioness” is running out of challenges to keep her interested.

Or can Irene Aldana shock the UFC universe?

UFC 289 Irene Aldana — *Photo Credit: Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images*

This weekend’s UFC 289 event will be the first time we see Nunes fight since redeeming her first loss as a champion in July of 2022. The question on everyone’s mind Saturday night shouldn’t be whether or not Nunes will secure the victory, but instead, whether we are truly seeing the end of one of the most extraordinary careers in the history of MMA as she faces the fifth-ranked Women’s Bantamweight fighter in Irene Aldana (14-6-0).

With elite striking that has resulted in eight-KO victories and nine first-round finishes, Aldana has shown that she is a threat to anyone who stands across from her. With a victory Saturday night, Aldana would not only make history by dethroning the female GOAT of MMA, but she would also become only the fourth Mexican-born UFC champion and only the second female Mexican-born champion in the history of the UFC.

With a dangerous striking game and plenty of motivation to secure a victory, Aldana will be a worthy opponent that will require an elite performance to overcome. For the reigning Bantamweight and Featherweight champion, Aldana is the perfect opponent to bring out the competitive fire in Nunes as she enters her 28th professional fight.

All eyes will be eagerly watching Saturday night as Amanda Nunes enters the cage once again to add to her legendary career. Regardless of the outcome, it will be the type of entertainment that the MMA community would be wise not to miss. For it is truly unknown how many more opportunities we will have to watch the greatness that is “The Lioness.”

Amanda Nunes vs Irene Aldana looks like it could be another epic fight.