Irene Aldana has decided to hang up her MMA gloves.
The one-time UFC bantamweight title challenger was removed from the UFC roster earlier that day despite being ranked in the top-15 of the women’s 135-pound division, as MMA Fighting first reported, and now the reason is known.
“After a year and a half of deep reflection,” Aldana wrote on her Instagram stories Friday. “I have finally found the courage to make the hardest decision of my life: to prioritize my health, even though it means stepping away from fighting.”
The 38-year-old Mexican leaves the sport with an overall record of 15-8 with 11 of her wins coming by way of stoppage, victorious in eight of her 14 octagon appearances over nearly a decade. Aldana left the octagon for the first time in September 2024 with a gruesome cut on her forehead after losing a decision to Norma Dumont.
Aldana won five bonuses throughout her UFC career, including extra $50,000 checks for her knockouts over Ketlen Vieira and Macy Chiasson. The Chiasson finish in 2022 earned her a shot at the UFC title against Amanda Nunes, a match she lost via decision.
