Amanda Nunes is keen to put her fight with Julianna Pena behind her and move on to new challenges. The UFC had planned to stage their first ever women’s trilogy between the two at UFC 289 on June 10 in Vancouver. However, due to a rib injury, Pena was forced to withdraw and Irene Aldana became her replacement. Nunes was poised to take on either fighter and her focus remained the same, namely to defend her title successfully. While she remained respectful of both opponents, Nunes was keen to fight an opponent who would push her to her limits.

Aldana offered up an intriguing challenge, with her lethal boxing range sharpened even further by two consecutive knockout victories. The Mexican fighter will be looking to claim her biggest scalp yet against Nunes and the champion is all too aware of Aldana’s credentials, especially her counterpunching and transitions off takedowns. Despite the change in opponent, Nunes remains as keen as ever to step into the cage and do what she does best: defend her belt and retain her title.