Irene Aldana removed from UFC roster after recent inactivity
Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Jul 17, 2026, 8:00 PM
Last updated Jul 17, 2026
Irene Aldana has been removed from the UFC roster as of July 17, 2026. The 38-year-old former bantamweight contender, who has not fought since losing to Norma Dumont in September 2024, was ranked in the top 10 of the 135-pound division. Aldana reached the title picture in 2023 but lost a unanimous decision to Amanda Nunes at UFC 289 after two straight wins. She finishes her UFC career with an octagon record of 8-6, including wins over Ketlen Vieira and Bethe Correia.
- •Aldana last fought in September 2024, losing to Norma Dumont.
- •She reached the title bout in 2023 against Amanda Nunes.
- •Aldana's UFC record stands at 8-6.
- •Notable victories include wins over Ketlen Vieira and Bethe Correia.
- 8:00 PMYahoo Sports — One-time UFC title challenger removed from UFC roster
- 8:00 PMMMA Fighting — One-time UFC title challenger Irene Aldana removed from UFC roster
"LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 14: Irene Aldana of Mexico walks to the Octagon in a lightweight fight during the UFC 306 at Riyadh Season Noche UFC event at Sphere on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) | Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Former UFC bantamweight contender Irene Aldana has been removed from the promotion’s roster, MMA Fighting has learned. Aldana was currently ranked in the top 10 of the 135-pound division in the UFC but hasn’t entered the cage since September of 2024, when she lost a decision to Norma Dumont on the first Noche UFC card at The Sphere. Aldana, 38, reached the title picture in 2023 after back-to-back wins over Yana Santos and Macy Chiasson but came up short in a title bout with Amanda Nunes in 2023, losing a unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 289. The Mexican talent walks away from the promotion with an octagon record of 8-6, including victories over the likes of Brazilian veterans Ketlen Vieira, Bethe Correia and Karol Rosa.
"Irena Aldana once fought Amanda Nunes for the UFC title
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 17, 2026, 8:00 PMOne-time UFC title challenger removed from UFC roster
Irena Aldana once fought Amanda Nunes for the UFC title
- MMA FightingJul 17, 2026, 8:00 PMOne-time UFC title challenger Irene Aldana removed from UFC roster
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 14: Irene Aldana of Mexico walks to the Octagon in a lightweight fight during the UFC 306 at Riyadh Season Noche UFC event at Sphere on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) | Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Former UFC bantamweight contender Irene Aldana has been removed from the promotion’s roster, MMA Fighting has learned. Aldana was currently ranked in the top 10 of the 135-pound division in the UFC but hasn’t entered the cage since September of 2024, when she lost a decision to Norma Dumont on the first Noche UFC card at The Sphere. Aldana, 38, reached the title picture in 2023 after back-to-back wins over Yana Santos and Macy Chiasson but came up short in a title bout with Amanda Nunes in 2023, losing a unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 289. The Mexican talent walks away from the promotion with an octagon record of 8-6, including victories over the likes of Brazilian veterans Ketlen Vieira, Bethe Correia and Karol Rosa.
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