Not a soul in the T-Mobile Arena was left seated when Aldana finished off Kunitskaya. That moment was on Aldana’s mind during her training camp for UFC 279, where she will face rising contender Macy Chiasson.
Not so long ago, Aldana, who sports 4th next to his name, held a similar position to 10th in the standings, Chiasson. That’s when Aldana had his breakout performance against Ketlen Vieira – who also came to T-Mobile Arena at UFC 245.
“It’s interesting because I was also a No. 11 who fought a No. 2 in the rankings and I won and knocked out a No. 2,” Aldana recalled. “I know it can happen and [Chiasson] can do that. That’s why I’m so alert and aware of this. It helps me to give a better me.
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Aldana knows all eyes will be on this fight and she can’t let Chiasson dictate where the fight will take place. She wants to show why she’s the top ranked fighter and doesn’t underestimate any opponent.
“She’s just tough. She’s got a lot of length and she’s an all-around fighter. She’s a great wrestler and it’s a big challenge for me,” Aldana said. “Even though she’s No. 10 in the ranks, I don’t see that as an advantage for me. She’s still just as tough as #1.