Stylistically, Chiasson expects the match to turn into an “explosive” competition, touting Aldana’s boxing and elusiveness on the feet.
That said, the clash could provide him with opportunities to show his full game.
View Chiasson’s Athlete Profile
“I just feel like I’ve unlocked a lot of different levels of my game where I’m able to mix things up a bit more and be more of a complete MMA fighter,” Chiasson said. “She’s got a great wrestling defense, so I think we’re going to run into some sticky stuff, but that’s the name of the game, and that’s what makes it fun. I’m kind of ready for whatever avenue we decide to take.
A win could propel Chiasson into the top 5 of the bantamweight rankings, which essentially puts her a stone’s throw away from a title shot now that Amanda Nunes is back on the throne. It would seem like a quick climb for Chiasson but, again, all she has known is to fight her best inside the Octagon.
While the big stage might cause some fighters to fight outside of themselves in pursuit of a finish, Chiasson doesn’t let that pressure seep into his expectations. For her, the most important thing is to achieve victory.
UFC 279 FREE FIGHTS: Tony Ferguson vs. Katsunori Kikuno | Li Jingliang vs. Muslim Salikhov | Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns | Khamzat Chimaev vs. Li Jingliang | Nate Diaz vs. Cowboy Cerrone | Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor
“All of us as fighters want to go out there and do our best in one round, two rounds,” she said. “I want to give my best, whether it’s one lap, two laps or three laps. I’m looking to take this fight into my hands, and even if it’s not for a second, put it back into my hands, and I think that’s what I love so much about the fight. You just don’t know where it’s going to take you, and you keep doing it. You keep going until you can’t go anymore, so I just can’t wait to get in there and put everything I have out there.
Spoken like a real vet.