Holm VS Aldana – what you need to know

Future challengers

In this weekend’s main event, former UFC® champion Holly Holm takes on contender Irene Aldana in a pivotal bantamweight match up, which could determine the next title challenger in the division.

Holm, who is looking to secure a second consecutive victory, is a stand-out contender in two divisions and will be hoping to put herself back in the title race. Holm holds the accolade of being the first person to beat Ronda Rousey causing a big upset at UFC 193 to claim her previous title.  A UFC veteran “The Preacher’s Daughter” is well experienced and will be looking to utilize her kickboxing skills to gain a victory over her opponent.

Aldana comes into the bout high on confidence having won five of her last six matchups and an impressive first round KO victory against Ketlen Vieira. A striker known to land big shots, Aldana will look to use her strength and power to gain an advantage over Holm.

There is sure to be fireworks at the main event but who will take home a crucial victory?

Heavyweight Contenders

In the co-main event, two rising heavyweight contenders go head-to-head as Yorgan De Castro takes on Carlos Felipe. A graduate of Dana White’s Contender Series, De Castro impressed in his UFC debut at UFC® 243, where he defeated Justin Tafa via KO in the first round.  Compromised by injury on his last outing, “The Mad Titan” will look to utilise his impressive striking game to secure a victory and return to the win column in this contest.

His opponent, however, will provide a tough test and should not be overlooked.  Felipe ended his three-year absence from MMA competition back in July and currently holds an impressive 8-1 professional record.  At just 25 years old, “Boi” has a promising career ahead of him and will hope a win on Saturday evening will see him climb through the heavyweight rankings.  Fans can expect an exciting matchup between two powerful strikers in search of a pivotal victory inside the Octagon®.

Critical clash

Also featuring on the main card this weekend is another pivotal clash in the women’s bantamweight division, as former featherweight titleholder Germaine de Randamie takes on Julianna Pena.

Dutch born de Randamie is known for her speed, power and her striking and she will fancy her chances on Saturday. She was the first-ever UFC women’s featherweight champion after beating headliner Holly Holm in 2017. In recent times she challenged long reigning champion Amanda Nunes with a fifth-round split decision loss back in December. The Iron Lady will look to use her Muay Thai background to help her control the bout against Pena.

Pena is also competing for the first time in 2020 and will be hoping she can build on her victory over former flyweight champ Nicco Montano last time out. She’ll be looking to keep her record intact having only suffered one loss in her career. She has an impressive grappling-heavy attack and be hoping to challenge the former champion.

With a point to prove as the headliners look on who will take the glory in this critical clash?