UFC veteran Irene Aldana retires from MMA ‘to prioritize my health’

Irene Aldana, a former UFC bantamweight title challenger, has retired from mixed martial arts. The 38-year-old Mexican fighter announced her decision Friday via Instagram, citing the need to prioritize her health after more than a year of reflection. "I have finally found the courage to make the hardest decision of my life: to prioritize my health, even though it means stepping away from fighting," she wrote.

Aldana was removed from the UFC roster earlier that day despite holding a top-15 ranking in the women's 135-pound division. Her last octagon appearance came in September 2024, when she suffered a decision loss to Norma Dumont and sustained a gruesome forehead cut. Over nearly a decade with the promotion, Aldana compiled a 8-6 record in the UFC across 14 fights, part of an overall 15-8 career record with 11 wins by stoppage.

The Mexican striker earned five UFC bonuses during her tenure, including $50,000 performance awards for knockout victories over Ketlen Vieira and Macy Chiasson. Her 2022 finish of Chiasson earned her a title opportunity against Amanda Nunes, though she came up short in that championship bid via decision. Aldana's retirement marks the end of a notable run in the UFC's women's bantamweight division, where she proved herself a durable and exciting competitor throughout her career.