Irene Aldana Ready for Title Fight After Upkick KO of Macy Chiasson at UFC 279

For a moment, Irene Aldana wasn’t even sure what she had done.

When Aldana landed the upkick to the liver that ended Macy Chiasson’s night at UFC 279, the Mexican standout was a little confused to see her opponent shut down instantly. However, the Lobo Gym MMA product wasn’t completely surprised to see the maneuver be successful, because it is something that she practices on a consistent basis.

“It was bizarre. I knew the kick hit well, and it hit in the liver, but it was a little confusing for me to see her reaction like that,” Aldana said at Saturday’s post-fight press conference.

“So I was like, ‘I’m sure I kicked her in the liver, but maybe I kicked her somewhere else. I’m not sure because of her reaction.’ But we trained the kick a lot, I’m glad it came out this night.”

While the bout was contested at a 140-pound catchweight due to Chiasson missing weight, it was still the type of statement victory that could propel Aldana to a title shot at 135 pounds. If that happens, the 34-year-old will be ready. Aldana has won four of her last five promotional appearances.

“I’m open to whoever the UFC wants me, but I’m obviously chasing the title fight,” Aldana said. “I’m ready for the title fight. If that’s the next step, I’m ready.”