Irene Aldana issues statement on loss to Holly Holm, says left foot wasn’t responding in the fight

Irene Aldana came up short in her bid to earn a shot at Amanda Nunes’ Bantamweight title last Saturday night (Oct. 3, 2020), getting shutout for five rounds by Holly Holm in the main event of UFC Fight Island 4.

A few days after the crushing defeat, the Mexican-born sensation released a statement via social media addressing the loss and revealing that while she isn’t looking to make excuses, her left foot simply wasn’t responding during the fight.

“Today things didn’t go my way. First of all I want to apologize to my corner because we had a very specific fight plan that I could not execute,” she said on Instagram as transcribed by MMA Junkie. “I felt that something was wrong with my left foot; it wasn’t responding since the beginning of the fight. No excuses, I still know that I faced the best version of Holly, and I congratulate her for winning. I am proud to know that I am competing with the best in the world. This is how this is.

“This is how sport is: We win, we lose,” she continued. “But as I’ve always shown, the only thing that’s next for me is to train harder, improve and come back stronger than ever. Thanks to all the people who have shown me their support in good and bad times. Thanks to my sponsors for their incredible support always! Ready for what’s next.”

Aldana’s loss was the second in her last four outings, though she had won five of her last six prior. Despite the setback, she still remains one of the top contenders in the division so a few impressive wins could get her right back in the hunt.

And since Julianna Pena also suffered a crucial defeat on “Fight Island,” I wouldn’t be too surprised to see Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) matchmakers pair up the two talented ladies against each other next.