Amanda Nunes and challenger Irene Aldana squared off during their pre-fight press conference in the run up to their bout on June 10th, 2023.
Nunes is aiming to defend her 135 lb title for the first time after her victory over Julianna Pena. Nunes had initially been on course to face Pena in a trilogy only for the latter to suffer an injury which resulted in Aldana stepping in.
Nunes vs. Aldana pic.twitter.com/f0fgA2v9QF
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) June 9, 2023
And Aldana will be a tough test, given that she arrives into the fight with wins over Macy Chiasson and Yana Kunitskaya.
In chief support, Charles Oliveira takes on Beneil Dariush, with the winner having the chance to take on lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
With that being said, here were the key quotes from the presser.
Key Quotes
The champ has no doubts about Saturday night 👀 #UFC289 pic.twitter.com/XqiNZgRbrk
— UFC (@ufc) June 9, 2023
“I will stop her, no doubt in my mind… I’m like completely ready for this fight. She’s a better fighter than Juliana for sure. She’s gonna bring the challenge, and I’m ready for this battle man,” Nunes
Ready for her shot at gold!@IreneAldana_ is coming for nothing but a title on Saturday #UFC289 pic.twitter.com/UoEzW0nhcu
— UFC (@ufc) June 9, 2023
“I’m here definitely for the win. It’s kill or be killed for me…so I’m going to do anything to win,” Aldana
Charles Oliveira won't be missing a beat on Saturday night 🦁 #UFC289 pic.twitter.com/uFPWR3SDdr
— UFC (@ufc) June 9, 2023
“A wounded lion is still a lion. I feel I was reborn from the ashes. I’m a champion, and I will show you that,” Oliveira
No underestimating here!@BeneilDariush coming in confident against Oliveira #UFC289 pic.twitter.com/ccTV32USes
— UFC (@ufc) June 9, 2023
“I’m confident with my skillset, and I’m confident with what God has given me. I recognise how good Charles is…[but] I just believe in myself,” Dariush