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In English: Aitana Alvarez talks pivotal grudge match: ”It has been brewing for a long time”

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13 februari 2025

Aitana Alvarez 1 MMA interview Frontkick

Aitana Alvarez. Photo: Chris Önnerby

In just under ten days, Aitana Alvarez of Allstars Training Center will make her highly anticipated return for a crucial showdown in OKTAGON MMA.

Standing opposite her in the cage will be Slovakia’s Veronika ”Sweetheart” Smolkova, who steps into the bout with momentum on her side, riding an impressive three-fight winning streak.

Alvarez, however, is certain that she’s got what it takes to put a halt to Smolkova’s run and to get a win in dominant fashion.

”My daily hard work, added to my experience and the level of the opponents I have faced before will lead me to victory,” she tells Frontkick.

What’s at stake for you in this fight?

”Being one step closer to the fight for the flyweight title, in addition to closing the waiting period for a fight that has been brewing for a long time.”

Aitana Alvarez. Photo: UFC Fight Pass

Aitana Alvarez secured a pivotal win in Sweden

Last autumn was a hard time for Alvarez.

After a quick move up to bantamweight she lost fair and square to OKTAGON star Lucia Szabova. In her return, however, she took on Amena Hadaya in UAE Warriors and stood at the wrong end of a tough split decision.

”We can’t put both defeats in the same line, Alvarez says. ”I clearly lost one fight and the other was taken from my hands, despite having won it. Both defeats were hard, but the second was the hardest, because many times sport is not fair, and it is not the first time. But hey, I see it as a step back to gain more impulse forward.”

In November last year, Alvarez turned the tide as she defeated the tough Nicaraguan Yurivia Jimenez at Superior Challenge in Stockholm.

How important was that win for you?

”The victory I got in Superior Challenge was the first step in that impulse forward I’m talking about. It was a complicated fight, we never take easy fights, but we were still able to take it to our field and emerge victorious. I liked that I brought out my warrior soul and that, combined with my technical work, was what gave me the result. A lot to learn and improve from that victory as well, but I am very satisfied with having achieved it.”

”There will surely be interesting challenges upcoming”

With a victory over Smolkova, 2025 could shape up to be an exciting year for the Spanish flyweight.

The goal is to maintain the momentum, keep winning, and secure even bigger fights along the way.

”My goal is to extend my winning streak and have continuity, if we achieve it, there will surely be interesting challenges upcoming. There is nothing that can motivate us more than that.”