Get ready, UFC fans. “Russian Ronda” is on her way to the octagon.
Flyweight Irina Alekseeva – who goes by the nickname “Russian Ronda” (as in Rousey), according to her Tapology page – has signed a contract to join the UFC.
Alekseeva’s manager, Brian Butler of SuckerPunch Entertainment, announced the signing Tuesday on Instagram.
Butler told MMA Junkie that Alekseeva will jump right into competing on the main UFC roster and won’t appear on this season of Dana White’s Contender Series. She is expected to drop to strawweight for her promotional debut.
Alekseeva (4-1), 32, is a three-time silver medalist at the Russian Judo Championships and a Russian and European gold medalist at Sambo Worlds. Additionally, she is a multiple-time “hand-to-hand combat champion.”
Alekseeva’s arrival to the UFC comes after she was released from Bellator, which signed her to a multifight contract in December 2020. Alekseeva went on to compete once for Bellator, winning a unanimous decision against Stephanie Page in October 2021. It’s unclear why Bellator released her after only one appearance.
