Aspen Ladd’s most recent performance inside the Octagon was not a strong one. After taking the opportunity to compete in the featherweight division, following repeated weight struggles, Ladd landed just 16 strikes through the first 3 rounds of her five round contest against Norma Dumont—in the headlining slot of UFC Vegas 40.
Among the notable story-lines of the bout was the struggle from Ladd’s corner to provide her with coaching between rounds and, more than that, their attempts to get her focused on winning the fight. Those efforts, which included some visibly growing frustration from West and what commentator Michael Bisping lauded during the broadcast as “tough talk,” also drew some notable criticism.