Holly Holm vs. Aspen Ladd Nixed From UFC 235 Card
Last night (Thur, Jan 31, 2019) during a UFC 235 pre-fight press conference UFC president Dana White revealed that a fight between former UFC bantamweight champion Holly Holm vs. undefeated prospect Aspen Ladd is off the card. White didn’t elaborate on the reason of cancellation but said that’s not happening.
“That fight’s not gonna happen,” White said. “We’re working on another fight for both of them.”
Many assumed that Holm was pulled out due to an injury, but that’s not the case as former bantamweight champion’s manager Lenny Fresquez spoke to ESPN, where he explained that the fight cancellated due to contract issues.
“We’re in negotiations on a contract extension right now. Holly was looking forward to this fight; she was looking forward to fighting Aspen Ladd. She’s very disappointed this fight is not happening, but she understands this is a business. We’re in the middle of these negotiations right now, and everybody thought it would be best to get through that.”
Comment from Holly Holm’s agent Lenny Fresquez, who says today’s UFC 235 fight cancellation is related to ongoing negotiations to extend her contract. pic.twitter.com/GOIrrjwlWq
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) February 1, 2019
Holm also took to social media and expressed disappointment on cancellation of the bout.
“My heart and my mind, my soul, everything was focused for March 2,” she wrote. “I’m really bummed out about it. I didn’t have any idea this was going to be canceled and I don’t really know what’s going to happen — if [there’s going to be a fight] on March 2 — I really don’t think it is. But I’m going to keep training, and I’m going to show you guys my hard work is going to pay off, whatever the next fight might be.”
Aspen Ladd visibly pissed, she took to social media and blame Holm for backing out of their showdown.
“I signed to fight Holly Holm on 12/27/18. I’m ready to go, and am finding out this information, just now, like everyone else,” Ladd wrote on social media. “I don’t know why Holly and her team have now backed out. Sorry, everyone, this sucks, hopefully, I have some good news to share soon.”
Holm, 37, last fought in June where she scored a unanimous decision win over Megan Anderson at 145 pounds.
