UFC Vegas 40 is in the books and Norma Dumont outpointed Aspen Ladd for a unanimous decision victory.
Initially, Norma Dumont was scheduled to fight the former champion, Holly Holm. However, the former titleholder was forced out of the bout after it was revealed Holm injured her knee. As of this writing, Holm intends to take more time rehabbing her knee and hopes to make a return before the end of the year. Meanwhile, enter Aspen Ladd who took the fight against Dumont on short notice despite her scary weight cut fiasco just a few weeks ago.
Many thought that if the fight remained standing, then Ladd would have the advantage. Yet, that was not the case, it appears Ladd’s extended hiatus from the sport affected her overall performance. Since this was her first fight post-pandemic, she returned from nearly two years off. The inactivity showed, and Dumont utilized her jab with great success for the majority of the contest.
Following the first three rounds of the contest, Ladd was content with losing the striking battle against Dumont. The Brazilian’s patience alongside her ability to move fluidly won her the fight. Ladd attempted to get going in the fourth and fifth rounds but it was a little too late. Even though she found success in the clinch and when she established top control, the duration of activity was too short.
With a division that has struggled to stay alive for years now, the fight between Ladd and Dumont served as a great reminder of why the weight class should stay. While it wasn’t the most exciting fight, it cleared up a path at featherweight, in case anyone wants to try themselves against “The Lioness”. Even though Ladd was unable to mount an offense in this fight, perhaps it has to do with her injury. Similar to Thiago Santos (endured double knee surgeries) and the way he reiterated that it took a fight or two before he felt like his old aggressive self.
Pros React To UFC Vegas 40
How y’all feel about that ‘coaching’ in the main event?! #ufc
— Kevin Holland (@Trailblaze2top) October 17, 2021
This is ABUSE, what a douche
— Miesha Tate (@MieshaTate) October 17, 2021
You’re joking me right? Maybe the only reason she’s even starting slow is because of him. She is a FIGHTER and there’s only one thing holding her back. https://t.co/GKnpaIP7HU
— Miesha Tate (@MieshaTate) October 17, 2021
Hey cornermen. Motivate, don’t scold and criticize 🤦🏻♂️
— Lando Vannata (@GroovyLando) October 17, 2021
Bisping and Brenden are having to work for their money tonight, I think they're playin madlibs tryna figure out what else to say #UFCVegas40
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) October 17, 2021
This guy is James Krause when you order from wish
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) October 17, 2021
MAIN event……..
— Henri Hooft (@henrihooft) October 17, 2021
What did you make of the main event at UFC Vegas 40?
