The main event of UFC Fight Night 195, featuring Aspen Ladd and Norma Dumont in a women’s featherweight clash, was lackluster. The bout was supposed to feature Holly Holm, but the former champion had to back out because of an injury. After missing weight for her previous fight against Macy Chiasson, Ladd was brought in as a replacement. This was her debut featherweight bout.
Ladd entered the octagon for the first time since her TKO win over Yana Kunitskaya back in 2019. On the other hand, Norma Dumont was on a two-fight win streak and was looking to continue her winning run.
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After an uneventful five-round fight, Dumont won via a unanimous decision. However, the thing that caught the attention of the fans the most was the advice given to Ladd in between the rounds. Her coach Jim West, instead of talking about technique and strategy, was seen scolding her.
Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate ripped into West for his coaching. Tate, in one of her posts, wrote, “This is ABUSE, what a douche.”
This is ABUSE, what a douche
— Miesha Tate (@MieshaTate) October 17, 2021
A fan suggested it worked for Ladd in her previous fight. Replying to the fan, Miesha said, “She woulda done that without him it’s who she is. He will take credit for her win but never for her loss. Trust me she can only take so much of this abuse before it breaks her spirit.”
She woulda done that without him it’s who she is. He will take credit for her win but never for her loss. Trust me she can only take so much of this abuse before it breaks her spirit. https://t.co/hDx7g9aDoU
— Miesha Tate (@MieshaTate) October 17, 2021
Miesha Tate wasn’t the only one who thought so
Other prominent MMA personalities also felt the same way about Ladd’s coach.
MMA journalist Ariel Helwani shared a clip of West scolding Ladd after the third round and later shared his opinion.
Please tell me what you're doing.#UFCVegas40 pic.twitter.com/nLlmttXcZy
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) October 17, 2021
There’s a fine line between tough love and being too harsh. At first it felt like the former. Obviously he knows what she responds to best. But then it felt uncomfortable to watch. Too much. We didn’t hear any technique being discussed or a game plan. Not ideal. https://t.co/R3SMvnEUaM
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 17, 2021
UFC welterweight Belal Muhammad wasn’t far behind and, in his tweet, said, “I feel like this guy is coaching for the camera right now.”
I feel like this guy is coaching for the camera right now
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) October 17, 2021
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However, not everyone was against the advice and coaching being given to Ladd. Many fans shared videos of her previous fight and said that Ladd had responded well to whatever her coach had said.
Aspen Ladd’s coaches speech after RD2 in the Kunitskaya fight pic.twitter.com/Ga5RthMH1t
— McBeamers MMA (@PAYDAY2K) October 17, 2021
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What do you make of the coaching style of Jim West? Do you agree with whatever Miesha Tate said? Let us know in the comments!
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