Aspen Ladd criticizes PFL merger and UFC women's divisions

Former UFC and PFL featherweight Aspen Ladd has criticized the management of women’s combat sports divisions across major promotions. Ahead of her BKB 58 bare-knuckle boxing debut, Ladd expressed concerns regarding the Professional Fighters League (PFL) following its acquisition of Bellator.

Ladd stated that the PFL-Bellator merger resulted in the mismanagement of the women’s 145-pound division, claiming the promotion “ran it into the ground” and that champions have faced prolonged periods without fighting. She suggested that MVP MMA should take a leading role in the PFL merger, praising the organization for its partnership mindset and its role in advancing women’s combat sports.

Additionally, Ladd criticized the UFC for a perceived lack of attention toward its women’s divisions. She argued that the promotion is pushing young prospects into fights before they have sufficient experience against serious opposition, noting that the current structure lacks the developmental seasoning previously found in organizations like Invicta.