Jim West is the coach and boyfriend of UFC women’s featherweight Aspen Ladd
Aspen Ladd’s return to the Octagon after almost 2 years ended in disappointment after she went down quite tamely against Norma Dumont.
This was Ladd’s second headliner event, after already having headlined a fight against Germaine de Randamie back in 2019.
The 26-year old struggled to get even a foothold in the fight. And the first three rounds especially were dominated by Dumont.
During intervals following the conclusion rounds 3 and 4, Ladd’s coach and boyfriend Jim West tried his best to spur her on.
However, many including commentators Michael Bisping and Brandon Fitzgerald felt he went a tad too overboard.
West was criticized for being aggressive and saying ‘nothing constructive’.
Ladd ended up losing via. unanimous decision.
Following her loss, West took the blame in an elaborate Instagram post. He also conceded the fact that he was a bit harsh.
Here is what West had to say:
“Tonight was not our night. It’s been our night many many times at the highest level but not tonight. I blame myself. Though it may not be my fault. it’s not up for debate. I take all the blame. Yes after the first couple rounds I may have been a little harsh but i know aspen and at that time technical conversation was not in the cards being down 3 rounds. Nonetheless i own it and i am sorry @aspenladd from the bottom of my heart I will continue to be better each time @mmajunkiedotcom @theschmozone @arielhelwani.”
Throwback to the time when Jim West inspired Aspen Ladd to victory
Prior to the Norma Dumont bout, Ladd fought Yana Kunitskaya in December 2019. In what appeared to be an even bout until the end of the second round, worked out in favour of Ladd – thanks to Jim West’s speech.
An expletive-laden speech at the interval of Round 2, inspired Ladd to go and get the job done.
She did so, just 33 seconds into the final round.
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