Fighters Only

Issue 154

May 2017

There isn’t a single woman under 27 in the UFC’s 135lb top 15. The division is crying out for some new blood. Luckily, the best young gun in the game says she’s ready to jump into the fray.

Invicta FC’s Aspen Ladd may have just turned 22, but she’s already made a case to join the world’s best with a perfect 5-0 record.

Her youth also means she has a jump on them. By the time she’s 28 and in her prime, there’s no telling just how good she could be.

“I’ve got a longer shelf-life than many competitors,” Ladd says. “It gives me more time to reach my goals, get in there and make my mark. I’m very blessed I’ve got into the sport as young as I have.”

Of course, she’s not yet at the level of Amanda Nunes, but there’s a lot to like about her. She goes forward, constantly. She’s fierce in the clinch and has the strength to grind opponents down and score four finishes.

She’s also found the explosiveness and aggression to do damage by standing and trading.

All of this has put her in line to attack for the title in the world’s top women’s promotion, but Ladd’s focus is elsewhere. Her performances have also attracted attention from the UFC.

“The Invicta belt has never truly been my goal. My goal has always been to build myself, build my record and gain experience and exposure in Invicta. It’s a great place for a female athlete and Shannon Knapp (Invicta president) wants to further your career.”

3 MORE TO KEEP AN EYE ON

DOMINICK REYES USA

A light heavyweight with the frame for the division – and he uses it well. He earned three wins in KOTC with crisp, straight, southpaw striking before adding an emphatic 27-second head kick KO in Indiana’s Hoosier Fight Club to kick off 2017.

LAZAR STOJADINOVIC - USA

Another star of the fist few Legacy Fighting Alliance events thanks to his domination of powerful veteran Mike Richman at LFA 2. After starting his career with a 4-5 record, he’s now found form and won eight fights in a row.