Ex-UFC fighter Aspen Ladd signs with BKB bare-knuckle promotion

Former UFC bantamweight Aspen Ladd has signed a multi-fight deal with BKB, a bare-knuckle boxing promotion, marking her transition away from mixed martial arts. The announcement came via press release from BKB officials, with Ladd confirming her enthusiasm for the move in a statement.

"I'm excited for this next chapter and the opportunity to compete in BKB," Ladd said. "Bare knuckle boxing brings out a different level of intensity and authenticity, and that's something that really appeals to me as a fighter. I can't wait to get started and show BKB fans what I can do inside the Trigon."

According to sources with knowledge of the promotion's plans, Ladd has signed a four-fight contract with BKB, though the date and opponent for her first bout under the deal have not yet been announced.

Ladd's move to bare-knuckle boxing comes after a mixed stint in combat sports over the past few years. Her seven-fight UFC run ended in 2022 with consecutive losses to Raquel Pennington and Norma Dumont, plus a weight miss ahead of a scheduled fight with Sara McMann. She subsequently competed for the PFL, compiling a 3-2 record before transitioning to bare-knuckle boxing. In her BKFC debut at BKFC 84 this past November, Ladd earned an impressive first-round knockout victory, demonstrating that she can thrive in the bare-knuckle format.