Aspen Ladd Not Holding Grudge Against Herb Dean: ‘I Really Can't Tell You What He Saw’

It was a disappointing night for Aspen Ladd at UFC Fight Night 155, as she suffered a 16-second stoppage loss to Germaine de Randamie in the evening’s main event at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif., on Saturday.

The previously unbeaten Ladd was rocked by a right cross from de Randamie almost immediately, a blow that spun her around and sent her tumbling to the canvas. However, the Folsom, Calif., native was able to land on her forearms rather than diving face first into the mat. Still, Ladd looked momentarily dazed, and when de Randamie stepped in and landed a follow-up punch to the chest, referee Herb Dean rushed in and separated the bantamweights to end the fight.

The stoppage was somewhat controversial because it looked as though Ladd was ready to defend herself, which she confirmed after the bout. However, she also isn’t making any excuses for the defeat.

“I lost the fight,” Ladd said (video via MMAjunkie.com). “Germaine’s a great competitor. I was still aware, so I wish he hadn’t stopped the fight, but there’s nothing I can do about it now.”

Many will point to Ladd’s rough weight cut as a reason for her performance, but the prospect has endured similarity difficulties in previous bouts and still had success come fight night.

“I’ve had terrible weight cuts in the past – always came through,” she said. “This was just me staying still a little bit too long.”

Despite the disappointing nature of the stoppage, Ladd isn’t holding a grudge against Dean. She recognizes that UFC officials often have to make quick judgments regarding fighter safety in the heat of the moment. There’s also no guarantee that Ladd would have been able to hold up against a potential de Randamie onslaught following the knockdown.

“Referees have a tough job,” Ladd said. “They have to make split-second decisions. This one did not go my way so I wish it hadn’t occurred, but I really can’t tell you what he saw. I haven’t spoke to him after. No hard feelings.”