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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Farah Hannoun and MMA Junkie Radio

Aspen Ladd vs. Kayla Harrison? Coach Jim West says there have been discussions for potential ‘superfight’

Now that Aspen Ladd has signed with the PFL, Jim West says a fight with Kayla Harrison could be on the horizon.

Just one week after parting ways with the UFC, Ladd (9-3) inked a deal with the PFL and is expected to take part in the 2023 season as a featherweight.

Although two-time PFL champion Harrison (15-0) is a lightweight, she did compete once at 145 pounds under the Invicta banner. All Ladd’s head coach West knows is that Ladd will be competing at 145 pounds.

“So in the conversations with PFL, it was very known to us that they wanted to sign Aspen as part of their launch of that 145-pound division,” West told MMA Junkie Radio. “So Aspen will be competing for the PFL at 145 pounds, not 155 pounds. With that said, there is a lot of language that that fight could happen. But there is a lot of uncertainty, too, because nobody really knows what Kayla is going to do after she most likely wins in November. But yes, that topic was presented and it has been discussed, but Aspen will be a 145-pound fighter for the PFL.”

West said he can see Ladd and Harrison potentially fighting if they meet in the middle.

“It is very possible that those two can meet,” West said. “… PFL, they’re starting their pay-per-view series and all that kind of stuff coming up, so it would be more of one of those superfight type things, and Aspen would absolutely do it. And yes, it has been talked about.

“Aspen will fight Kayla. She has nothing but respect for her. But, of course, why wouldn’t you fight her? Aspen is one of the best grapplers on the planet. So if that’s what it comes down to and they fight, then great. They’re both going to make a lot of money, and I’m sure a lot of people want to see it.”

Harrison faces Larissa Pacheco at the 2022 PFL Championships on Nov. 25 at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York. As for a fight with Ladd down the line, Harrison appears to be interested (via Twitter).

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