The coach of a UFC fighter who came under fire for the way he addressed her in the corner during a loss on the weekend has apologised.
Women’s featherweight competitor Aspen Ladd lost to Norma Dumont via unanimous decision in the main event of the UFC Fight Night 195 in Las Vegas — but her lack of aggression was a problem for her coach Jim West.
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West addressed Ladd in between rounds in a candid manner, with his approach scrutinised by fans online.
The coach was calm to begin with but as Ladd started to fall behind his frustration became evident.
The delivery of his message was heavily criticised, with some labelling it “abuse”.
“This is ABUSE, what a douche,” Former UFC champion Miesha Tate posted on Twitter.
“He will take credit for her win but never for her loss. Trust me she can only take so much of this abuse before it breaks her spirit.”
After the negative reaction spread online, West apologised.
“Tonight was not our night,” West wrote in a statement on Instagram.
“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 [sic] I will continue to be better each time.”
However, former UFC champions Henry Cejudo and Daniel Cormier launched a staunch defence of West.
“This is the greatest defense of a coach I’ve seen in a long time,” said Cormier
“Watching this video you see how coach started, got frustrated, got his fighter to win a round and maybe two.
“If we live in a world where this is bad then I don’t know. No sorry needed!”
Cejudo wrote in the comments section: “I love when coaches get real. We live in a soft world.”
Ladd addressed the loss online but mysteriously failed to address her coach’s actions.
“Not my night,” Ladd wrote on Instagram.
“Congrats to my opponent. We will be back better. In the mean time I finally got to get back in there after nearly 2 years. Now it’s time to take a step back, take a breath, and get back to fighting and feeling like myself again. Onto the next.”
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