The UFC is back in Las Vegas this weekend for UFC Vegas 40. Headlining will be a match up at 145 pounds between Aspen Ladd and Norma Dumont. Originally to be headlined by Meisha Tate vs Ketlen Vieira, until Tate would test positive for COVID-19 forcing that fight to be postponed. Very weird circumstances around this main event all around. Aspen Ladd had a fight scheduled for a fight on October 2nd at UFC Vegas 38. However after a pretty troubling video of her struggling to stand on the scale at weigh-ins, the fight was called off. But even with all of the hiccups, both fighters have made weight for this main event, and it is just one of many intriguing match-ups to look forward to.
Jim Miller vs Erick Gonzalez
Longtime UFC veteran Jim Miller is stepping into the cage for the 50th time in his career. With a 32-16 record, he will be looking to make it 33 against Erick Gonzalez. Gonzalez and Miller could not be more opposite in terms of where they are in their careers. Gonzalez is the new kid on the block looking to make a name for himself. While Miller is looking to prove that even 50 fights in, he’s still got it. He will be looking to avoid his third straight loss. Where as Gonzalez will be looking to extend his win streak to 3. A win for Gonzalez over a veteran name like Jim Miller is just the thing for someone at this point in their career. On the other hand a loss for Miller will be having many asking, what next?
Aspen Ladd vs Norma Dumont
Not the most ideal circumstances for the headliners. Dumont was preparing to go up against former champion Holly Holm. However, Holm was forced to pull out due to a knee injury. Many were skeptical of Ladd taking a fight so soon after her weight cut scare. However, it should be remember that Ladd was cutting to 135 for that fight. This fight will be at 145, a much easier weight cut. Both fighters are coming off of victorious last outings. For Dumont, a decision win over former title challenger Felicia Spencer. And for Ladd, a TKO victory over Yana Kunitskaya. This will be the first main event for both fighters, so a victory on this stage would be very beneficial at this point in their career. Also the perfect opportunity for a call out should either fighter have a future opponent in mind.
Sleeper Card?
In terms of star power, this card has relatively none at all. Sure there are some veteran names like Jim Miller and Andrei Arlovski. Aside from that, not a whole lot else. A lot of newer faces. However, there seems to be a trend with cards like these. Often times cards that do not seem as exciting on paper, turn out to be some of the best cards the UFC has put on. You won’t have to look to far back to see an example. Many fans were pleasantly surprised at the action that they saw last weekend at UFC Vegas 39. What’s to say this Saturday is no different? A bunch of up and comers looking to make a name for themselves and put on a show. Could certainly make for some exciting fights.
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