Aspen Ladd embraces bareknuckle, aims to 'create a legacy' with BKB

As far as transitions from mixed martial arts to bareknuckle boxing go, Aspen Ladd is all in.

Ladd, a veteran of the UFC and PFL, is set to throw down with Bianca Daimoni at BKB 58 on Saturday from James L. Knight Center in Miami. The fight will mark Ladd's second time competing in bareknuckle after she debuted in the sport last November under the BKFC banner.

Ladd, 31, never really saw her combat sports career going the way of bareknuckle – but she's embracing the change after signing a four-fight deal with BKB.

"I am (liking it)," Ladd told MMA Junkie Radio . "And it's weird, too, because I never would have thought (I'd like it). I mean, when bareknuckle was first becoming a thing, it was like, 'It's interesting, maybe I could do that one day.' But if I talked to you five years ago, I never would've said this is where I'd be. But I like it. I legitimately enjoy what I'm doing."

In her first foray, thinks went well for Ladd as she won by first-round knockout against Shyanna Bintliff at BKFC 84. What she loves about bareknuckle mostly is the forced action created by 2-minute rounds.

"For me, I actually like the short rounds, the fact that you have no other option," Ladd said. "You're gonna fight or not. There's no fluff, no extra stuff with bareknuckle."

After starting her professional MMA career 8-0, Ladd went 4-5 in her last nine MMA appearances between the UFC and PFL. Her disappointing run was only compounded by weight-cutting issues through the years. But bareknuckle, and BKB specifically, represents a new beginning as she enters Saturday night aiming for new goals.

"I want to be a crusty old lady one day looking back and going, 'Man, I did that,'" Ladd said. "I'm enjoying the journey right now, and my goal with BKB is fight, win belts, and create a legacy here. I want to be known as one of the best female bareknuckle fighters."