Leslie Smith

By FCF Staff

It looks like Leslie Smith’s run with the UFC has ended via a situation that is rarely, if ever seen.

Smith was scheduled to fight Aspen Ladd at UFC Fight Night 128 today in Atlantic City, but the latter came in heavy for the contest. Smith, however, elected to pass on the bout, and ultimately, the bantamweight says that led to the UFC paying her both her win and show money, as a means to end her UFC contract (quote via MMA Junkie):

“They said they had no interest in extending my contract at this time, and instead, they offered me my show and win money,” Smith said. “So they said they’ll just pay me off, and since they’re giving me the win bonus, it counts as the last fight on my contract. So, I guess that would mean I’m a free agent now.”

Smith has accused Ladd of missing weight for “tactical” purposes, while the latter has said she was told by a doctor to not continue cutting weight.

The veteran Smith is leading voice in Project Spearhead, which is a movement to unionize fighters.