![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20200813012653/8272409_web1_paige-van-zant-1.jpg?width=600)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20200813012653/8272409_web1_paige-van-zant-1.jpg?width=600)
Paige VanZant didn’t have to spend too much time testing the waters of free agency.
It looks like the former UFC flyweight has found a new home after ending her contract with the UFC. VanZant shared a post on her Instagram that showed her inking a new contract. She also let her fans know that the news of her next fight is coming very soon.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDzNrMtHURd/
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Paige VanZant didn’t make it clear as to where she is headed. The highly followed Instagram star last fought inside the Octagon at the main card of UFC 251. Amanda Ribas stopped her in the very first round via submission. The fight was the last one on her UFC contract.
Even before the fight, VanZant had made it clear that she plans on testing free agency once her contract ends. UFC supremo Dana White even gave her a nod of approval for the same. However, Dana’s comments on the former ‘Dancing With the Stars’ contestant also led to a slight rift between the two.
Ariel Helwani has reported that VanZant’s contract is with none other than Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
Paige VanZant has signed a new multi-fight, exclusive contract with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, according to sources.
More on the deal shortly.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 12, 2020
There were reports of talks between Paige VanZant and BKFC two weeks ago
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
A couple of weeks ago, there were reports that ’12 Gauge’ is in talks with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. However, Eric Kowal of MyMMANews.com, who also works with BKFC said that there were only talks. Anything concrete was yet not finalized between the two parties.
I can confirm there are talks. I work for the company. Just asked David about your tweet cause he asked me 2 weeks ago for thoughts on possibly signing her. Today he said there are talks but nothing close. Like you said "we'll see" but this is latest.
— Eric Kowal – MyMMANews.com (@MyMMANews) July 29, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Apart from BKFC, Bellator was also one of the promotions that were in contention to be VanZant’s landing spot. CEO Scott Coker said that he was going to do his best to have a business conversation with the Oregon native. VanZant’s husband, Austin Vanderford, is also signed with Bellator where he competes in the welterweight division.
The way in which Paige VanZant has handled her free agency has garnered her a lot of praise. Former UFC champ and current Vice-President of ONE Championship, Miesha Tate, used her as an example to highlight the progress of women’s MMA.